With the untimely death of third-generation bookseller Emon Koumoto, a small Tohoku town loses its last bookstore. On the eve of its closing sale, however, high schooler Musubu Enoki shows up out of nowhere claiming that the late owner had entrusted him with all the texts in the shop! As patrons come from far and wide to say their goodbyes to the store during its last week of operation, Musubu uses his ability to converse with books to reunite people with their most treasured tomes. But can these nostalgic, interconnected encounters lead him to the truth behind Emon’s demise? 

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My Review:

I picked this book up because of the title and I liked the cover. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a slow paced read, which was just what I needed at the time. This book is also a little sad, too.

This next part will contain spoilers, but I feel it should be mentioned.

Each of the people who come through the bookstore on it’s final days have a connection. The most mature of these encounters will reference The Seagull and The Scarlet Letter. This bookstore encounter is between an older man and high school senior who wants to become an actress. As is often the case, life doesn’t work out the way they expect and she is now an adult and works in a bar where everything is covered in plastic. (You can take from that what you will.) He’s a recluse writer who carries a deep burden of shame and self-loathing. He will attempt to commit suicide in the bookshop.

There is also references to natural disasters, fear, and death.