Disclaimer: I haven’t read the first part of this two-book series, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, so my views might feel a bit skewed and isolated.
Takako (Narrator/Protagonist - Niece): Good-hearted, fuzzy thoughts, confused, self-doubting, anxious, awkward yet social, competent, responsible, helpful, weak at expressing difficult emotions, girl-next-door, caring, vulnerable.
Satoru Morisaki (Uncle): Pure, raw, cheerful, occasionally irritating, enthusiastic about books, excitable, interested, talkative, mostly friendly, caring, messy, fuzzy, emotional, knowledgeable.
Momoko (Aunt): The best character in the plot, in my opinion. Strong, independent, clear-headed, great communicator, responsible, calm, knows what to do, cool, awesome, caring, loving, wants to see people win, balanced, normal, gives space, lovable.
The story revolves around the seemingly simple relationships a person creates and nurtures throughout life. It portrays how Takako navigates her insecurities and fears in a wobbly yet effective way. She deeply loves her uncle and aunt for who they are, cares for her friends and boyfriend in a real, mundane way, and carries on with life as normal.
Takako’s frustrations, irritations, and fears are intertwined with her pure core and imbibed moral values. She loves her uncle to death yet sometimes finds him extremely irritating. Her care for him is evident in how she plans their vacations while managing the bookshop with utmost sincerity. Her insecurity manifests through her relationship with Wada, reflecting how we sometimes misjudge situations due to self-doubt. Her vulnerability shines in her interactions with Momoko and Wada.
Her ideas about friendship and its value are highlighted through Takano and Tomo. So is her helpfulness and kindness. She is not a "surface level" friend or acquaintance to anyone. She would go all the way. Tomo and Takano, too, are intriguing characters. Tomo represents a closeted, troubled young adult grappling with childhood traumas, ultimately breaking free to try for herself and those around her. Takano embodies purity and unconditional love.
The bond between Takako and Momoko becomes so raw and profound by the end that it warrants a re-read. (Ch. 12 to Ch. 16 has key instances showcasing Momoko’s soul and character)
The overall plot also depicts the significance of a bookshop in the lives of those around it, its cultural relevance in Japan, and the atmosphere it fosters.
"When I am sad, I read. I can go on reading for hours. Reading quiets the turmoil I feel inside and brings me peace. Because when I'm immersed in the world of a book, no one can get hurt."
"People forget all kinds of things. They live by forgetting. Yet our thoughts endure, the waves leave traces in the sand."
The book is very "as-is," straightforward, and surface-level. I am a guy and may have stunted maturity or depth and hence did not feel it as strongly when I read it, but after I got this feedback from a female friend of mine, I gave it more thought and understood what she meant, maybe. According to her, the book does not have much emotional depth. Vulnerability and emotional depth are two different things. Being vulnerable or showing vulnerability doesn't equate to having psychological depth or understanding. This book has very less complexity in terms of emotions, and the romance depicted is underwhelming. Hence, it remains a very light read, overall.