Book Review: Bookshop Woman

The Bookshop Woman
By Nanako Hanada
Review by Kazia

When my co-worker saw me reading this, he commented that books about bookselling appeal to our egos and that I had shamelessly fallen for the trap. I must warmly dissent and argue that this book will appeal to anyone looking for stories of connection and fulfilment-seeking (though yes, fine, the bookselling aspect is very much what called me to this memoir in the first place as a non-memoir reader).
Hanada’s retellings of her encounters were hilarious, often awkward and even more-so touching. This was the perfect cosy read while also serving as a wonderful illustration that life is not set in stone. A kind reminder that while trying something new can be terrifying, more likely than not, everything will turn out okay.

Readers looking for a similar vibe in fiction might enjoy Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum or What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama.