THE BOOKSHOP WOMAN IS A LOVE STORY, A LOVE STORY ABOUT BOOKS…
Nanako Hanada’s life has hit rock bottom. From the breakdown of her marriage, dwindling sales at her eccentric bookshop, to now spending her nights alone in Tokyo’s 4 hours capsules, her life is feeling rather empty.
Reading has become her refuge; the one source of joy in her life.
That’s until Nanako finds the app Perfect Strangers, where she becomes the sexy bookseller meeting strangers for 30 minutes and recommending them the ‘the book that will change their life’. In the ensuing year, Nanako meets hundreds of people, some of whom want more than just a book…
THE BOOKSHOP WOMAN offers a glimpse into the quirky side of Tokyo in this story about the beauty of free diving into a book and resurfacing on the last page, ready to breathe a different kind of air…
A WATERSTONES NON FICTION MEMOIR OF THE YEAR
‘Beautiful, very honest, and very good. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Please give this book a read. If you like books you will love this one.’ James, WATERSTONES CANTERBURY
‘An irresistible treat for all bibliophiles’ WATERSTONES
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Imprint: BRAZEN
Publication date: 10/06/2025
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.
