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Days At The Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa (translated by Eric Ozawa)

Mar1

A Gentle Tale

Days At The Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisawa (translated by Eric Ozawa) is a beautiful contemporary tale that will warm your heart.

The heart of the novel is a small backstreet coffee shop in Tokyo. It is tucked away, found only by those who go looking.

Within the story, there are three sub-stories – all taking place in the coffee shop with a revolving door of characters who meet just when the time is right.

The tone of the tale is gentle and kind- just like the characters that we meet.

Everyone is on a journey of discovery, taking time to be themselves as they interact with each other.

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I Am A Cat: Manga Edition by Soseki Natume

Jan11

Beautiful Illustrations Of The Cat

I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition by Soseki Natsume is a beautifully illustrated version of a Japanese classic, the original being written over a hundred years ago.

The book contains pearls of Japanese wisdom as a cat walks among the people of Tokyo.

The whole book is beautifully illustrated by Chiroru Kobato. The cats are stunning.

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What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

Jun17

Serene, Calming, Beautiful

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama is a serenely beautiful Japanese fiction novel. This is a book that will sink into your heart and soothe your soul.

In the story we hear five stories focusing on five different people who are searching for meaningful lives – without realizing that every life is meaningful and every life is valuable. They all need “somebody who believed in me.”

The librarian does not just have a vast knowledge of books, she has a perception of people. She knows just what each individual is looking for. She presents each one with a small gift as well as pointing them in the direction of the books. Each gift is designed to help that person think about their life. “It’s as if she sees me, just as I am.”

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Sisters Under The Rising Sun by Heather Morris

Jun13

Powerful

Sisters Under The Rising Sun by Heather Morris is a powerful true story of survival in the Far East during World War II.

The novel starts in 1942 as the Japanese are invading Singapore. The fear and terror at the docks has been captured by the author. Some, make it home. However, the main characters are captured and spend the war in several Japanese P.O.W. camps. This is their story.

The women show much bravery and resilience. They develop a camaraderie, determined to keep going. Comfort is found in the setting up of an orchestra – which is just the women’s voices. They raise morale giving concerts which even the Japanese guards enjoy.

For the women, their war is one of death and disease in the tropical heat, as well as fear, starvation and cruelty. We witness man’s inhumanity to man.

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