八木沢 里志 (Satoshi Yagisawa) was born in Chiba, Japan, in 1977. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, his debut novel, was originally published in 2009 and won the Chiyoda Literature Prize.
Yoichi is a working adult and Yukari is a junior high school student. They are step-brothers who have lost their parents. This book tells the story of their daily life while supporting each other.
One day, a cat appeared in their yard. The two men work hard to return the cat to its owner, but encounter various incidents in the process. In this work, the relationship between Yoichi and Yukari and their interactions with the people around them are carefully depicted. And as you read on, you will be drawn into their world.
A highlight of the book is its attention to the ordinary moments of daily life. For example, there is a scene in which Yukari cooks a dish based on her late mother-in-law's recipe book. This not only satisfies her hunger, but also reveals her heart's desire to cherish the memories and bonds of family. Such detailed descriptions create a warm atmosphere throughout the story.
The growth of the characters is also impressive. Yoichi struggles to balance work and housework, and tries to protect his younger sister with a sense of responsibility. Yukari, on the other hand, understands her brother's struggles and strives to be independent. The gradual change in their relationship is delicately depicted.
As you read the story, you will realize that families come in many different forms. The relationship between Yoichi and Yukari, even though they are not related by blood, may be the true family, as they care for and support each other. This is a heartwarming book that will make you think about how such a family should be.