I was immediately drawn to this title as a stationery lover and just look at how stunning the cover art is! As I read it as an arc, I would love a physical copy for my shelves, it's so beautiful.
This work of translated fiction follows five vignettes of different characters that find themselves in the Ginza Shihodo Stationery shop with their worries and needs. It's worth noting that there is no magical realism in this story like other translated fiction it is being compared to.
The intricate details of the story may not be the most memorable, but the experience reading this was very enjoyable. It wasn't as emotionally impactful as I had hoped but it was still very touching. The characters and cosy feel of the stationery shop really grew on me as Ken, the store owner, radiated such passion. There is also a minor romance subplot which was truly heartwarming.
I'd definitely recommend this to those who enjoy translated fiction, but in particular stationery lovers who are looking for a cosy warm hug of a book.
3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and Kenji Ueda for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.