Synopsis:

On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see a cozy ramen restaurant. And only the chosen ones—those who are lost—will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets.

Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen, and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike its other customers, for he offers help instead of seeking it.

Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds.

But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back.

Review:

I was drawn to the beautiful cover of this one, with the promise of a ‘dreamlike novel’, and this book did not disappoint one bit.

Hana is taking over the family pawnshop from her father, however, this shop is no ordinary one for they trade in regrets. On her first morning as the owner, she finds her father missing, and with the help of a stranger she sets off on a magical journey to find him.

As so many have said, there are major Studio Ghibli vibes here. It’s whimsical, dreamlike and magical, and like Ghibli films there are some poignant messages within the story. Through the pages we explore themes of grief, loss and healing in a beautiful and gentle way.

The author has such a beautiful way of writing. It’s whimsical but not flowery, and I drank it up. We journey through a gorgeous and magical world, leaping into puddles and climbing the clouds. Underneath this beauty however, sits and undercurrent of darkness, a reminder to all that not everything is as it seems.

Hana was a wonderful character to follow through this world. She is resilient and smart and even though her world is one of magic, her struggles are incredibly relatable. I’d have loved to get to know her on a deeper level, but the pacing and plot sadly didn’t give the space for that.

I’ve loved all the Asian literature I’ve read of late, and this book has just made me want to pick up so much more of it. I have saved so many quotes from this novel, but I’ll leave you with this one:

“Books do not find value when they are written. They find value when they are read.”

Let that be your cue to add this particular book to your tbr.