The Memory Bookshop by Song Yu-jeong, translated by Shanna Tan

Blurb:

THE KOREAN SENSATION

For lovers of The Midnight Library and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, discover a spellbinding novel about a mysterious bookshop that exists outside of time and space, where the past is only a page away…

If you're lost or grieving, you'll find The Memory Bookshop, where the shelves are endless; the books, strangely familiar; and where memories are bound in pages.

Jiwon’s life has been slowly disintegrating since her mother died. Until one day, caught by a sudden downpour, she stumbles into a mysterious bookstore. Inside, she is met by Manager K and offered no explanation, only a mysterious hourglass and a rare opportunity: to travel back to three chapters of her life.

But returning to the past isn't without risk. In exchange, Jiwon must give up time in her future.

As she wanders between the shelves, the bookshop humming with memories and regrets, she must ask herself: can the past truly be rewritten? Or does the real magic lie in the life she's yet to live?

Warm, wise, and full of wonder, The Memory Bookshop is a story about the journey of grief and the power of books to carry us home.

Step inside the bookshop…

Review:

I loved the cozy magical realism of Before The Coffee Gets Cold, which is what I was reminded of when I decided to pick this up. And I was right! 

We follow Jiwon, who is dealing with symptoms of depression. Her pain and turmoil stem from unresolved feelings of regret, something that has been plaguing her for years now. However, a chance encounter with The Memory Bookshop allows her to relive moments of her past with the opportunity to effect change. Sounds very much like Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s plot, no? Well, yes and no. 

While the conflict and premise might feel similar, the execution of the same through the setting of a magical bookshop gives this one a unique flavor of cozy magic realism. 

SPOILERS AHEAD!

What I liked:

I read this one in about two sittings only. That’s how much I was immersed in this world. I’ll admit, it took a few pages to get used to the author’s voice, but once I got used to this world, everything was splendid. Well, not really for the MC. Jiwon is dealing with a lot of pain and regret, to the point that you almost expect tragedy to be the inciting incident. Thankfully, that isn’t the case. Before things can take a really dark turn, this story steers Jiwon towards the setting that is going to be the primary playground for her emotions to face their worst and grow as a person. 

While I was already intrigued with the beginning, it’s from the moment that Jiwon discovers the Bookshop that the story kicked into a whole new level of fascination and awe. Besides, as a writer and a reader, bookshops have always been one of my favorite cozy spots in the world. So, to read a book about emotionally overcoming scars, about grief and regret, all set in a magical bookshop, was the perfect formula for a cozy, endearing read. 

The plot itself was pretty straightforward. The primary reason for Jiwon’s pain is revealed to us in the first chapter itself, and you can pretty much predict the narrative from that point. Regardless, the narrative will wrap around you like a comfy blanket and give you the safe space for reflection as it unfurls younger Jiwon’s memories through the eyes of an older, wiser Jiwon. I especially loved how you can feel Jiwon changing and growing with each excursion into her past. It felt real and beautiful. 

To be able to relive life like that is a dream for many of us. To be able to finally accept life for what it has been, despite the scars and the regrets, is what growing up is all about. And that’s what The Memory Bookshop left me with. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I will tell you this: it might not work for everyone, but I absolutely loved it. Despite being bittersweet, this ending is much more mature and emotionally rewarding than the other, more obvious ending that you can think of. 

Overall, a very moving read that left me with a warm feeling in my chest. 

What I didn’t like:

There’s nothing that stood out to me on the negatives. It did take a few pages to get used to the author’s voice, but that could also be the result of the translation. Also, and this is subjective, I didn’t really connect with Jiwon as a protagonist. Yet, I did feel empathy for her as I saw the memories she chose to relive. 

Other than that, I really can’t think of negatives. I don’t think this one would rank in my best reads of the year, but the overall read was heart-warming and heart-breaking enough to move me. 

Conclusion:

Beautifully atmospheric and visceral, this one really immersed me in its magical world of memories. The evolution of the main character was outstanding.

TL;DR:

WHAT I LIKED: Exploration of grief & memories, ending

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Nothing in particular