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The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami
I was thrilled to see that another book by Hiromi Kawakami had recently been translated into English because I was charmed by her quietly moving short novel Strange Weather in Tokyo (also known as The Briefcase) when I read it back in 2015.
Once more, Kawakami focuses on the mystery that can be found in the everyday: the value that various people place on the trinkets being sold at the thrift shop, which is comparable to the enigmatic interpersonal interactions of those who frequent it. The Nakano Thrift Shop’s fundamental messages—that genuine beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and that one should always be true to oneself—are solidly rooted in reality.
What is it about Kawakami’s characters’ perspective on the world and how they interpret other people’s behaviour that I find so compelling? The perspective is somewhat paradoxical—one of separation or detachment from the crowd, but also of great awareness and interest in even the most minute aspects.
I said, “I doubt there’s anything that can be done about that, I guess,” toward Takeo’s raised chin. Takeo was silent once again. Even gasoline is in short supply, I reasoned, not to mention the dreadfully scant resources of my affection. How could it possibly continue receiving such silent treatment? We stood for a while under the eaves of the bank and watched the rain. It had developed into a storm.
I especially appreciate Kawakami’s avoidance of literary and character clichés. The romantic components of The Nakano Thrift Shop would therefore definitely be categorised as unusual. However, if a normal relationship isn’t a chimaera, then what is it? I heartily suggest The Nakano Thrift Shop for its understated charm, engaging weirdness, and originality—even though it may not be nearly as sombre or meaningful as Strange Weather in Tokyo.
About The Book
Hitomi is dragged into a very odd community when she accepts a job at the cash register at a local thrift shop. There is Mr. Nakano, a mysterious ladies’ man with a number of ex-wives, Masayo, Mr. Nakano’s sister, an artist who is single, and Takeo, a bashful but endearing young coworker.
Every day, neighbourhood customers come and go as oddities are purchased and sold, each one holding its own fascinating tale. When Hitomi and Takeo start to fall in love, they find themselves at the centre of their own story as well as the periphery of a lot of other ones.
This story follows the seemingly invisible threads that weave together a community and the knots that bind us to one another in a sensitive and touching examination of the mystery that lies in the mundane.
The Review
The Nakano Thrift Shop
9 Score
Hitomi is a woman in her late-twenties, who has let her life pass her by. She has not continued her studies, she has no boyfriend, no significant hobbies or passions, she is a shy watcher. And Mr. Nakano's thrift shop is her perfect day-to-day shelter where she earns enough for her very modest life style while watching Mr. Nakano, his lover, Sakiko, his sister, Massayo, and all the people that manage to insert themselves into the shop and the lives of the main actors.
PROS
- Different And Wonderful.
- Modern Japanese Story.
- Quirky, Cute, Well-Written.
- Funny And Heartfelt Story.
CONS
- Dull, Dull, Dull.
- Very Slow.
- Totally Disappointing.
- Lack Of Plot.
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