The Bookshop Woman

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What to expect

I'm the manager of a very unusual bookshop. I have access to over ten thousand books, and I'll recommend the perfect one for you.


80,000 COPIES SOLD IN JAPAN


If Convenience Store Woman were real and set in a small bookshop


This is a love story. A love story about books.

Nanako Hanada's life has hit rock bottom. She's separated from her husband, living between 4-hour capsule hostels and pokey internet cafés in Tokyo. Work is going no better, and sales at her eccentric bookstore are dwindling.

That's when Nanako downloads an app called PerfectStrangers which offers users 30 minutes with someone they'll never see again. Styling herself as TheSexyBookseller, she recommends her matches 'the book that will change their life.' In the ensuing year, Nanako meets hundreds of strangers - and some of them want more than just a book...

Swinging open the door to a secret side of Tokyo, The Bookshop Woman is a true story about the beauty of diving into a book and resurfacing on the last page, ready to breathe freely.

'An irresistible treat for all bibliophiles' WATERSTONES
'Very beautiful, very honest and very good' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'If you like books, you'll love this one' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I'm all for books that lead you to more books' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Critics Review

'A unique and inspirational book about books and bookselling. A deeply personal and passionate biography about the joys of bookselling, life in Japan and finding a place in this modern world.
Fascinating insight into some aspects of Japanese culture. The authors story resonated with me on many levels. It's very beautiful, very honest, and very good. I can't recommend it highly enough. Please give this book a read. If you like books you will love this one.'
James, Waterstones Canterbury

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