X-Book

Tsubaki Stationery Store

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

You always told me that writing is life itself.

After many years abroad, Hatoko reluctantly returns to Kamakura to take over the stationery store left to her by her late grandmother. As the custodian of the store, she also inherits the profession of public scribe, a role Hatoko trained for as a child under the guidance of her strict grandmother.

As the locals seek out Hatoko's help, she takes on all manner of requests: writing letters of greeting, condolence, farewell, love, and more on behalf of those who come to her. A local community forms around Hatoko and the store, and, when the secrets of her late grandmother begin to unravel, Hatoko learns that the role of the scribe requires much more than putting ink to paper.

Set to the rhythm of the four seasons and the Japanese rituals and festivities that come with them, Tsubaki Stationery Store is a charming story about the importance of community and the reconciliatory power of the written word.

© Ito Ogawa 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Critics Review

You can smell the scent of the ink emanating from the page. Perhaps after reading, your hands will pause in their typing and you'll find yourself taking out that fountain pen that has been sleeping at the back of a drawer. And for stationery lovers and lovers of Kamakura, the book is an irresistible treasure trove of knowledge that will have you sighing with delight.
Sankei Shimbun
A sparkling tale, composed against the backdrop of Kamakura and woven together by characters who are charming, characters to love.
Hanako Magazine
Author Ito Ogawa, Translated by Cat Anderson
Narrator Hanako Footman
Duration 7 hours and 12 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781804961742
Format Audiobook
Publisher Cornerstone
Genre Fiction in translation, Modern and contemporary fiction, Narrative theme: books and the world of books, Narrative theme: Love and relationships
Availability AU, GB, IE

More from the same

Narrator

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.

{{ toast.text }}