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A whimsical, charming novel about a mysterious library in Tokyo that opens after dark, following the employees who bond each night over special meals inspired by the books on the shelves
The unusual Night Library on the outskirts of Tokyo is open from seven o'clock to midnight. Unlike most libraries, it only stores books by deceased authors, and they can't be checked out. Instead, they're put on public display to be revered and celebrated by the library's visitors, making it akin to a book museum.
Otoha Higuchi, the newest employee, has been recruited to work at the library by the mysterious anonymous owner. There, Otoha meets the other staff, comprised of former librarians and booksellers who have been damaged in some way by the rocky publishing industry. Through it all, they never let go of their dedication to books.
Night after night, Otoha bonds with her colleagues over meals in the library café that are inspired by food in the literature on the shelves. When she encounters an unexpected incident at the Night Library, it forces her and the library staff to rethink their entire relationship with work and what they really want in life.
The unusual Night Library on the outskirts of Tokyo is open from seven o'clock to midnight. Unlike most libraries, it only stores books by deceased authors, and they can't be checked out. Instead, they're put on public display to be revered and celebrated by the library's visitors, making it akin to a book museum.
Otoha Higuchi, the newest employee, has been recruited to work at the library by the mysterious anonymous owner. There, Otoha meets the other staff, comprised of former librarians and booksellers who have been damaged in some way by the rocky publishing industry. Through it all, they never let go of their dedication to books.
Night after night, Otoha bonds with her colleagues over meals in the library café that are inspired by food in the literature on the shelves. When she encounters an unexpected incident at the Night Library, it forces her and the library staff to rethink their entire relationship with work and what they really want in life.
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Reviews
"Cindy Kay's smooth narration enhances the reflective quality of this story set in a mysterious library on the outskirts of Tokyo. Exasperated with her job as a bookseller in a chain bookshop, Otaha Higuchi gladly accepts an unusual position at a peculiar library--one that is open only at night, houses books only by deceased authors, and doesn't lend books out. A lightness in Kay's voice highlights Higuchi's awe at her new work environment. Kay's command of Japanese syntax and pronunciation evokes the quiet cordiality of the library staff, who are bound by their love of books and the threat of the library's closure. The story that results is a gentle mystery that captures the spirit of Japanese life. M.F. � AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine"
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