From its beautiful cover to the very last sentence this book is a gem.
Translated from Japanese, this is a short and deceptively simple story - charming, wise and very poetic. The tale is of three unlikely friendships, and a yellow canary called Marvey. It is set in a tired suburb of Toyko against a backdrop of cherry blossom and mouthwatering dorayaki (Dorayaki are a Japanese sweet treat, two small griddled pancake patties sandwiched together with a sweet paste made from azuki beans).
As the plot weaves we are swept along when Tokue gently teaches Sakura, a depressed would-be writer and reluctant Dorayaki Chef and Wakana, a teenage girl, her thoughts on the meaning of life and how to listen to the universe.
This is, without hesitation, my favourite read this year and one I shall return to time and again.
Copies are available from our Favourite Summer Reads shelf.
Sarah Moreland
Bookshop Assistant
The Madhatter Bookshop