The Miracles of the Namiya General Store - Keigo Higashino - Book Review

 

                The author who kick-started me into reading Japanese books was Keigo Higashino. Japanese mysteries have been the most read by me over the last two years thanks to KH. Recently, I came across this book at the library. Reading the blurb, I noticed that the book was a different genre from his usual crime mysteries. This book looked like a feel-good type of read, was curious enough to try this out.

                Three guys hole up in an old general store while they are making an escape after a recent robbery. When their car stalls, they spend the night at the abandoned store. While holing up inside the store, they come across a letter being dropped into the store asking for advice. But they do not see anyone dropping the letter. Even though they are divided on whether to answer, the trio replies to the letter. The remaining story deals with how the letters are coming to the store, the mystery behind the store, and how people's lives are transformed over the conversation.

                I was impressed by the read. Since all my other reads of Keigo Higashino have been mysteries, this was surprising enough for me. Along the flow of the story, characters are introduced throughout the length of the story. Things were happening throughout and I loved the portions where each interconnected beautifully. There were quite a few characters and stories related to them. All these have been beautifully woven by the writer. I needed clarification initially as I did not expect the non-linear pattern. The same goes for the translators. I may have read some good Japanese mysteries and the reason I am a big fan; is not only due to the authors but also due to the translators. Complete justice was done by the person. The writing was simple enough. Namiya and the piano player stand out for me in this heartwarming tale.

               In short, a wonderfully sweet novel that can always bring a smile, wholesomeness, and a good vibe to anyone who reads the book. I read this book as a breather after a pretty heart-wrenching Tamil novel and this read lifted my mood. There is a Japanese and a Chinese movie based on the book that I will be checking out later.