Review: The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino

4 stars for The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino.

I read this book for my book club. We meet once every two months to talk books. The librarian who organises and facilitates our club meeting and discussion suggested this novel as our next book for discussion in April. I welcome the idea the moment my eyes landed on the book cover. The cover is not only mesmerising, the picture of the general store seems to be shrouded by magic. This and the word "miracles" in the title make me want to find out more.

The Miracles of the Namiya General Store is a story on family, friendship and life. These are fairly common themes in a story. So what makes this story any different? It is the element of time-travel. The travel back to the past and into the future is what makes the Namiya General Store so special on top of its huge role in affecting the lives of those who seek the advice of the store owner.

At first glance, this seems to be a story about people from all walks of life. But when all the dots are connected, it is revealed that they are related one way or other with the Namiya General Store and one other place. The careful crafting of the characters, the events, their surroundings and how they all add up to be one big picture is amazing.

This is a touching, heartwarming and thought-provoking novel. As with all stories that involve time-travelling, it can get confusing at times when one thinks too deeply on the logic of the past against the future. I think that is why, this is a story about miracles. They defy logic.


Publisher: Yen On; Reprint edition
Publication date: 13 Jul 2021

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When three delinquents hole up in an abandoned general store after their most recent robbery, to their great surprise, a letter drops through the mail slot in the store's shutter. This seemingly simple request for advice sets the trio on a journey of discovery as, over the course of a single night, they step into the role of the kindhearted former shopkeeper who devoted his waning years to offering thoughtful counsel to his correspondents. Through the lens of time, they share insight with those seeking guidance, and by morning, none of their lives will ever be the same.

*Blurb from Goodreads*

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