An unmitigated delight from start to finish.
Feature image credit: Simon & Schuster
Otaha is a young woman who loves books, but is reaching the end of her tether with her job in a bookstore. One day she receives a mysterious anonymous message, offering her a job at a place known only as the night library.
As its name suggests, this library is only open at night. It only houses the book collections of famous authors: either those that have died, or those that have cleared out their bookcases and donated to the library. The staff of the night library are a mixed group of eccentrics, each with their own connection to books. And every night they can gather in the dining room to eat a wonderful meal prepared by Kinoshita, and based on the food described in particular books. Each episode in Dinner at the Night Library is named after a particular dish: shirobanba curry, Mamaya’s carrot rice, Anne of Green Gables’ bread and butter and cucumbers, Seiko Tanabe’s simmered sardines and okara, and Yoko Mori’s canned food recipes.
Hika Harada is an award-winning author. Her previous accolades include the Subaru Literary Award for The Teatime That Doesn’t Start and the Miyazaki Book Award for How to Use 3000 Yen. There is something very Japanese about her writing: that slight move towards magic realism that stops just short. One could perhaps call it a heightened realism, combined with a child-like charm and wonder at the world. In this latest novel we encounter mystery. Who is the owner of the night library? Why is one famous author refusing to leave the library until he is given access to the (as yet uncatalogued) collection of another deceased author? Who is leaving uncatalogued, possibly stolen, copies of books in the library? And why is a deceased anonymous author’s sister so keen to get rid of her book collection?
In this utterly delightful novel, Harada explores that most particular of eccentrics, the book-lover. She also explores the role of a library in a community, and the ways in which satisfying work contributes to a life well-lived. She writes with liveliness and passion. Translation by Philip Gabriel is solid.
Dinner at the Night Library is a story which draws you into its world. You find yourself slightly in love with all the characters, and wanting a sequel. After all, not every question gets answered. So surely Harada-san is not going to keep us hanging?!
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Simon & Schuster
Released: September 2025
RRP: $29.99
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