Moon on the surface

What if there was a pawnshop where you could get rid of your life's biggest mistake? Down a backstreet in Tokyo, most people see just an ordinary ramen restaurant. Lured in by the aroma of fresh broth, they turn the handle – only to find themselves, to their surprise, in a mysterious pawnshop. A place you won't find on any map, one that reveals itself only to those who have lost their way and are desperate to shed the weight of their life choices and regrets. When the young Hana Ishikawa becomes the new owner of this enigmatic establishment, her very first morning turns into a nightmare. She finds the pawnshop ransacked and her father has vanished without a trace. Before she can even process what has happened, a charming stranger walks through the door. Unlike other customers, however, he hasn't come to ask for help, but to offer it freely. And so, Hana and her unexpected ally embark on a perilous journey through a mystical world to bring her father back. Together they cross a dreamlike bridge between midnight and morning, climb a ladder to a market hidden in the clouds, and travel on the wings of origami cranes. But at every step, they are pursued by the Shiikuin, dangerous beings who show no mercy. To save her family, Hana may have to make a fateful choice that can never be undone. This captivating, internationally bestselling novel by Samantha Sotto Yambao tells the story of a mysterious pawnshop in the heart of Tokyo that offers the second chance we all long for – but at a price few can predict. Listening to it promises an atmospheric audiobook experience for all lovers of magical realism. “A beautiful story. Unbridled fantasy.” – from reader reviews on Databazeknih.cz “I enjoyed the atmosphere of the book and the way the author works with themes of life, relationships, and memories. Some stories you finish and just move on, but with this book, I had a feeling it would stay with me for a while.” – from reader reviews on Databazeknih.cz “A compelling, dreamlike fantasy with an atmosphere reminiscent of the work of the renowned Studio Ghibli.” – The Guardian “You must think I’m a terrible person.” “I think you are a customer in need of our services. You must be tired of carrying this choice with you everywhere.” “My husband is a good, devoted man. He deserves a wife who doesn't live in the past.” “Do you love him?” Izumi stared intently at her hands. “Does he love you?” “Love is a desire people are raised to have. In reality, all we need is not to be alone when we come home, and to have someone to wave us goodbye when we leave.” “And that is more than many people have.” A smile appeared on Toshio's lips, making him seem older and more tired. “I think you will be very satisfied with the value of your choice. I can take it off your shoulders right away, and you will never crave autumn ramen again.” – an excerpt from the book