Reviews

Memorial by Bryan Washington

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sarful's review against another edition

4.0

This is one of those books that forces, those willing, to contemplate, where you are, who you surround yourself with, and whether that’s the right decision. It’s not about success or ambition, the American dream or even immigration, poverty or wealth; this is about family, blood or found. Also, communication is ridiculously important.

Ben has been in a reliable relationship with Mike for while, though they don’t talk much about it, it’s slightly toxic. Mike loves Ben, but that they don’t hammer out what and how they are, they come off as roomates who may or may not actually care about each other. The writing doesn’t help that notion, it’s just as ambivalent as it’s characters. But, when Mike takes off to be there for his dying father in Japan, he ends up leaving Ben with his newly arrived from Japan mother.

I think I enjoyed Ben with Mike’s mom the most. The way they managed to navigate each other, and grow to respect and work with each other was great. Mike and his dad was the exact opposite. I get it, but Mike’s dad was beyond frustrating. Mike’s dad loves him, but is unable to communicate it beyond it being mixed in with sarcasm, and insults. In the end I loved all the relatives of Mike and Ben. They may not resemble my family, but they’re no less valuable to these men.

Who knows if Ben and Mike will make it, but there is enough in the end to warrant belief in their commitment. If they just took the time to really talk to one another I think they’d benefit. In fact, that’s entirely why it’s a 4, and not a 5, damn, these boys just need to communicate.

readswithrosie's review against another edition

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4.0

Ahh, another lovely story about the intricacies of being human!

Memorial follows Ben and Mike, a Black preschool teacher and an Asian American chef at a Mexican restaurant (respectively) who have been in a relationship for a few years. A few rocky years. When Mike leaves Ben with his mom (who just arrived from Japan to visit him) to go visit his estranged and dying father in Japan (who he has not seen in over a decade) the already threatening chasm in their relationship threatens to blow. We watch their romantic relationship and their relationships with their families develop and change as new life circumstances arise.

I have to say, I have such dueling emotions surrounding this book! There were lulls where I *thought* I was bored. But then I thought no, this is a beautiful look into these men’s lives, mundane or not. And then other parts got me right in the feels. And then there’s the unique and gorgeous writing style, which I loved from the start. So I guess what I’m saying is- if you like character driven stories you’ll like this. If you like diving into family dynamics you’ll like this. And if you’re okay with a heart pang or four, you’ll like this. Perfect when paired with homemade potatoes and squash, hot tea, and plenty of ice cream because ice cream is life. 3.6⭐️

gretaalice's review against another edition

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4.0

Pretty amazing, the writing was unlike anything I'd ever read before, so simple yet intricate. I found that I didn't get that attached to the characters but I think that's because I didn't really know them, and I think that was the point. We can't always understand people's actions, and not everyone does what we'd expect in a situation.