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mads_jpg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The disappearances reminded me of my fears from the climate crisis. We're constantly losing endangered species and seeing alarmist articles about how we might lose foods like coffee or chocolate. It feels like the earth is constantly running out of things. Like the Florence Welch lyric "and what if one day there is no such thing as snow".
But that's just one interpretation of many you could have with this book. Its themes of loss, control, agency, and more are very impactful, and I think I'll remember this book for a long time.
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Suicide
apthompson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
“His soul is too dense. If he comes out, he’ll dissolve into pieces, like a deep-sea fish pulled to the surface too quickly. I suppose my job is to go on holding him here at the bottom of the sea.”
“People—and I’m no exception—seem capable of forgetting almost anything, much as if our island were unable to float in anything but an expanse of totally empty sea.”
This novel, in its Orwellian decent, presents a surveillance-state dystopian island, where collective loss is enforced, and those who remember are systematically destroyed by The Memory Police. This a highly personal and profound type of apocalypse. The plot is reminiscent of The Diary of Anne Frank, and other real life histories of safe houses in the face or persecution; it concerns a woman’s efforts to hide one of the people who remembers, someone she cares for, in a purpose-built annex under her floorboards.
While it is, in many ways, set up like a typical dystopian novel that deftly illustrates the insidious, dehumanizing claw of totalitarianism, the true power of this novel is how it moves past the political implications of a dystopia to the very real horrors of forgetting and the destruction to society and the self this causes. There’s a quiet tension that stalks the pages of the novel. The fear, claustrophobia and struggle feel real.
If you want to read a sci-fi book that explores the effects on the individual, then definitely pick this up.
rating: ★★★★
🗺️ Reading Around the World 2024: Japan 🇯🇵
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Blood, and Abandonment
Minor: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Grief
miaaa_lenaaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
‘No matter how careful we are, we all leave behind little bits of ourselves as we go about our lives.’
‘Nothing remained on the hillside except things that were quietly awaiting their ruin.’
‘"But how can you hold something that has disappeared?"’
Graphic: Death, Blood, Police brutality, and Grief
nikki_dun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book was so eerie and gloomy, and there was no real strong direction that the plot or the characters were taking. Things were disappearing, yet no one was doing anything about it. There was no action, and the characters were so passive that there was nothing for the reader to look forward to because it was so clear that this book would end badly. The ending was abrupt and vague; there was no actual resolution or conclusion, and many things were left unanswered. It's a different type of storytelling than I'm used to, and honestly, I don't think I'm a fan of it.
To be fair though, the story within the story was interesting, and the writing was rather beautiful in places. However, this book just bummed me out, and it really wasn't the mood I needed to be in for the beginning of the year. I definitely need a pick-me-up after this…
2.5 ⭐️
p.s. I'll be billing the author for my therapy bills
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Police brutality
Minor: Grief
avie_1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
Minor: Death of parent
taleofabibliophile's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
Graphic: Confinement, Death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
katilh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Death of parent
saoreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
clavishorti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
On an unnamed island, a chilling force known as the Memory Police is committed to ensuring that what has disappeared remains forgotten. But in the midst of this eerie dystopia, a young and determined novelist hatches a daring plan to defy the Memory Police and protect her editor. As tension escalates and fear envelops the island, they cling to the written word as their last lifeline to preserving the past. In this world crafted by Yoko Ogawa, where memories are hunted and erased, where can hope and humanity survive?
The translation of The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa, skillfully executed by Stephen Snyder, flawlessly captures the essence and atmosphere of the original Japanese text. Snyder's translation enables readers to fully immerse themselves in the eerie and unsettling tone of the story while preserving the evocative writing style that is a trademark of Yōko Ogawa's storytelling. This style is not only beautifully atmospheric but also suffused with profound introspection, deepening the reader's connection with the characters' inner struggles and the enigmatic world they navigate.
In terms of the story's pacing and readability, some readers may find it deliberately measured. The book prioritizes atmosphere and introspection over fast-paced action, aligning seamlessly with the overall tone and theme of the novel, effectively emphasizing the gradual sense of foreboding as memories and objects continue to disappear.
The plot's structure is remarkably intricate, with Yokō Ogawa adeptly weaving together various threads of memory, resistance, and the enigmatic Memory Police. While some readers might find the plot's ambiguity slightly perplexing, it significantly contributes to the overarching sense of mystery and uncertainty. The story unfolds in a way that mirrors the gradual erosion of memory, forming a profound connection between the narrative structure and the book's themes.
Concerning world-building, the novel is ingeniously set in a chilling and distinct world where memories are systematically erased. The atmosphere shrouds the story in an enduring sense of foreboding. Yōko Ogawa's meticulous attention to detail in constructing this world adds authenticity to the story's premise, amplifying its impact. The setting assumes a character-like presence, shaping the characters' actions and emotions while serving as a poignant backdrop for the exploration of memory and identity.
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa possesses notable strengths that contribute to its status as a thought-provoking and compelling read. One of its standout attributes is its unique and intriguing concept of vanishing objects and memories, which creates an eerie and captivating atmosphere. The book excels in its exploration of profound themes such as memory, loss, identity, censorship, and the power of language, providing ample material for philosophical reflection. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, particularly the protagonist, whose internal struggles and relationships add depth to the story. The allegorical depth of the novel invites multiple interpretations and discussions, making it an excellent choice for literary analysis and book clubs.
However, while The Memory Police is a rich and thought-provoking work, it is not without its weaknesses. Some readers may find the deliberate pacing of the story slow, as it prioritizes atmosphere and introspection over fast-paced action. Additionally, the book's ambiguity, while a strength in some respects, can be frustrating for those who prefer more concrete explanations. The open-ended nature of the conclusion may leave some readers wanting more closure or a clearer resolution to certain plot elements. These weaknesses, though, are balanced by the novel's many strengths, resulting in a thought-provoking and evocative reading experience.
In conclusion, The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa is a haunting and profound exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It offers readers a unique and thought-provoking concept, a beautifully atmospheric writing style, and well-developed characters that engage with deep philosophical themes. While some may find its deliberate pacing and ambiguity challenging, these aspects contribute to the overall sense of mystery and unease that permeates the narrative. Yōko Ogawa's masterful world-building and the allegorical depth of the novel add layers of meaning for those who wish to delve into its complexities. The Memory Police is a book that lingers in the mind, inviting reflection on the importance of memory and the consequences of forgetting. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of literature in preserving our collective histories and individual identities. Yōko Ogawa's work is a powerful reminder that, in a world where memories can be erased, storytelling becomes an act of resistance and a beacon of hope.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail