A review by cat_is_turning_pages
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A hauntingly written novel with a terrifying ending, The Memory Police is not a traditional book with an obvious story arc. More of an allegory than a story, the novel opens a window to a handful of  years of the life of a young woman who lives on an island where random things are “disappearing,” meaning the island citizens are forced to forget and compelled to dispose of the items which “disappear.” 

Though the prose is quite simple, the author’s mysterious emphasis on what seem to be carefully chosen elements left me slightly puzzled. I found the characters’ tendency toward inaction frustrating, the lack of explanations boring, and I finished the novel acutely unsatisfied. I had the immediate impulse to slap a one-star rating and annoyed review on what seemed to me to be an over-hyped book. Yes, it’s different from most novels. But different doesn’t necessarily mean good. 

However, after sitting with this story for half an hour or so, while reading reviews from other readers, I’ve made peace with The Memory Police. I was struck by just how widely varied the interpretations and explanations I read were. For some, the allegory was clearly political. For others, metaphysical. Others derived a distinctly religious overtone from the book. But my first impression led me to assign a psychological theme to the book’s message. 

It struck me then that The Memory Police as a novel is like an enchanted mirror that shows the reader their deepest fear. The story had to be terrifying to unearth this fear. The plot had to be simple to adapt itself to every reader’s unique psyche. The explanations for events had to be sparse so the reader could fill in the gaps. 

I didn’t enjoy this book, but I do recommend it. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings