A review by bethanyangharads
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

dark mysterious reflective tense

3.75

On an unnamed island, objects begin mysteriously disappearing, and while most people remain unaware, a few can recall what’s been lost, living in fear of the oppressive Memory Police. When a struggling novelist learns her editor is at risk of being erased, she hides him beneath her floorboards, and together they cling to her writing as their only way of preserving the past in a world that seeks to forget.

I was captivated by the premise of this novel, particularly the concept of disappearing objects and the eerie turning point when books start to vanish. However, I did feel a sense of frustration as the reason behind the disappearances remained unexplained, leaving me with lingering questions. Additionally, while the main character’s struggle as a writer adds an interesting layer, I found it difficult to fully connect with the significance of her own novel within the story. Despite these uncertainties, the novel's unique concept and emotional depth make it a memorable read that stays with you long after finishing.