emily_overturf 's review for:

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
3.75
dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Slow paced book that is more focused on delivering an idea than a narrative. The plot is simple and lacks the answers that come with the usual dystopian novel. There are some devices used that felt a bit unnecessary- the story within the story. And even though the book was already short, I think it could have been a novella and still been as powerful.

Most dystopian books are usually political, and while you could certainly view it in that lens, It felt more like a meditation on the human condition. Even with its flaws, this book really broke my heart and I’m still thinking about it.

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