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A review by panda_incognito
Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol
3.0
This picture book has a wonderful concept, but the execution is lacking for me. I deeply relate to this character's fear of change and desire to preserve her memories forever, but the book takes a fantastical turn partway through that I didn't expect. Instead of simply storing physical objects that represent her memories, this girl starts packing up the world around her, including putting loved ones in jars. This wasn't what I anticipated at all, and I found the ending concerning and unsatisfying.
I understand the intended metaphor, but I wish that this book had focused on real-world elements, and on the ways that people go overboard in hoarding special items to try to preserve their memories. The fantasy elements of this book distracted from the message, in my opinion, and even though I still appreciate the premise and illustrations, I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I had hoped.
I understand the intended metaphor, but I wish that this book had focused on real-world elements, and on the ways that people go overboard in hoarding special items to try to preserve their memories. The fantasy elements of this book distracted from the message, in my opinion, and even though I still appreciate the premise and illustrations, I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I had hoped.