enthralledbard 's review for:

Mina's Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa

3.0

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This book gave me a sense of having someone else's memories. It does not rely on the typical western arc of story telling; there's not a lot of action or other literary elements that are used to keep the reader turning the pages. I liked the slow mystery and reveal of the uncle's whereabouts. I liked the childish romances and crushes encapsulated in the matchboxes and sparse meetings at the library. The Christmas scene near the end produced a gush of emotion like familial love and tradition - perhaps enhanced by my timing in reading this book, as it was a christmas gift to my daughter. The reflections of time having passed in the last chapters was relatable to me, as I am only slightly younger than the characters during their reflections. The writing and translation were excellent, and I believe if I did decide to read another of her books, I would also find it to be transporting and emotive.