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A review by marniii
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Really cool concept and written in a sad, haunting way. The premise is that there is a government force that disappears objects from everyone’s lives: birds, ribbons, flowers, etc and there are a group of fascist enforcers called the Memory Police who round up the objects, making sure they are disposed of, and disappearing anyone who retains their memories. A lot is left unsaid as we follow a young woman’s experience losing things slowly over time. I really loved the simplicity and tenderness of the relationships in this book. SPOILERS AHEAD
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All the people on the island become resigned to the inevitable realization that they too will disappear. Ultimately the people themselves disappear and their very essence fades into nothing. I’m left wanting more though. What is the aim/end goal of the government? What’s the point of there’s no one left to exploit or control? Super interesting concept but I wish I read it with someone because I feel like I’m kissing part of the larger context
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.
All the people on the island become resigned to the inevitable realization that they too will disappear. Ultimately the people themselves disappear and their very essence fades into nothing. I’m left wanting more though. What is the aim/end goal of the government? What’s the point of there’s no one left to exploit or control? Super interesting concept but I wish I read it with someone because I feel like I’m kissing part of the larger context