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The Memory Police
The Memory Police
Author: Yoko Ogawa, Stephen Snyder (Translator)
On an unnamed island off an unnamed coast, objects are disappearing: first hats, then ribbons, birds, roses--until things become much more serious. Most of the island's inhabitants are oblivious to these changes, while those few imbued with the power to recall the lost objects live in fear of the draconian Memory Police, who are committed to...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781101911815
ISBN-10: 1101911816
Publication Date: 7/28/2020
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2

4.3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 16
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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reviewed The Memory Police on + 66 more book reviews
Not the type of book I usually read. It borders on sci-fi (I think) and I never read sci-fi! But this book held my attention and once I got about halfway thru, I was anxious to keep reading and get back to it! I read a lot and don't usually remember the books or the plots, but this one I will remember. Very strange, thought provoking, different, unusual.
reviewed The Memory Police on + 1438 more book reviews
magine being marooned on an unknown island off an unknown coast. The island is populated by people who are known simply as the butcher, the man who made hats, the writer, the old man, or just R. Another strange characteristic of this island is that things disappear. No they are just not available any more they are gone. Gone from the island and from the memories of most of those who live here. There are some people, however, who remember the missing and hide them away while cherishing memories of their experiences connected with these items. They are never safe because the Memory Police who search for them and arrest them. No one knows what happens to the arrested. They are gone forever.

The basic plot revolves around a young woman writer who determined to hide R an editor of her novels. With the aid of the old man she has long known she is successful. Yet she is not immune but parts of the hearts, souls and selves are gone. How does the book end? Check it out and see.to the erasures so when novels disappear her life changes dramatically. Her voice is gone but she knows that her mother was one of those who remembered. She stored disappearing items away and shared them with her daughter who doesn't remember what they were. R believes that experiencing the items and stories connected to them will help memories return.

YÅko Ogawa is the talented young author who wrote this dystopian novel. As I read this novel I found the writing simple, flowing with a tension seeming almost real. Not only are items in life disappearing but parts of the hearts, souls and selves are gone. How does the book end? Check it out and see.


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