A review by beriboo
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

3.0

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa is a captivating and eerie exploration of memory and loss in a dystopian society. The premise of the story, where memories are gradually erased and objects disappear from existence, is both chilling and thought-provoking. Ogawa's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of a world where the past is constantly slipping away.

While I found the concept of the novel to be incredibly intriguing, I did have some issues with the pacing. At times, the story felt slow and meandering, with not enough plot development to keep me fully engaged. Additionally, the characters, while interesting, felt somewhat lacking in depth. I wanted to connect with them on a more emotional level and understand their motivations and struggles more fully.

Despite these shortcomings, The Memory Police is a beautifully written and haunting novel that will stay with me long after reading. Ogawa's exploration of memory, identity, and the power of forgetting is both poignant and timely, making this a worthwhile read for fans of dystopian fiction. While it may not have fully met my expectations in terms of character development and pacing, I still found it to be a compelling and thought-provoking read.