I read this in May for my work book club and I can say, with confidence, that this read was more enjoyable for me because I discussed it with my coworkers. 

The book has an interesting premise: the reader follows an unnamed female narrator as she navigates an unnamed island as a government entity called ‘the memory police’ disappears objects off the island. I was immediately intrigued, but the plot takes on a slow, nuanced pace that I wished went quicker while reading. 

This book was originally written in the 90s and then translated and published in English is 2019. I think the subtlety behind the writing is a nod to the nature of the Japanese government and how, even criticism, can be dangerous. Ogawa navigates this beautifully and draws very clear, but quiet, parallels between her fictional world and very real oppressive regimes.  

This book, like most things these days, reminded me of Palestine. The way the characters experience disappearances in the novel— first of seemingly inconsequential items like candy which quickly escalate to photographs, books, and later on even limbs— bears a stark resemblance to what we’re seeing in Gaza. 

The book reminded me of the boiling frog syndrome. When conditions deteriorate slowly, and we have more time to adapt slowly, there’s a smaller chance of resistance and eventually, there will be nothing left.