Book Review: The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

Title: The Memory Police

Author: Yoko Ogawa

Translator(s): Stephen Snyder, and Markus Juslin

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Magical Realism, Adult

Pages: 274

Publisher: Pantheon Books

Year Published: 1994

Format: Audiobook

"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 ensuring that what has disappeared remains forgotten.

When a young woman who is struggling to maintain her career as a novelist discovers that her editor is in danger from the Memory Police, she concocts a plan to hide him beneath her floorboards. As fear and loss close in around them, they cling to her writing as the last way of preserving the past.

A surreal, provocation fable about the power of memory and the trauma of loss, The Memory Police is a stunning new work from one of the most exciting contemporary authors writing in any language."

My Rating: 1/5

I don't know how I didn't know this was a mix of magical realism and science fiction. I need to do more research when I pick up books such as these because as I've previously stated magical realism is not for me. I just want more answers than it can give. I want to know more about the world, and why things function the way they do. Maybe I'm not smart enough to read books like these but I'm going to try to avoid them in the future. Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2

Title: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

" The concluding volume in the story of Yaichi, his daughter Kana, and how their meeting Mike Flanagan- Yachi's brother-in-law-- changes their lives and perception of acceptance of homosexuality in their contemporary Japenese culture.

As Mike continues his journey of discovery concerning Ryoji's past, Yaichi gradually comes to understand that being gay is just another way of being human. And that, in many ways, remains a radical concept in Japan even today. In the meantime, the bond between Mike and young Kana grows ever stronger, and yet he is going to have to return to Canada soon-- a fact that fills them both with impending heartbreak. But not before more than a few revelations come to light."


My Rating: 4/5

These two stories are so amazing. It's important for everyone to read. I think that this story really explores the view of homosexuality through biases in Japan as well as through the fresh eyes of a child. Working with children, I often see a parent having problems with something that children don't even linger on as "odd". I will certainly read anything else translated from Gengoroh Tagame. I hope that they continue this somehow with Kana and Yachi go to Canada.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: My Brother's Husband Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame

Title: My Brother's Husband, Volume 1
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books 
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Yachi is a work-at-home suburban dad in contemporary Tokyo; formerly married to Natsuki, father to their young daughter, Kana. Their lives suddenly change with the arrival at their doorstep of a hulking, affable Canadian named Mike Flanagan, who declares himself the widower of Yaichi's estranged gay twin, Ryoji. Mike is on a quest to explore Ryoji's past, and the family reluctantly but dutifully takes him in. What follows is an unprecedented and heartbreaking look at the state of a largely still-closeted Japanese gay culture: how it's been affected by the West, and how the generation can change the preconception about it and prejudices against it."

My Rating: 5/5

I really thought that this is such a fantastic manga to help understand different views on the world. Including the view of a child which is so eye-opening. I think that this is such an amazing manga and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the art style. I will say that this is one of my favourites of the year and can't wait to continue onto Volume Two. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny