Reviews

The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi

vivi28's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

delina2983's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

Nothing like I have ever read before, enjoyable yet a bit weird too. Overall, an interesting take of dealing with the complexities of life and loss. 

rina1986_reads's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

the_sara_post's review

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

jana_mxy's review

emotional hopeful inspiring

4.0

mary_do_12's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

i liked the idea of this, but the book as a whole felt a little boring to be honest. especially because it was the same setting all over again. the writing style was a little too plain for me, though maybe that just got lost in translation.
cute book, but not personal to me.

kristinal_19's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

beehawkins's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

emersonrose's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

An enchanting story of life and death. 

The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi places the reader in the in-between of life and death, the staging post where Hirasaka acts as a guide for the newly deceased, welcoming them to his photography studio where they can reflect on their lives. 

The story is filled with a touching melancholy as Hirasaka guides three individuals through their memories. In a meandering and calming way, the reader is given an in-depth look at each character's lives, exploring their desires, ambitions, struggles, and doubts. Hiiragi's focus on making his characters feel so human made each moment spent with these characters touching and sometimes heartbreaking. 

Beautiful, poignant, and emotional from beginning to end, this fantastical and cozy take on death is a heart-wrenching but hopeful read. 

biamatos_7's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0