Reviews tagging 'Animal death'

The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi

7 reviews

bellebookcorner's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.5

“You see, once you get here, it doesn't matter how wealthy or important you were in life. All you're left with are your memories.” 
 
If you’re looking for more stories like Before the Coffee Gets Cold then you'll have to get this one! 
 
This wonderful life-affirming stories centred around what happen after you die like those who experience ‘memories flashing before your eyes’. 
Set in a place between life and death, Hiraka’s photo studio will help each person to choose their most fond memories to be placed on a lantern. Once completed, the lantern will be spun to guide them to the afterlife. 
 
I really like getting to know how each character live their lives especially the old woman from the first story. 
I absolutely love the way how each story will eventually connect with each other and in just 200 pages this book manage to made me shed a few tears. 
 
Overall, it’s a touching well-written story with meaningful and powerful messages scattered throughout the book. 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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jemmacrosland's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

1.5

I was drawn into this book because of the interesting premise, and it is recommended for Japanese translated fiction fans, especially for fans of the 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' series. However I didn't find this to be cosy like the other translated fiction/magical realism books I've enjoyed as I just found it far too morbid.
It started off well and I was very intrigued as I really do love the expansion of the idea of 'your life flashes before your eyes before death'. The book is split into 3 parts, 3 separate stories. I just found myself lost by story 2 and I was very confused by the storyline. For me, it was the third story which just made me want to DNF, it was so sad and I didn't feel hopeful or find the positives within the story.
There is also an audiobook available for this book and I partly listened to this book via audio, I really liked the narration. If you are interested in reading this, I would highly recommend reading content warnings as the 3rd story in particular was very triggering to me.
1.5/5 ⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Sanaka Hiiragi for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. 
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candiemarsh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

[Received ARC from Netgalley] I enjoyed this read a lot! A tender and heartwarming story, the chapters were concise and at a good reading pace. The story concept is intriguing and got me not wanting to put it down. Although it can be defined as a light read, the main subject matter and subtopics included were somewhat heavy, and may be triggering to some. The MC is intriguing; would love to read more of his backstory. Recommended read!
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rambling_willow's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad

4.75

The Lantern of Lost Memories is a story about the lives of people who have just passed away. They get to select their favourite memories to keep, and more importantly, revisit the one they have treasured the most.  The reader gets to read about the lives they have lived and the impact they have made on others. The book has multiple stories combined into one, almost like an anthology, but there is an overarching story loosely woven in, giving it a satisfying end.

Although the themes of this book are hopeful, it does have darker moments. Consider looking up the trigger warnings.

Thank you NetGalley and Picador for giving me access to this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 
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cutepatzie's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was such an amazing read. Short but powerful. I love the concept of this book. That lets you believe that maybe going afterlife is not so bad. The concept was great. And I love how each of them complement each other. And make you reflect on many things. The kind f open-close adding was great. Just good, wise book. 
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annawiktoria's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
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alesbookishcorner's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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