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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Murder
4.5 stars
I have once again touched grass. This was simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking.
I have once again touched grass. This was simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking.
medium-paced
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
emotional
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
What a whimsical journey to the afterlife, a place that, surprisingly, looks a lot like a cozy photography studio. Forget pearly gates; here, you get vintage cameras and the chance to relive your fondest memories. Mr. Hirasaki, a collector of antique cameras and owner of the studio, guides the recently departed through their lives, offering them a chance to select a memory from each year to preserve in a spinning lantern.
The stories are like little emotional packets. Take Hatsue, the ninety-two-year-old nursery teacher, Waniguchi, the Yakuza member with a hidden soft spot, and Mitsuru, the young girl who finds a bittersweet peace. Each character gets a moment to shine, or, more accurately, a moment to be re-photographed.
Hiiragi's writing is gentle, allowing readers to dive into heavy themes without feeling overwhelmed. Though the book has a hopeful tone, it touches on some darker themes, particularly in Mitsuru's story, which might shift it away from being a fully cozy read for some.
I'm docking a star because while the premise is charming, the links between the vignettes sometimes feel a tad forced. I would have loved a bit more depth, perhaps a sequel exploring Hirasaka's backstory. Despite this, "The Lantern of Lost Memories" is a heartwarming read that encourages reflection on life's fleeting moments. It’s a reminder to appreciate the beauty in every moment, no matter how mundane.
If you enjoyed "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" or "The Midnight Library," this book will further encourage you to cherish the meaning of our lives.
The stories are like little emotional packets. Take Hatsue, the ninety-two-year-old nursery teacher, Waniguchi, the Yakuza member with a hidden soft spot, and Mitsuru, the young girl who finds a bittersweet peace. Each character gets a moment to shine, or, more accurately, a moment to be re-photographed.
Hiiragi's writing is gentle, allowing readers to dive into heavy themes without feeling overwhelmed. Though the book has a hopeful tone, it touches on some darker themes, particularly in Mitsuru's story, which might shift it away from being a fully cozy read for some.
I'm docking a star because while the premise is charming, the links between the vignettes sometimes feel a tad forced. I would have loved a bit more depth, perhaps a sequel exploring Hirasaka's backstory. Despite this, "The Lantern of Lost Memories" is a heartwarming read that encourages reflection on life's fleeting moments. It’s a reminder to appreciate the beauty in every moment, no matter how mundane.
If you enjoyed "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" or "The Midnight Library," this book will further encourage you to cherish the meaning of our lives.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a nice and easy feel good read until it suddenly took a dark turn. I enjoyed how everything came together even if the coming together felt like it was trying to be a little too clever at times. This book felt conceptually similar to The Midnight Library but was executed so much better.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
When I finished this book, I was greeted by an ad for the publisher saying to “Discover Your Next Great Read”.
Well, let me just say this is my next great read. I plan on finding this book and buying a copy for myself to reread it. The way things intermingle. Oh my god I wanted to scream and was stimming about it.
It is a book that is just the right amount of existential dealing with death that won’t leave you pondering life at 2 am.
Please read this. Oh my god.
Well, let me just say this is my next great read. I plan on finding this book and buying a copy for myself to reread it. The way things intermingle. Oh my god I wanted to scream and was stimming about it.
It is a book that is just the right amount of existential dealing with death that won’t leave you pondering life at 2 am.
Please read this. Oh my god.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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