THE LANTERN OF LOST MEMORIES

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝗕𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿
𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝟐𝟐𝟒
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 𝟐𝟐𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓








The story unfolds within a unique photo studio run by Hirasaka, a compassionate figure who offers a poignant final stop for souls before they transition from the world of the living. Rooted in the mythology of Yomotsu Hirasaka — the boundary between life and death — this studio becomes a place where memories flash before one's eyes, allowing the departed to relive fleeting moments one last time. In this book, we encounter three individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with a moving story. Alongside these heartfelt narratives, we gradually uncover the profound tale of Hirasaka himself. This lighthearted yet empathetic read serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the moments that shape our lives — not just the joyful ones but also the bittersweet memories that leave an enduring mark on our journey.
The first story centred on Hatsue, offers a touching glimpse into the struggles of post-war economic hardships. It describes how societal challenges, such as unemployment and the need for nurseries, affect people's everyday lives. Hatsue’s unwavering faith and perseverance as a nursery teacher stand out, reflecting her deep commitment to caring for her students even in the most trying circumstances.
The second tale introduces us to Mouse, who leaves an indelible impression. A neurodivergent individual with an extraordinary talent for repairing broken items, Mouse struggles with social interactions, often landing in trouble. Yet his gentle heart and brilliant craftsmanship make him an unforgettable figure. His story is both heartwarming and heartrending, bringing tears to the end.
The final story delves into the haunting backstory of Hirasaka through the life of Mitsuru, a girl who bears the devastating scars of childhood abuse and violence. This narrative is profoundly unsettling yet deeply impactful, evoking a strong empathy for Mitsuru. As the pieces align, the narrative completes its circle, offering a gratifying and reflective conclusion.

This novella is a splendid reminder of the importance of memories — not just the ones we hold dear but also those that quietly shape our path. It beautifully captures how even the most overlooked moments can leave a lasting imprint on our lives. Overall, this book provides a satisfying reading experience. Among the three stories, the second one emerged as my favourite, with its heartfelt narrative leaving a lasting impression. The third story, although somewhat inconsistent in its pacing, holds considerable significance as it reveals Hirasaka's secret, adding depth and resolution to the overall plot. These two stories greatly influenced my final rating, as I found the first one less engaging. One notable drawback is the translation, a common challenge in Japanese literature. As we know, translation plays a crucial role in preserving the essence of the original, but in this case, some of that essence feels somewhat diminished. Nevertheless, the book provides a warm and cosy reading experience.
Readers who enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Days at Morisaki Bookshop, or The Kamogawa Food Detectives will enjoy this book. It has a similar comforting vibe, perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt, reflective stories.

My Rating:

3.5/5

NOTE:   In this blog, the CONTENT and PICTURES are owned by Samayra Singh, and cannot be used or distributed without permission. Strict legal action will be taken against any infringement.