The Memory Police

Nominated for the International Booker Prize in 2020, this captivating novel presents a chilling exploration of state surveillance, penned by a renowned Japanese author. Described by the Sunday Times as "Beautiful... Haunting," and by Jia Tolentino as "A dreamlike story of dystopia," it delves into a world where a vanished object loses all significance for the island's inhabitants. Be it a hat, ribbon, or bird rose, the existence of disappeared things is erased, disposed of, or surrendered to the ominous Memory Police, until they fade from collective memory. The story intensifies when a young novelist learns that her editor is at risk of being captured by the Memory Police. His unique ability to remember what's supposed to be forgotten puts him in danger, prompting his desperate attempt to conceal his memories. This narrative raises questions about what might disappear next. The novel was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2019, made the longlist for the Translated Book Award in 2020, and was named one of the New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year. The Guardian calls it "A timeless fable of control and loss" that resonates with the present climate, while Time acknowledges its distinct rendition of themes akin to Orwell’s 1984. Madeleine Thien lauds it as "A novel that makes us see differently... A masterpiece." The description above is provided by the publisher.