The Lantern of Lost Memories

by Sanaka Hiiragi
The Lantern of Lost Memories cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99 Hardback • £14.99
Bookshop
Format • £14.24
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1098
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781035023653
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2024-08-22
  • Formats: 56
  • Reviews: 4

Sanaka Hiiragi's 'The Lantern of Lost Memories' is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the significance of memories. The story unfolds in a serene photo studio nestled in the mountains, where guests are given the unique opportunity to relive and reevaluate their life experiences through photographs. Each guest is tasked with selecting one photograph from each year of their life to place in a beautiful Japanese lantern, allowing them to reflect on their journey before moving on. The novel explores how memories, both cherished and forgotten, shape our understanding of life. Hirasaka, the kind guide in the studio, helps guests revisit and reinterpret their past, offering them a chance to find peace and closure. This poignant and thought-provoking story invites readers to consider which memories they would choose to relive and how those moments define who they are.

Reviews
Sam Still Reading · 2025-08-19
heartwarming 4.00

This novella is short but impactful, with each section focusing on a different character's life. The reviewer appreciated the heartwarming and life-affirming themes presented in the story.

The reviewer found the book to be a quick yet meaningful read. They liked how the story was divided into sections, each focusing on a different character's life, which added depth and variety to the narrative. The heartwarming and life-affirming themes were particularly appealing, making it a satisfying read. The reviewer also noted that the book's brevity did not detract from its emotional impact, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    It's short but sweet.

    Like many others in this genre, the story is divided into sections that focus on a particular character and their life.

    It's a heartwarming, life-affirming novel.

MotherBookerBlog · 2025-03-10
Emotional 3.50

This book is a heartfelt and emotional read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss. The reviewer found it to be a moving exploration of life and memory.

The reviewer received this book as a Christmas gift and found it to be a deeply emotional and heartwarming read. They appreciated the book's exploration of life and memory, noting its ability to evoke strong emotions. The reviewer found the story to be moving and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's quite an emotional read, and definitely will be for anyone that's ever dealt with loss.

    It took me quite a while to put my thoughts into words because of how much it affected me.

    A heartfelt and emotional read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss.

Asian Review of Books · 2024-10-13
Poignant 4.00

This book offers a poignant and unforgettable exploration of life and memory. The reviewer appreciated the intricate plot and the quiet heroism of the main character.

The reviewer found this book to be a poignant and unforgettable read, appreciating the intricate plot and the quiet heroism of the main character. They noted that the book offers a deep exploration of life and memory, making it a thought-provoking and moving experience. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and introspection.

Quick quotes

    Hiiragi's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this a poignant and unforgettable read.

    The intricate plot, filled with twists, keeps the reader engaged throughout.

    By the end of the book, the reader comes to a better understanding of Hirasaka, too.

Reading Reality · Marlene Harris · 2024-09-26
affirming 4.00

Marlene Harris describes the book as a heartwarming and life-affirming novel that encourages reflection on one's own life and memories. The magical photo studio concept is both unique and deeply emotional.

Marlene Harris at Reading Reality found 'The Lantern of Lost Memories' to be a deeply moving and life-affirming novel. She highlights the unique concept of a magical photo studio where people can revisit key moments from their lives after death. Harris appreciates how the novel encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and memories, creating a profound emotional impact. She believes the story's gentle exploration of loss and remembrance makes it a standout read that will resonate with many.

Quick quotes

    a heartwarming, life-affirming novel about a magical photo studio, where people go after they die to view key moments from their life—and relive them.

    It's a truly perspective-shifting novel and the sheer emotional impact created is immense.

    The novel's gentle exploration of loss and remembrance is both unique and deeply touching.

Appears in Lists