The Lantern of Lost Memories Audiobook By Sanaka Hiiragi cover art

The Lantern of Lost Memories

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The Lantern of Lost Memories

By: Sanaka Hiiragi
Narrated by: Hanako Footman
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About this listen

From acclaimed Japanese author Sanaka Hiigari comes 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 one precious memory before they pass into the afterlife.

The hands and pendulum of the old wooden clock on the wall were motionless. Hirasaka cocked his head to listen, but the silence inside the photo studio was almost deafening. His leather shoes sank softly into the aging red carpet as he strode over to the arrangement of flowers on the counter and carefully adjusted the angle of the petals...

This is the story of the peculiar and magical photo studio owned by Mr. Hirasaka, a collector of antique cameras. In the dimly lit interior, a paper background is pulled down in front of a wall, and in front of it stands a single, luxurious chair with an armrest on one side. On a stand is a large bellows camera. On the left is the main studio; photos can also be taken in the courtyard.

Beyond its straightforward interior, however, is a secret. The studio is, in fact, the door to the afterlife, the place between life and death where those who have departed have a chance—one last time—to see their entire life flash before their eyes via Mr. Hirasaka's "spinning lantern of memories."

We meet Hatsue, a ninety-two year old woman who worked as a nursery teacher, the rowdy Waniguchi, a yakuza overseer in his life who is also capable of great compassion, and finally Mitsuru, a young girl who has died tragically young at the hands of abusive parents.

Sorting through the many photos of their lives, Mr. Hirasaka also offers guests a second gift: a chance to travel back in time to take a photo of one particular moment in their lives that they wish to cherish in a special way.

Full of charm and whimsy, The Lantern of Lost Memories will sweep you away to a world of nostalgia, laughter, and love.

©2024 Sanaka Hiiragi (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing
Contemporary Fantasy Genre Fiction Magical Realism Metaphysical & Visionary Paranormal & Urban World Literature Feel-Good Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

“A complex tale of humanity and how small interactions can change the course of a life.”—Kirkus

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Such a beautiful and heartwarming story. It's so good when you read something that leaves that calming and warm sensation afterward.

Didn't expect that

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First off the reader was excellent. Spot on with her subtle voice acting as she took us through the tale of the "afterlife guide" and a glimpse of three people he assisted. The story of how the afterlife is handled isn't what I believe as a Christian, but it certainly was a fun, creative story to get to listen to! I really liked it so much. It sticks in your head in a good way, maybe even in a useful way. 🤔 I love how Japanese 🌸 culture and folklore get woven all through it. Overall it was just so cozy, nice, and heartfelt. I'll definitely be looking for more stories from this author, AND for other stories read by the reader as well. 🙂 💕

Quiet, magical feels...a bit like Harry

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I enjoyed the stories so much that I have listened to the book 3x. All three stories are heartwarming and I particularly like Waniguchi’s story. I wish there’s Book 2 from this author.

Heartwarming and gentle

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magical, fun, great stories. loved this book from beginning to end. would definitely recommend to any reader

great read

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This book is beautifully written. It is simple, yet very deep. It is healing, leaving the reader comforted.

Beautifully Written

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I really enjoyed this book. It made me think of what happens after everything. It made me think of how my life was and how I want it to be. The moment I should be sharing with people or even when I’m alone. I think I would want it to be like in the book when I die.

Wonderful read!

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