El pequeño estudio de los recuerdos perdidos: Un Viaje a Través de la Memoria

Hey, book lovers! 🌟 Today, I want to share a little gem that I stumbled upon recently – "El pequeño estudio de los recuerdos perdidos (Spanish Edition)" by Sanaka Hiiragi. If you're into magical realism mixed with deep emotional currents, this book's gonna hit you right in the feels. Seriously, I couldn't put it down.

What’s it All About?

So, picture this: There's this guy named Hirasaka who runs a photography studio. But it's not just any studio – it's in the afterlife. Yep, you read that right. People who just crossed over get to visit his studio before they move on. He gives them a cup of tea (because who doesn't need a little comfort in the afterlife?) and a stack of photos, one for each year of their lives. They get to pick one photo per year to take with them on their final journey. But wait, there's more – they also get a chance to go back in time as ghosts to relive one special moment. Hirasaka then projects these chosen memories for them to see one last time.

The Cast of Characters

We meet some pretty interesting souls in Hirasaka’s studio. There's Hatsue, an elderly woman who started her own daycare in the rubble of post-war Tokyo. Then there's Waniguchi, a dude who worked in a yakuza-front workshop. And let's not forget Mitsuru, a young woman who met a tragic end but finds a way to change her fate through the studio.

But here's the kicker: While Hirasaka helps all these people, he's grappling with his own mystery – he can't remember his own past. Intriguing, right?

Why Did It Become a Bestseller?

You might wonder why this book became such a hit. Well, here’s my take:

1. Relatable Themes: The book dives deep into themes like kindness, memory, and life choices. Who doesn't ponder these things at some point?
2. Emotional Rollercoaster: It's a tearjerker, but in a good way. You feel for the characters and their stories stick with you.
3. Unique Concept: The whole idea of a photography studio in the afterlife is fresh and engaging. It’s like nothing you’ve read before.
4. Beautifully Written: Hiiragi's writing is poetic and vivid. You can tell she has a background in literature and teaching, which adds depth to her storytelling.

Who's Sanaka Hiiragi?

Sanaka Hiiragi was born in 1974 in Kagawa and grew up in Hyogo. She now lives in Tokyo and studied Literature and Japanese Teaching at Himeji Dokkyo University. She spent seven years abroad teaching Japanese before her first novel bagged the 11th Hidden Gem Award. She’s got a thing for cameras, photography, and kimonos, which totally shines through in her writing.

Final Thoughts

"El pequeño estudio de los recuerdos perdidos" isn't just a book; it's an experience. It's like taking a stroll down memory lane but with a twist. The combination of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, mixed with a dash of mystery, makes it a must-read. So, if you’re looking to get lost in a story that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you think about the choices you make, grab a copy. You won't regret it!

Check it out here.

Happy reading! 📚✨

Feel free to drop your thoughts or any questions in the comments below!