On an unnamed island, objects are disappearing: first hats, then ribbons, birds, roses. . . To the people on the island, a disappeared thing no longer has any meaning. It can be burned in the garden, thrown in the river, or handed over to the Memory Police. Soon enough, the island forgets it ever existed. When a young novelist discovers that her editor is in danger of being taken away by the Memory Police, she desperately wants to save him. For some reason, he doesn't forget, and it's becoming increasingly difficult for him to hide his memories. Who knows what will vanish next? VINTAGE JAPANESE CLASSICS - nine masterpieces of Japanese fiction in gorgeous new gift editions. 'Beautiful... Haunting' Sunday Times'This timeless fable of control and loss feels more timely than ever' Guardian 'A dreamlike story of dystopia' Jia TolentinoWHAT READERS ARE SAYING‘I cried. . . cracking ending’ 5* reader review‘I loved it!’ 5* reader review‘A must read’ 5* reader review‘Worth 6 stars… what a novel!’ 5* reader review‘Dark and unsettling - a fantastic read’ 5* reader reviewTRANSLATED BY STEPHEN SNYDER