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The Memory Eaters
Sudare – a teacher of calligraphy, a connoisseur of poetry and more than eight hundred years old – is starving to death. She is one of the Kuyin, spirit beasts which eat the memories that humans wish to forget. She takes human form in order to live among them – but because she does not age, she has had to erase the memory of herself over and over again. Tired of this existence after eight centuries, she chooses the clean death of starvation. But a man fleeing a band of samurai collapses before her and, half-mad from hunger, Sudare consumes his memories, so many of them that he can no longer recall his past. When she realises what she has done, Sudare resolves to help the man to recover his identity. Their journey takes them from remote temples to the emperor’s city and its intrigues. There, they uncover secrets among the red lanterns of the courtesan district and dodge swordsmen working for Mokaga, a warlord plotting rebellion. His machinations threaten the fragile trust that Amado and Sudare have reached – and to destroy them both. A richly-detailed historical fantasy, The Memory Eaters takes readers on an adventure through an alternate version of samuraiera Japan. This compelling tale is sure to enthrall readers with its deftly woven plot, complex characters and vividly described settings, including a recognisable yet distinct take on real-world Kyoto.
- GenresFantasySupernatural
361 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
7 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Janice Tay
7 books1 followerBorn and raised in Singapore, Janice Tay entered journalism after graduating with a degree in English language and literature from St Hilda’s College, the University of Oxford in Britain.
She has worked for more than 10 years as a reporter, copy editor and sub-editor with The Straits Times, Singapore’s main English language daily and one of the oldest newspapers in Asia. Unable to forget Kyoto after a holiday there, Janice uprooted herself and moved to the heart of old Japan to study the country’s language and culture. A decade later, she is still there. Kyoto Unhurried is based on a fortnightly column on Japanese culture that she contributed to The Straits Times from 2007 to 2013. The column built up a following that ranged from students to working professionals and retirees, appealing both to Japanophiles and those who simply want to be transported.
She has worked for more than 10 years as a reporter, copy editor and sub-editor with The Straits Times, Singapore’s main English language daily and one of the oldest newspapers in Asia. Unable to forget Kyoto after a holiday there, Janice uprooted herself and moved to the heart of old Japan to study the country’s language and culture. A decade later, she is still there. Kyoto Unhurried is based on a fortnightly column on Japanese culture that she contributed to The Straits Times from 2007 to 2013. The column built up a following that ranged from students to working professionals and retirees, appealing both to Japanophiles and those who simply want to be transported.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 1, 2018
So I picked up this book with some excitement and wariness, especially after seeing it promoted in the local newspaper of Singapore; especially considering that there aren't many local authors who penned fantasy books, let alone set in a different country entirely.
The first chapter of the book had me more intrigued, especially with neither character being identified with a name yet, and it isn't long before we find out that the man has amnesia, with his memories being taken by the woman who is a 'Kuyin', a spiritual beast that eats memories—rather similar to the baku of legends in Japanese folklore.
The entire plot of the novel revolves around the pair; the Kuyin who seeks to return the man's past to him as she had accidentally consumed his memories; and the man who is trying to find out just who he is, with him not even remembering his own name.
Honestly, however, halfway through the novel, and I was already getting bored, as the novel seems to be dragging on its plot—to me at least. The storyline is good—excellent even, as it is set in an alternate version of Japan, with spirits and demons still roaming around the countryside.
I do however feel that apart from the Kuyin (Sudare) as well as the man, the majority of the characters in the novel aren't really developed that well. Like the monk Teizen. I had hoped that he would take more of a role in the story, being one of the Kuyin's few human friends; and he did, but only towards the end of the novel, with his past having come in rather abruptly. His relationship with his attendant wasn't even hinted at before it is literally thrown in our faces right towards the end of the book.
And the courtesan Yaegiri. I had high hopes for her as a character, as she is quite literally the first character apart from the male Kuyin that seems to have SOME personality at least; but I was quite disappointed in the end; if only because the novel never really went into depth about her past with Sudare. And why the hell isn't she curious or even suspicious about how her 'friend' never seemed to age in 15 years? Considering the year that it is set in, and that spirits and demons actually roam the land freely, wouldn't she have thought at least that her 'friend' might not be human?
Probably, the only characters in the book I really liked are Kyugo and surprisingly enough, the antagonist of the novel; if only because they're probably the only ones in the book that have pretty well-developed personalities. Though they never really state much just WHY the antagonist seeks a Kuyin so much apart from the whole being able to tell truth from lies.
One thing throughout the novel that kept me reading on is the mystery behind the man, Amado's identity. There are small conversations between the characters here and there that kept me guessing on just who Amado might really be.
Is he the spy from Yegu that was mentioned between Chuyo and the antagonist? The actor from the troupe that had gone missing mentioned in one of the earlier parts of the story?
It is this mystery that had likely kept me reading on, if only because I was curious about who he really is; with Amado revealing parts of his true personality as he travelled with Sudare. His true identity is revealed at the end eventually, and I must say that it is a big surprise, as I had never even once thought about it.
The ending of the novel is both bittersweet and disappointing, however; given how much I was expecting from the novel.
Disappointing because of how the relationship between both Sudare and Amado turned out in the end; though I did have a suspicion that it might be this result due to the whole Kuyin must not be attached to humans. And bittersweet, because much like most of the important plot points in this novel, it seems to me that the ending is pretty much rushed through.
Even the male Kuyin that seems to play such a large part near the end of the novel seems to appear only twice—once in the beginning and another near the end. And it really seems to me that his only role in the novel is to play a secondary antagonist (though not a very major one); with his entire background and history with Sudare still being one big mystery.
To sum it off, while this novel could definitely be better, and I do feel that majority of the characters aren't very well fleshed out, I will still definitely recommend this novel to potential readers. And if Janice Tay ever decides to release another novel, I will definitely be picking it up.
The first chapter of the book had me more intrigued, especially with neither character being identified with a name yet, and it isn't long before we find out that the man has amnesia, with his memories being taken by the woman who is a 'Kuyin', a spiritual beast that eats memories—rather similar to the baku of legends in Japanese folklore.
The entire plot of the novel revolves around the pair; the Kuyin who seeks to return the man's past to him as she had accidentally consumed his memories; and the man who is trying to find out just who he is, with him not even remembering his own name.
Honestly, however, halfway through the novel, and I was already getting bored, as the novel seems to be dragging on its plot—to me at least. The storyline is good—excellent even, as it is set in an alternate version of Japan, with spirits and demons still roaming around the countryside.
I do however feel that apart from the Kuyin (Sudare) as well as the man, the majority of the characters in the novel aren't really developed that well. Like the monk Teizen. I had hoped that he would take more of a role in the story, being one of the Kuyin's few human friends; and he did, but only towards the end of the novel, with his past having come in rather abruptly. His relationship with his attendant wasn't even hinted at before it is literally thrown in our faces right towards the end of the book.
And the courtesan Yaegiri. I had high hopes for her as a character, as she is quite literally the first character apart from the male Kuyin that seems to have SOME personality at least; but I was quite disappointed in the end; if only because the novel never really went into depth about her past with Sudare. And why the hell isn't she curious or even suspicious about how her 'friend' never seemed to age in 15 years? Considering the year that it is set in, and that spirits and demons actually roam the land freely, wouldn't she have thought at least that her 'friend' might not be human?
Probably, the only characters in the book I really liked are Kyugo and surprisingly enough, the antagonist of the novel; if only because they're probably the only ones in the book that have pretty well-developed personalities. Though they never really state much just WHY the antagonist seeks a Kuyin so much apart from the whole being able to tell truth from lies.
One thing throughout the novel that kept me reading on is the mystery behind the man, Amado's identity. There are small conversations between the characters here and there that kept me guessing on just who Amado might really be.
Is he the spy from Yegu that was mentioned between Chuyo and the antagonist? The actor from the troupe that had gone missing mentioned in one of the earlier parts of the story?
It is this mystery that had likely kept me reading on, if only because I was curious about who he really is; with Amado revealing parts of his true personality as he travelled with Sudare. His true identity is revealed at the end eventually, and I must say that it is a big surprise, as I had never even once thought about it.
The ending of the novel is both bittersweet and disappointing, however; given how much I was expecting from the novel.
Disappointing because of how the relationship between both Sudare and Amado turned out in the end; though I did have a suspicion that it might be this result due to the whole Kuyin must not be attached to humans. And bittersweet, because much like most of the important plot points in this novel, it seems to me that the ending is pretty much rushed through.
Even the male Kuyin that seems to play such a large part near the end of the novel seems to appear only twice—once in the beginning and another near the end. And it really seems to me that his only role in the novel is to play a secondary antagonist (though not a very major one); with his entire background and history with Sudare still being one big mystery.
To sum it off, while this novel could definitely be better, and I do feel that majority of the characters aren't very well fleshed out, I will still definitely recommend this novel to potential readers. And if Janice Tay ever decides to release another novel, I will definitely be picking it up.
December 2, 2019
The language is poetic and atmospheric; the basis of the story is alluring and steeped in mystery. However, I feel that the characters are rather under-developed and lack distinct personalities that allow for one to identify and empathise with them on a deeper level. The only time when I detected glimpses of Amado’s cheeky and irreverent personality taking shape was only towards the end of the novel. The chemistry between Sudare and Amado is also lacking, albeit more believable due to the slow-burn romance budding gradually. However, as a sucker for all things related to Japanese culture and history, I enjoyed this novel. I deeply appreciate the author interweaving features of zen philosophy and mindfulness as a tool to facilitate Amado’s growth.
February 2, 2023
This book is really deep. Being an avid reader, I can usually complete most books in less than a month. The fact that I spent more than half a year reading this book is a testament to its depth and insight into Japanese culture. Take this book slowly. Speed reading this book won’t help. And the language! Ah the author writes with such powerful emotions that are conveyed so aptly and understandably.
Overall, a great read! ( But mind you, a muddling one too) It took me a while to figure out the plot, but once I came to understand the storyline, it was magical🤩
I highly recommend it to those interested in Japanese culture👘
Overall, a great read! ( But mind you, a muddling one too) It took me a while to figure out the plot, but once I came to understand the storyline, it was magical🤩
I highly recommend it to those interested in Japanese culture👘
November 6, 2023
This book has been on my TBR list for quite a while so I was pleased as punch to find it at my new neighborhood library. There certainly are perks to moving.
The Memory Eaters by Janice Tay imagines a fantasy world based on historical Kyoto where beasts walk unnoticed beside men. Sudare is one such beast, a Kuyin, immortal with a diet of human memory. When she accidentally erases a man’s memory completely after a period of starvation, she sets out on a journey with him to reclaim his place in the world.
Tay has written is a lush world into being. This might be due in part to how closely she has based this world on Japan, thus easily evoking our idea of Japan to fill in the world while she focuses on building the lore of the Kuyin. This certainly is an effective method of world building in my opinion. In fact, whenever I imagined the true form of the Kuyin, I ended up visualizing the Kirin in my head. It definitely helped me situate myself in the story quickly, so that I could focus on the plot itself.
The story is a simple enough one, boy loses memory, girl feels responsible and helps him find his lost memories, boy and girl fall in love. However, Tay brings this to life so delicately that I cannot help but be swept away in Sudare and Amado’s experiences. That plus the string of melancholy that runs throughout the narrative, as expected when dealing with someone who’s lived far longer than she’s cared to, makes this a rather elegant and exquisite read indeed.
Diversity meter:
Strong female characters
Japanese characters
The Memory Eaters by Janice Tay imagines a fantasy world based on historical Kyoto where beasts walk unnoticed beside men. Sudare is one such beast, a Kuyin, immortal with a diet of human memory. When she accidentally erases a man’s memory completely after a period of starvation, she sets out on a journey with him to reclaim his place in the world.
Tay has written is a lush world into being. This might be due in part to how closely she has based this world on Japan, thus easily evoking our idea of Japan to fill in the world while she focuses on building the lore of the Kuyin. This certainly is an effective method of world building in my opinion. In fact, whenever I imagined the true form of the Kuyin, I ended up visualizing the Kirin in my head. It definitely helped me situate myself in the story quickly, so that I could focus on the plot itself.
The story is a simple enough one, boy loses memory, girl feels responsible and helps him find his lost memories, boy and girl fall in love. However, Tay brings this to life so delicately that I cannot help but be swept away in Sudare and Amado’s experiences. That plus the string of melancholy that runs throughout the narrative, as expected when dealing with someone who’s lived far longer than she’s cared to, makes this a rather elegant and exquisite read indeed.
Diversity meter:
Strong female characters
Japanese characters
November 8, 2019
the writing is visually stunning, the two protagonists Sudare and Amado and the cast of characters they interact with have fully realized histories and sometimes fun dynamics, and the eventual relationship development is done very slowly and believably (and is also very sweet). definitely recommend reading this at least once (or more times)
July 22, 2018
A quest about a man seeking his past. I did expect it to have been more epic an adventure, more interesting a situation. And much more fascinating a moment.
It was none of that.
I have to admit, it was a journey meant to be undertaken. But I didn’t feel that it was a journey. While the characters didn’t have their viewpoints challenged, the world having something interesting.
It just felt so hollow at the end of the day. Sudare had a lot of potential because she was several centuries old, that should have been more than easy enough to make a story out of that.
I liked having someone who have grounded her. But I didn’t feel anything from her interactions with Amando, who was very ill fittingly chosen as the main character. He didn’t have the personality being a blank slate and he was boring to read.
He wasn’t even entertaining, and his and Sudare’s moments were passable at best. The story didn’t give them a meaningful relationship, or have moments where Amando could remember. Could even see.
Or even really felt that the memory eaters were properly developed. An even bigger issue had been the focus on the other story, except that it leads nowhere. There is no payoff, and they are the villains, they don’t even entertain. I wanted some complex family dynamics, a chance to be able to see how a father who despised his son but loved his grandson will have done.
This has none of that. The relationship is barely touched upon, and it seemed pointless other than to give them an interesting fact.
I think the story could have done away with their pages, and instead focused solely on Sudare and Amando, given them the proper development which will have made it so satisfying. It felt lacklustre and more time could when exerted to make their relationship even more unique than it is.
Although I still don’t understand why Amando was chosen, when it could have went with someone with everything to forget. And wants her to eat it.
But it had an interesting story, but doesn’t execute it right. I was invested in knowing Sudare and her past, as well as Amando. The ending was nice, open ended and the end to their journey. Although I will have liked more closure because it just seems top vague and ambiguous.
This was just unable to handle the unique relationship, Sudare being quite different, and the pages dedicated to something which still made no sense to me.
It was none of that.
I have to admit, it was a journey meant to be undertaken. But I didn’t feel that it was a journey. While the characters didn’t have their viewpoints challenged, the world having something interesting.
It just felt so hollow at the end of the day. Sudare had a lot of potential because she was several centuries old, that should have been more than easy enough to make a story out of that.
I liked having someone who have grounded her. But I didn’t feel anything from her interactions with Amando, who was very ill fittingly chosen as the main character. He didn’t have the personality being a blank slate and he was boring to read.
He wasn’t even entertaining, and his and Sudare’s moments were passable at best. The story didn’t give them a meaningful relationship, or have moments where Amando could remember. Could even see.
Or even really felt that the memory eaters were properly developed. An even bigger issue had been the focus on the other story, except that it leads nowhere. There is no payoff, and they are the villains, they don’t even entertain. I wanted some complex family dynamics, a chance to be able to see how a father who despised his son but loved his grandson will have done.
This has none of that. The relationship is barely touched upon, and it seemed pointless other than to give them an interesting fact.
I think the story could have done away with their pages, and instead focused solely on Sudare and Amando, given them the proper development which will have made it so satisfying. It felt lacklustre and more time could when exerted to make their relationship even more unique than it is.
Although I still don’t understand why Amando was chosen, when it could have went with someone with everything to forget. And wants her to eat it.
But it had an interesting story, but doesn’t execute it right. I was invested in knowing Sudare and her past, as well as Amando. The ending was nice, open ended and the end to their journey. Although I will have liked more closure because it just seems top vague and ambiguous.
This was just unable to handle the unique relationship, Sudare being quite different, and the pages dedicated to something which still made no sense to me.
May 8, 2018
Did you know that you could write a fantasy novel about spirits dwelling among humans in feudal Japan without sounding it sonorous as a temple gong? The prose is beautiful and artistic, but it’s streaked with dry humor that organically takes shape of in-universe inside jokes, and I found the balance lovely.
Besides the pleasure of reading the prose, the book offers you:
- Murder mystery and identity theft
- Slowburn romance delicately wrapped in mutual resentment and sense of obligation, tragically gentle and fragile
- The virtues of knowing your way around abacus in pleasure quarters
- ANGRY FRIENDSHIP WITH ABANDONMENT ISSUES fuck me sideways, I love Yaegiri the most!!
- Eccentric but well-meaning taxmen
- Knife-sharp and ruthless old plotters
- Brilliant little heirs swept in political wars and treason
- Dramatic karuta playing
- Flamboyant and angry trickster spirits. If this was a mainstream franchise, he’d have a Loki-grade following like whoa
- Occasional Natsume Yuujinchou levels of charm and heartbreak when human and spirit world brush against each other, helpless against the change the connection brings
The book’s only drawback is that it’s only really available in Singapore, unless you can mail-order from there :)
Besides the pleasure of reading the prose, the book offers you:
- Murder mystery and identity theft
- Slowburn romance delicately wrapped in mutual resentment and sense of obligation, tragically gentle and fragile
- The virtues of knowing your way around abacus in pleasure quarters
- ANGRY FRIENDSHIP WITH ABANDONMENT ISSUES fuck me sideways, I love Yaegiri the most!!
- Eccentric but well-meaning taxmen
- Knife-sharp and ruthless old plotters
- Brilliant little heirs swept in political wars and treason
- Dramatic karuta playing
- Flamboyant and angry trickster spirits. If this was a mainstream franchise, he’d have a Loki-grade following like whoa
- Occasional Natsume Yuujinchou levels of charm and heartbreak when human and spirit world brush against each other, helpless against the change the connection brings
The book’s only drawback is that it’s only really available in Singapore, unless you can mail-order from there :)
December 12, 2017
A historical fantasy, a genre I don't usually like. The idea of a kuyin, a creature that feeds on human memories, is really interesting, and the story of how a human man with no memories and a female kuyin guilty of eating his memories get drawn to each other in spite of themselves has a lot going for it. I like the writing right at the end, yet dislike the nature of that ending to this story. Still, something a bit different.
June 7, 2018
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them In Mediaeval Japan is a perfect alternative title for this book. Friendship, bromance, memory-stealing demons and the perils of having maths skills in a world where swords are still mightier than pens.
This is a book to be slowly savoured with ocha and the contemplative sound of rain. The text is delightfully witty, delicately textured and should be adapted as soon as possible into an anime by Studio Ghibli.
This is a book to be slowly savoured with ocha and the contemplative sound of rain. The text is delightfully witty, delicately textured and should be adapted as soon as possible into an anime by Studio Ghibli.
June 22, 2018
A very entertaining read. I love all the intricate linguistic elements in the story. Beautiful visuals from Janice Tay’s words.
It is just the end that Im not quite happy about. Imo, there are a lot I think she can leave unsaid and that detail why Sudare and Amado suddenly entered the theatre and the convos there - for me it’s too give-away.
But worth my while. Very soothing sounds and visuals.
It is just the end that Im not quite happy about. Imo, there are a lot I think she can leave unsaid and that detail why Sudare and Amado suddenly entered the theatre and the convos there - for me it’s too give-away.
But worth my while. Very soothing sounds and visuals.
January 2, 2018
As a rule I am not a fan of fantasy but this book uses fantastic beasts to explore human nature. Set in ancient Japan, the author does a superb job of taking the reader to that time and place, with historical and cultural fact but especially with language. The word choice, the grammar, and the rhythm of the writing all put you into the story. I enjoyed the book immensely.
February 16, 2018
I wish I enjoyed it more. I was drawn to the premise of it and the setting but, about a quarter into the book, i got so lost and never had the motivation to perhaps reread. I just absentmindedly flipped through the rest of the book- just because i have this thing of not leaving books unread.
Maybe it's just me and my ailing brain. Sigh.
Maybe it's just me and my ailing brain. Sigh.
December 13, 2017
I loved this book. The writing, the story... it's clever, funny and kind. I hope they make a film out of it!
The characters will stay with me for a very long time.
The characters will stay with me for a very long time.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews