Lala the Memory Collector: A Graphic Novel

by Sui Kohno

Is death truly the end if you are never forgotten?

Like most girls, Lala loves music, her friends and her family. However, Lala is not like most girls. Lala is a "collector" from the Memory Clan, a group of enchanted beings who are called upon to remember the lives of every human when they die.

Unique lives create unique endings; no two are the same. The Memory Clan's purpose is to keep each person's story alive. The clan also has one simple "Do not get involved in human affairs." For Lala, this isn't easy since she is absolutely entranced by humans and their stories. As a result, she risks losing everything and everyone she loves.

Beautifully told and illustrated by talented author and artist Sui Kohno, Lala the Memory Collector weaves a poignant tale of life, death, and one girl's desire to understand what it means to be human. Reads right-to-left, in the Japanese style.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

Reviews

[Laura (crofteereader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only volume one (though it doesn’t say that anywhere!! Until you get to the little authors note section at the end) and I just know it’ll wreck me by the end

[Michelle N · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The pacing is a bit slow, but art is gorgeous. I didn’t realise that this is not a standalone

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really sure where I landed with this book. I didn't love and I didn't hate it. They have given enough information that I am kinda curious about where it might go but I'm not in a rush to pick up the next volume.

[Courtney Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher & Edelweiss for a copy of this title.

The grim reapers of this world have a unique feel, leaning more toward adorable lolita girls than skull-faced men. While Lala falls a bit into the "manic pixie girl" trope, she is a like-able protagonist with enough depth to keep the reader engaged. I was hooked from the beginning, drawn in by the gorgeous art and hanging on to see how the story would pan out. The cliffhanger made me want to read the next volume even more!

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The translation is a bit rough, but the art is charming and the story is both touching and heartwarming.

[Linda]

The art is decent, plot is okay. But unsure if there's a continuation with this story.

[Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

RTC