Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories by William Yamaguchi Dobson

Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories really took me by surprise by the sheer imagination on display in this middle grade book (aimed at 8 to 12-year-olds). Blending traditional children’s story ingredients (close family connections and a 12-year-old boy in search of adventure) with elements of Japanese mythology and folklore, the story is fast-paced and uniquely memorable. The yōkai are playful, vividly drawn, and highly imaginative – during every stage of Jonty’s journey, the reader is introduced to a huge cast of magical creatures that range from cute to peculiar to genuinely eerie, bringing constant surprise and delight.

At the heart of the book is a quietly powerful storyline involving Gramps’ lost memories and this keeps the story grounded in emotional reality even when the magical creatures and situations grow more and more surreal. The subject of dementia in the elderly is well-handled and treated with care and respect and, at times, is genuinely moving.

 Overall, this is a magical and memorable adventure with a strong emotional core. It is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli films or readers who enjoy fast-paced, highly original, fantasy adventure stories with heart.

Richard