Review Detail

Meet Me at Blue Hour is a story about the human memory and how life’s moments can hold such power over us. The novel asks readers if they had the chance to remove painful memories would they do so. The answer is not so simple as we navigate through the dual point of view of Yena and Lucas who have lost memories of each other. The shifting perspectives give glimpses of how memory erasure has not only impacted them both, but those that surround them.

As stated by one of the characters in the novel, “To erase this truth (memories), no matter how painful it might be, is to create holes in your life story that you will inevitably fall into, dragging others in with you”. This story reminds us why memories shape us as a person and help us to grow over our lifetimes. Sometimes, as Suk acknowledges in the story, it would be so much easier to get rid of a painful memory but doing so actually causes more harm than healing.

The concept of a memory erasure clinic felt like something out of a Sci-Fi novel but fits well for this piece of contemporary fiction. It’s used cleverly to propel the plot forward smoothly as well as open a deeper conversation surrounding human relationships and Alzheimer's Disease. It was gripping from start to finish, and the narrative is an emotional rollercoaster ride. Suk’s writing feels very lyrical, making it easy to digest the chapters as well as making an impact for its readers long after finishing the novel.

The romance aspect was well-written and the slow-burn aspect of watching Yena and Lucas rediscover and find their way back to each other was so engaging. In doing so, readers can see the characters grow over the course of the novel and have great communication with each other. I do wish the book was a bit longer to explore more of the quiet moments, but overall, I would highly recommend this novel. I think readers who enjoy beautiful and heartfelt stories will love this novel.