I love being surprised by a book that’s so delightful I just have to share it! I’d seen the cover of Please Return to the Lands of Luxury floating around Instagram for a while. The cover and title looked interesting, but I had no idea what it might be about. Well, not no idea. I knew it involved a girl living in a land of trash and a place called The Lands of Luxury. I worried the story might be metaphor heavy. But I was pleasantly surprised by a book with great characters and a story about memory, family, and friendship.
I think you’ll love it too.
The Story of Please Return to the Lands of Luxury
Jane is happy with her life on the island of trash along with her two friend, Timothy and Rodney. At least, she’s mostly happy. They find old canned foods among the trash heaps, and the “metal men”–scary robots who are safe to be around as long as the residents stay in line–distribute water to the residents. But what Jane misses is her parents. What’s worse, she only has memories of her mother. And she worries she’ll forget those too, just as memories of her father seem to have disappeared.
So when Jane finds a nearly new looking doll with a tag that asks it be returned to the owner in the Lands of Luxury, she feels compelled to reunite doll and owner. After all, how could anyone forget about something so precious. After a harrowing journey, Jane makes it to the address, only to find a little girl who turns up her nose at both the doll and Jane herself. When a clue to the doll’s real owner presents itself, Jane worries that the longer she stays in the beautiful Lands of Luxury, the more likely she’ll be to forget what’s most precious to her, her memories of her mother.
What I loved
Hope–While a futuristic world where some live in trash heaps may not be the most unique premise, I found the approach taken totally unique. I expected a post-apocalyptic story pitting the haves against the have-nots. Instead I found a story full of hope.
Characters–Tilton dips into the minds of several characters throughout the story, including Jane’s two friends, who each have their own problems and character growth.
Childlike thinking–One of the most appealing things about Jane is her child-like logic. The smell of her purple hoodie reminds her of home and her mom. Jane worries her memories might fade if the smell disappears. Her concern feels entirely believable. It draws the reader to consider how we hold onto our memories of those who have passed.
Conversation starter–“You don’t deserve to live in a trash heap. No one does.” These words, spoken to Jane, should make us all wonder, who in our very real world is facing circumstances similar to Jane’s.
Parents should know
Please Return to the Lands of Luxury has some peril (such as the scary robots previously mentioned). Even so, I don’t think it would be too much for the average reader ages 8 and up. (Maybe hold off a bit longer for your sensitive reader.)
The audiobook was excellent, and my library had it through Hoopla, so there’s a good chance yours might too
