Title: My Name Is Memory
Author: Ann Brashares
ISBN: 9781594487583
Pages: 336
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Publisher: Riverhead
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Summary:
Daniel is a seemingly ordinary man with a unique gift – he can remember the most intimate details of his past lives. Each time he reincarnates, he retains all of his memories as well as the ability to recognize the souls of people he’s previously known. When he is reborn, he looks for the woman he has loved for over a thousand years, since the very beginning, a woman he calls Sophia. When he recognizes her in Lucy, his high school classmate, he unleashes a chain of events that no one can predict.
Review:
I’ve read all of Ann Brashares’ books, and while I’ve thought all of them have been solidly good, none have inspired a deep emotional connection. My Name is Memory has changed that – this book was both heartfelt and completely engrossing.
The premise behind My Name is Memory is reincarnation, and Brashares’ take on it is captivating. She includes all kinds of hints and details about the process – enough to satisfy the reader, yet holding back a sufficient amount of information to keep the reader interested. I enjoyed learning about her interpretation of reincarnation, and thought it made for a creative and thought provoking backdrop to this unique novel.
As for the love story between Daniel and Lucy, I have to admit that it reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. However, I didn’t actually adore that book as much as most and liked this book a lot better. Brashares does an excellent job conveying the deep running emotions of the two main characters, but also inserts a healthy amount of skepticism. I must admit that I was frustrated by the devices she used to keep tension in this storyline, but in the end I really enjoyed it.
I heard that My Name is Memory is going to be a trilogy, and I certainly hope that is the case, especially considering the ambiguity of the ending. I really enjoyed the time I spent with this book and certainly hope there is more to come on the story of Daniel, Lucy, and the overarching plot of reincarnation.
12 comments:
I've been thinking about buying this but was waiting for reviews from trusted bloggers. I'm glad you liked it! Nice review.
Hmmm...a friend of mine offered to loan this one to me, but I haven't taken her up on it. I just have so many I have to read! (that was a whine) Guess I need to add this one to the stack.
I'm really looking forward to this one!
I loved the idea of what Daniel and Sophia had. My favorite part of the book was thinking about the idea of love being so deep it can span centuries. Even though i'm not sold on the concepts of reincarnation or soul-mates, Brashares made me suspend all that for the duration of the book. I'm glad you have a positive review of this story.
My mom is fascinated with reincarnation, so I bet she would love this book. Great review, as always!
When I was younger I was totally enthralled with reincarnation, so this book holds a lot of appeal for me. I also like that it will most likely part of a series. Thanks for the great review, I will have to try it!
I'm glad to see you liked this one as it's on my shelf. I'm also happy to see that this book evokes more of an emotional connection that her others don't. I look forward to reading it.
I really can't wait to read this book. I really like Brashares and for the most part I have read really positive reviews of this book. I'm glad that you liked it.
I haven't read anything Ann Brashares has written, but I think I'll pick this one up. Thanks for the review!
I loved My Name is Memory too. I've read one or two other books about reincarnation that I didn't really like, but I loved the way Brashares presents the concept here. I was asking myself "what if" type questions as I read the book. The ending was a little frustrating, though, and I'm anxious for the next book.
Phew!!!! I have this on my TBR and I've been dying to read it.
I have read fantastic things about this book. It seems like one of those books that I can just devour in one sitting.
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