Book Review: My Name is Memory (Ann Brashares)

‘I have fallen in love, and she is the one who endures. I killed her once and died for her many times and I still have nothing to show for it. I always search for her; I always remember her. I carry the hope that someday she will remember me…’

Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.

Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

I read quite a lot of romance, and I do like most of them, but occasionally I find one that can easily outclass the rest. My Name is Memory is in huge contention for the most romantic book I have ever laid hands on.

The story of Daniel is one that is both fascinating and unnerving. I found the concept of reincarnation common enough, but to carry the memory of it all - both a gift and a curse to our hero - is a fresh albeit as intriguing twist to the idea. The complexity of Daniel's memory is engaging and intensely captivating, and as more of his history is introduced I was felt I was being enlightened to a philosophical, cosmic law. I was curious as to how the plot would present the concept of reincarnation and the accompanying memory - I did have a lot of questions but these has been more or less seen to in the course of the plot.

The novel is in alternate chapters of past and present. Through Daniel's account, readers glimpse his - and Lucy's/Sophia's - history. Images of the past were new and exciting to me. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the depictions but I am pretty satisfied and as Daniel is more thoughts than acts it is really his reflections which captivated me.I looked forward to each chapter of Daniel's narration and history while reading the present events and looked forward to the present  while I was immersed in each of Daniel's chapters. Once I started reading, I almost haven't stopped.

Daniel is certainly the mostnotable character. It is easy to feel - yes, feel - him in every page. His character is thoughful, reflective, almost self-less. He carries in his narration the words of a man who has lived a hundred lives, and this I felt is what drew me most to his character. It was as if a tangible Daniel has written those accounts himself; the emotions and anguish were so raw, his love for Lucy pervades his every word. It is worth noting, I think, that whilst Daniel is unquestionably in love with Lucy, he lives each of his life as his own person. Whilst Lucy is also a developed character, I find the balance tilted more towards Daniel. In a way, I think the latter surpasses many of the characters I have come to admire; there is respectability and a sort of magnetic admirability in Daniel that I rarely, if ever, find in others.

Now, if that was not enough, the twist in the plot had me gasping, squealing and racing to find out what happens next. It was incredible. The suspense was almost heartbreaking; I wasn't quite sure how everything would fall in place!

And while the ending(or lack thereof) was impossibly vague, it was not frustrating at all. I was still basking in the intensity of Daniel and Lucy's love to be frustrated about anything at all. I absolutely adore this novel. I could not get enough, and whilst I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, I damn well hope so.

I still re-read my favourite parts and am yet to determine how to untangle myself from this novel. It's impossible not to fall in love with it!

My Name is Memory is beautiful,beautiful novel. Written exceedingly well, with magnetic characters and with a romance that took my breath - and my heart - away, it is easily the most romantic novel I have read as of late.

Five Stars!

My Name is Memory is published by Hodder & Stoughton on 24th June. Don't miss it! Oh, and here's the book trailer!





* My review copy has been provided by the publishers. Thanks so much!