Reviews - The Memory Library

352 reviews for:

The Memory Library

Kate Storey

4.04 AVERAGE

emmawiththewords's review against another edition

3.75

emotional funny sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I enjoyed this book because it was recommended to me by a dear friend

wild_reader_19's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

maryfelicep's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Sally has been building a library of books for her daughter Ella for years, adding a book every year on her birthday and writing a personal note on the inside of each book. Unfortunately, Ella is unaware as she moved to Australia 20 years ago after a major disagreement with her mother. When Sally has an accident at home, Ella flies to the UK to care for her mother. She realizes her mum has aged considerably and may be exhibiting early signs of dementia - she recently left the bath taps running at home, resulting in significant water damage to her precious library of books.

After spending time with her mum, Ella reconnects with her and they heal their relationship and work through their misunderstandings. Ella's new appreciation of her mum gives her cause to reflect on her own relationship with her husband and child, who she has left back home in Australia.

This is a feel good story which explores a number of themes many of us can relate to, including:
- healing and reconnection of family relationships, caring for an aging family member and the onset of memory loss and dementia, the importance of caring communities and friends for those living alone, the power of books and what they teach us
And how we perceive our parents vs the reality of who they are.

I enjoyed this story with its realistic and empathetic characters and a storyline told with honesty and heart. I struggled with Ella's character in the early part of the book but she became far more likeable as the story progressed and she started to look at everything around her from her mother's perspective. A wonderful read which I recommend for those who enjoy a story which touches your soul. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

feliciolobo's review against another edition

3.25

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

alice007's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

rachel_loves_to_read's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The story follows Ella and mum Sally, who became estranged 21 years ago when Ella emigrated to Australia following a heated exchange. However, Sally has a fall and Ella must return home to help her mum.

Ella is still struggling with past events, and connecting with her mum…. Until she rediscovers her love of reading- something that Sally and Ella once had in common. Sally would buy Ella a book every birthday and leave a special message inside.

This story was wonderful.

I loved the character development throughout the story. Ella appears spoilt and childish “If I were Queen of the world” fantasies, and stuck in the past. She is very judgmental of her mum and the people around her, until she begins exploring the local area that she grew up in.

There is a real sense of community, a positive representation of neurodivergent characters, and forgiveness.

An absolute heartwarming story. Highly recommend picking this one up.