Reviews - The Memory Library

359 reviews for:

The Memory Library

Kate Storey

4.03 AVERAGE

mrs_b's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring slow-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

kirstymaymcglenen's review against another edition

5.0

This book is so heart warming. A beautifully written way to highlight the importance of friendship, of second chances and of overcoming mistakes. It is the perfect book for booklovers everywhere.

ninarg's review against another edition

3.5

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

chlobrown's review against another edition

3.5

emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

leona_omahony's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing 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

A wonderful read both uplifting and emotional.

carolinerd's review against another edition

4.0

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a nice story, very moving. The mother/daughter relationship was interesting and I loved the idea of a mum building a library for her daughter, adding a new book each birthday with a meaningful inscription. I liked the references to the different books, some of which I have read, some I haven't, and the life lessons they teach. I warmed to Sally and felt quite protective towards her although at the same time I got a bit irritated by all these people gushing over how wonderful she was! I liked the cast of supporting characters, particularly the lovely Jakub, librarian by day, drag queen by night, but I didn't like Ella much. I had to keep reminding myself that she was in her 40s, not her 20s. I found her self-righteousness very annoying and she had such a lack of insight for someone who was supposed to be so clever. Why didn't she suspect what might be wrong with her mother?

It's one of those warm, fuzzy novels that make you feel that the world isn't such a bad place, that it is actually full of caring souls, and at times it feels a bit twee, but I'm sure that even in London there are communities like Sally's where people genuinely fall over themselves to help friends and neighbours. I certainly thought how wonderful it must be to have a terrific support network like that. It's also a wonderful celebration of the power and charm of books.

Overall, an enjoyable read which tackles an upsetting subject but still leaves you with a sense of hope and plenty of faith in humanity.

namsmommy09's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this story of a daughter returning home. Her relationship with her mother a strained one, but when she is forced home to help care for her, things come to light that change everything that she's ever known. I loved the way the characters develop over the pages. Also loved the ending. Just perfect.