A review by clmckinney
The Most Secret Memory of Men by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book follows the trail of a cloaked author whose novel was surrounded by controversy. We follow a young author who is drawn to this veiled writer. We see the many turns his life takes from his birth and onwards. What I really liked about this novel is the slowly unfolding story. And every side character has their own contribution to the larger story of who this man really is. This man was mythical and legendary in his powers. There was also a supernatural element which worked great in this tale. I think this says a lot about literature and writers, and how profound their contribution to people and community is. I am amazed this wasn't on the International Booker Prize List. This is great writing, and amazingly good story telling. This reminded me of Murakami a bit, and another book called S, about a mysterious writer. I give this one a 5/5.