My Name is Memory [Paperback]

Can you imagine a love that lasts for centuries? A love that survives through multiple lifetimes, stretches across history and continents, and yet is never fully complete. Would that be the ultimate gift, or the ultimate torture? In My Name Is Memory, it's a little bit of both.

The story starts with Daniel and Lucy's relationship in the present day, but we are also treated to glimpses of their past lives. These glimpses, told in the first person by Daniel, were one of my favorite parts of the book. After all, the present day is really the smallest part of Lucy and Daniel's story. The main part of the book is third person, and you don't get as clear a view of Daniel's personality. He's an intriguing character, a man who has lived countless lives in service of a single goal. I got the impression that he might not be entirely sane, but I really liked him. Who could be sane after living for that many years?

The writing is beautiful. The shifting between times and perspectives made it feel very dreamlike to me, but it's the kind of dream where you wake up and you wonder if it was real. Brashares brings her characters to life with incredible clarity. As far as I'm concerned, she is a master of "showing" you her story rather than "telling" you her story. The only problem that I had with this book is that it took a long time to get to the point. The first third is good, and the last third is amazing, but I have to say I found the middle a little bit tedious. I just wanted Daniel and Lucy to find each other, already!

Once, the story picked up again, the book was pure bliss. So good that as soon as I finished it, I flipped back to reread the last few chapters. I am in love with the entire concept of this book, the romance and the heartbreak. I have to say I've been a little obsessed with it. One of my favorite things about reading is the way you can take a vacation from reality and still come back feeling like you've become wiser with the experience. My Name Is Memory is a perfect example. The observations about people, life and love are unexpected and real- even though the overall idea of reincarnation is not something I personally believe in.

I was warned about the ending of this book, and I am glad I was, so I'm going to give you a little warning too. It's not very satisfying. There are a lot of questions left at the end of the book. In fact, I would say the biggest part of the story is yet to come, since this book is intended to become a trilogy. According to the publicist in charge of this tour, Ann "is intending to write a sequel." That sounds like we may be waiting for a while.

Even with the problems I mentioned, I still loved this book. It will definitely be getting a permanent place on my shelf and I'll be marking my calendar for when the sequel comes out.

Title: My Name is Memory
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Riverhead Books/Penguin
Pages: 324
Source: Publisher (ARC)
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

A story of love, loss and heartbreak. Readers will be immersed in a magical, captivating love story that spans many centuries. Reincarnation has brought two people back together over several centuries and only one has the ability to remember. Daniel and Sophia have lived many lives. Through many lives, and many bodies Daniel has loved her. He has loved Sophia from the first time he met her, and unintentionally caused her great harm. Daniel, full of regret and guilt wants to prove his eternal love to Sophia. However, unable to control the universe, he is not always able to find her. Occasionally he has had to wait over 200 years to find her. When he does find her, many times he is unable to interact with her, due to age differences, tragedy or life circumstances. When she is married to your brother, you have to respectfully endure. When she's an old woman and you're a toddler, life can be difficult. Lucy is born first as Sophia and in each life has a different name. Daniel always manages to maintain his name, his unknowing parents sometimes are reluctant but he is adamant and manages to persuade each of them. This time Sophia is named Lucy and Daniel is determined to spend his life with her. The book spans from Daniel's earliest memory in 541 to present-day 2009. The narrative alternates between confused, present-day Lucy and Daniel's past memories and present situation. Daniel and Lucy are brought together in high school. Lucy is oddly drawn to a quiet, distance, familiar Daniel. She's not sure why he seems familiar, she doesn't remember seeing him before. What she doesn't realize is their souls are attracted to each other. Despite their attracted souls when Daniel goes too far and scares Lucy, their lives again begin to distance. Lucy always left wondering about that boy, and Daniel wanting the best for Lucy. When her life becomes endangered, Daniel is committed to keeping her safe. He believes he has caused too much turmoil in each of her lives.

Overall Impression:

I cannot give this book enough praise. When I began reading it, I was expecting another 'Time Traveler's Wife.' Which, I must admit is not a favourite of mine and I was scared to not enjoy this one either. Pleasantly surprised I was completely mesmerized by this novel. A few pages in and I couldn't put it down. Actually, sometimes I did put it down because I didn't want to finish it too quickly. I knew once it was done, I would have to leave the characters behind. I felt invested in Daniel and Lucy, I wanted so much for them. I am elated to find out that this will be a trilogy. Thank you Ann Brashares! I found this book to be magical, and beautifully written. The changing perspectives and lives, including names was not confusing at all and built the story wonderfully. Both characters were extremely likeable and I was really rooting for them throughout. This is definitely a must read!

This will be in my top 10 books read in 2010.

I couldn't put it down. Must read! I want the sequel to be published so bad but not enough people have purchased the novel for them to publish it :(