My Name Is Memory [Kindle Edition]

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.

As well as having a gorgeous cover I was captivated by the synopsis. The whole idea of reincarnation and soul-mates really appeals to me. I knew I had to read this one and thanks to the awesome Keris Stainton for sending me a copy, my wish was granted.

Unbelievably complex writing technique brings 1st and 3rd person narration with interweaving chapters of the past and present settings give a incredibly detailed insight into the characters/interactions within the book.

Daniel is such a wonderful character to create in your imagination. The whole past lives aspect is fully developed with detailed chapters written in first person narrative, starting at his earliest memories of life up until he present day. You can fully understand is complexity, his reluctance to get close to people and his inability to interact on personal level. Yet, he never fails to search for his soul mate, tortured by the memories of his past life with her many incarnations. Daniels happiness is directly linked to his ability to find this missing piece of himself in every life.

I have heard the saying 'this one is an old soul' a lot especially after having my children. The term takes on a more significant meaning after reading this book.

Hypnosis and Regression therapy are touched upon within the plot. It made me wonder what it would be like to access memories from a previous life. Would I be left wishing to be back in that time if it was better than the life I had now or would I be weighed down with guilt for some past wrongdoing. Looking at the plot from this angle helps build empathy for Daniel and even Lucy. Has anyone else said to themselves when things go wrong in their lives; "I must have done something really wrong in a previous life to have to pay for it now". The whole ideal of karma and reincarnation blending together so you have to atone for mistakes made in a previous lifetime is flawlessly incorporated into the narrative.

The 3rd person narration for the rest of the book is very subtle, the narrator does not have a strong individual voice, instead the narrative is focalised from either Daniel or Lucy's perspective giving it the feel first person narration.

Lucy is the current incarnation of Daniel's soul-mate. He is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He is not subtle about the information he reveals to her. Completely shocking and bewildering her, at first she is incredulous. Yet, as we get to know Lucy we see her strength of spirit and her capacity to see below the surface of people (for want of a better explanation I hope it makes sense). Circumstances lead her to believe not only Daniels past lives but also her own.

Elements of the supernatural are incorporated into the storyline adding an extra dimension to the plot.

I adored this book - right up until the ending - when I could have quite cheerfully pitched the book across the room. I am hoping, praying and may even resort to begging for a sequel. I have too many unresolved issues outstanding with this one to leave it like that. Please someone tell me there is a sequel. Then if you know someone that can send it to me immediately.

I adored the characters and the theme, just about everything so *yes I will beg* please don't leave me hanging like this.

Lucy is in her last year at school when her mysterious classmate, Daniel, tells her a strange story: that he loves her and has done so for hundreds of years through a myriad of different lives... Told in alternating first- and third-person narratives, this follows Daniel's story (told by him) from his first life in the 500s, and the tale of his present day relationship with Lucy.

I really wanted to love this book but found myself a bit disappointed. Although this is being sold as a book for adults, it frequently felt that it emotionally belongs in the teenage genre. There is more than a passing resemblance between Daniel and Edward Cullen (although, of course, their `affliction' is different) and Daniel's voice feels like a feminine, rather than masculine one or, more precisely, a romantically idealised male voice as imagined/fantasised by a female author.

This is the sort of book where people love through fate or destiny without having to get to know each other at all and it is, of course, `true love'. The plot feels a bit sparse to me and very fragmented: so there are lots of little sections, some only a couple of pages, where Daniel recounts his previous lives. The addition of an evil brother who completes the love triangle was a bit too much like a pantomime villain and the whole patterning too neat.

Brashares can write some beautiful prose but it's inconsistent and this book, overall, lacked atmosphere and real emotional power for me. Reading is always a very personal matter of taste and other reviewers here clearly loved this: I found this a bit thin and obvious but suspect my teenage niece will love it.