Provocative parable about memory and the tragedy of loss. On an unamed island off an unamed coast, objects are disappearing, flowers, hats, ribbons, birds and then more sinister tragedies develop. Initially, the island inhabitants are oblivious to the changes, but, as they gradually lose their memories and sense of smell, the dystopian, bleak narrative presents a haunting, memorizing read.
The unamed protagonist, who is a writer, carries the story. She discovers that her Editor is in danger of the Memory Police and she concocts a plan to hide him under the floorboards in her home. Once hidden away from society, his memories stay in tact. As her memories dwindle, he is there to remind her who she is and unfortunately, all she has lost.
This book is categorized as Science Fiction/Fantasy but, the haunting Orwellian trauma, drama of the loss of 'things' is beyond lasers, lights, robots and aliens. This is literary fiction, that is both thought provoking, and mesmerizing. Its a page turner, a nightmare unfolding to the point, where you gasp, "OMG what next?" Deeply sad and moving, the unamed protagonist dwindles into nothingness, a "voice."
This Author is a master of writing, atmospheric novels, that simmer with melancholy to the point of transcendence where the reader questions, their sense of self. This is another memorable novel I have read and reviewed by this Author. I look forward to her next, great book.
Other Books by this Author:
Revenge: 11 Dark Tales 2020
Hotel Iris 2010
The Housekeeper and the Professor 2009
The Diving Pool: Three Novellas 2008
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