Summer Book Review #2

I took this book out of the town library last week because I had read the author's first novel, The Killing Tree, and enjoyed it so much that I thought this would be a great one as well.  And it was!!

The book The Memory Thief,  is contemporary fiction with a bit of a mystery thrown in.  

It is told from the perspective of 2 main characters:  Hannah, and Angel.  There is a section in the ending as told by Hannah's adopted sister, Bethie.

The author is Rachel Keener and she first caught my eye as that is the last name of our senior pastor at church.  This is the author's 2nd novel.

The setting:  South Carolina and Tennessee

Main Plot: (taken from back of book) "When Angel sets fire to her childhood home, it isn't the end---it's the beginning.  Left with nothing but a few memories in her pocket, she escapes into the safety of the tobacco fields.  Hidden by those green-gold leaves, she sets her eyes on the mountains where she believes someone waits for her.  Angel longs to empty her pockets, hand over the answers to what became of her, and whisper, "this is my story." 

As Angel's journey begins, Hannah struggles to tell her own story.  The daughter of missionaries who follow the rules of a small and strict religious sect, Hannah has been taught to prize modesty above all else.  Wearing floor-length polyester skirts and never cutting her hair, she has always lived apart from her peers----until the summer her family moves to James Island, South Carolina.  Slowly, Hannah begins to escape the confines of her strict upbringing and soon makes a choice that will forever change the course of her life.  As these two women's paths connect, Hannah's past will prove to mean everything to Angel's future."

My thoughts:  I was hooked right away into this story. It is actually 2 stories that are connected.  At some points in the story, it is a little confusing as to who is speaking....you must pay close attention between the 2 main characters.  Will you despise Hannah's mother or will you feel sorry for her?  I felt both emotions and ended up actually hating Hannah's mother.....hate is a strong word so maybe, intensely disliking is a better choice. Yet, I think the author means for us to have that reaction. As a Christian mom who is all about balance, grace, and mercy, I found the mother to be absolutely despicable.  And the father does NOT do a Biblical job of leading his household.  Again, this is the author's intent.....it is how she wanted the family dynamics, I believe.  and...keep asking your self:  Just WHO is the memory thief????  I am not going to tell you my answer as I don't want to spoil anything.

The book made me cry inwardly because on some levels, I know of women friends who are stuck like Hannah was. I don't want to reveal too much here but I know and have seen what happens when people can't let go of the past and accept the mercy and grace of God.....I see how bitterness creeps in and God is pushed away.  I see how people who are so legalistic that they have no concept of the joy of the Lord.  This is not a Christian fiction book but it IS spiritual.

I highly recommend this for ages 16 and older.

And I really hope the author plans on writing another one soon!!