Review: My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares

My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares
General Fiction/Fantasy
Riverhead (June 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1594487583
336 pages
ARC provided for review by the publisher

Synopsis from Amazon:

Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.

Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

A magical, suspenseful, heartbreaking story of true love, My Name is Memory proves the power and endurance of a union that was meant to be.

I've been a fan of Ann Brashares's work since I first picked up The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants when I was fourteen years old. I've read everything that she's published since then, including her first adult novel, The Last Summer (of You and Me). What I've enjoyed most about her novels is her ability to make her stories feel so real. That may not seem like such a great feat considering that everything she's written thus far has been realistic fiction. However, if you pick up My Name is Memory, you'll understand what I mean.

Daniel and Lucy's story is of a fantastic nature. The premise is predicated on the idea of reincarnation which, whether you believe in it or not, lends a supernatural element to the tale. The themes of love, loss and danger, however, are what grounds it in reality and what, in my opinion, makes it truly awe-inspiring.

What I loved most about this book were the flashbacks, which were mostly told from Daniel's viewpoint. Brashares's premise isn't all that unique. There are plenty of love stories about people who have loved each other across time and space. They often fail, though, by not adequately drawing these potentially epic relationships. My Name is Memory excels at this. Not only do we get a complete understanding of why and how these two individuals came to love each so much, but we also are treated to wonderfully illustrated historical backdrops and landscapes. The rich settings go a long way in enhancing the overall story.

The historical narratives are balanced by a story of intrigue and discovery set in the present day. Lucy, who is initially reluctant to believe Daniel's story, struggles with her desire for normalcy against her need to understand. Daniel only wants to protect and love her but is unsure how to best go about those goals, especially with a threat to safety of both of them looming ever-closer.

While nearing the end of the book, I noticed that the story was still at a climax and there was no resolution in sight for the couple. Yes, the novel does end on a cliff-hanger which begs the question: will there be a sequel? I sincerely hope so. The ending is so ambiguous and juicy that there almost has to be a follow-up. Otherwise, Brashares will have plenty of pissed off readers on her hands.

Despite the ending, I really did love this book. Everything said in that last line of the blurb is true and, after reading this, I had the stuffy nose to prove it.

Grade: A-/B+

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