As part of the Book of the Month initiative introduced by Raul Villamarin Rodriguez, Ph.D., I would like to articulate my thoughts on this page-turning thriller.
David Baldacci, known for his legal thrillers and suspense novels came up with another masterpiece - Memory Man, an intricate story with numerous angles that are blended magnificently. It isn't just a regular thriller but one that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot keeps developing into a larger picture as the book progresses and intriguing twists do not leave room for a predictable story. It touches upon conditions such as hyperthymesia and the details are presented in a way that gives you great insight into what individuals go through in real life.
What I admired about the book was not the story but its characters. Memory Man has complex characters that have complicated pasts. Each character holds its own and pulls you into their story – this is equally true of the protagonist, antagonist, and all the side characters as well. Baldacci reiterates the story of individuals whose actions are shaped by their past and not the classic hero vs villain dull narrative. In addition, he paints a beautiful picture of how compassion, abhorrence, love and anger may not be found in the most obvious places and when highly anticipated but rather in places where least expected. The narrative is so powerful that a part of you is pulled and forced to contemplate various situations.
The story moves along briskly, with no breathers. You’ll be turning pages long into the night because it is a task to put Memory Man down. And at the end of it, what stays with you is not the story, but the complicated and deep characters that crafted it.
Overall, it was an amazing read which kept me glued until every word was read. I had originally read this book during my IGCSE boards and it did not disappoint me as I made my way twice. I would encourage every individual, indulged specifically in thrillers to check this out without fail.
"Life had coincidences. Serendipity abounded. Wrong place, wrong time. It came as the result of seven billion people jostling each other within the span of a single planet."
- Memory Man, David Baldacci
Comments