Lies My Memory Told Me by Rin Chupeco
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Lies My Memory Told Me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the complexities of memory, identity, and truth. The book raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and personal experience. Despite its promising concept and thought-provoking themes, the execution leaves something to be desired.
The Details
The story follows Nova Reynolds, who lives in a society obsessed with experiencing and sharing memories through Enhanced Memory. As the daughter of the technology’s creators, Nova is expected to embrace this world fully. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Kade, a mysterious boy with a tragic past, and starts to uncover unsettling truths about Enhanced Memory and her own memories.
The novel’s premise is fascinating and timely, considering the current debates about technology and privacy. Wunsch does an admirable job of setting up a world where memories can be bought, sold, and manipulated, creating a dystopian backdrop that feels both futuristic and eerily plausible. The ethical implications of such technology are well-explored, and the book poses significant questions about the authenticity of memories and the potential consequences of tampering with them.
Nova is a relatable protagonist, and her journey to uncover the truth about her past and her family’s involvement with Enhanced Memory is engaging. Her internal struggles and growing doubts about the technology that defines her world are convincingly portrayed. Kade, with his enigmatic background and connection to the darker side of Enhanced Memory, adds depth to the narrative and provides a catalyst for Nova’s awakening.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. One of the main issues is the pacing. The story starts strong but tends to lose momentum in the middle sections. There are moments where the narrative drags, and the tension that is so effectively built up in the beginning dissipates. The climax, while exciting, feels rushed and leaves some plot threads unresolved.
The world-building, although imaginative, sometimes lacks depth. More detailed descriptions and explanations of the technology and its societal implications would have enriched the story. Additionally, some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to fully invest in their arcs.
The writing style is accessible and straightforward, which works well for a young adult audience, but there are instances where the prose could benefit from more nuance and subtlety. Certain plot twists are predictable, which lessens their impact, and the dialogue occasionally falls into cliché.
The Verdict
Overall, Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch is an ambitious and thought-provoking novel that tackles important themes relevant to our increasingly digital world. While the execution is uneven and the story sometimes loses its way, it remains a compelling read with a unique premise and a strong central character. Fans of speculative fiction and dystopian tales will find much to ponder in its pages, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential.
