robert pellegrine: Just a delightful novel, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, which an artful author will always do and Kathryn Hughes does beautifully. My only issues with her are factual ones. For example, Italy, especially northern Italy does not have a tropical climate ad the author seems to infer. Another thing is that Italians don't say "bulb pomeriggio" in the afternoon, they say "bona sera". Food wise, Italians don't serve croissants for breakfast as that is a French pastry which you will not find in Italy and lastly, when she described the coffee that was delivered to the room in the hotel, she describes the character as pushing down on the handle as if it were so called " French prrss" coffee, which you would never find in an Italian hotel. Author Kathryn needed to have an Italian read her book prior to its release. Just saying.
United States on Sep 29, 2023
Suzanne Shrode: I loved this story. It had me from the beginning until the end. Beautifully written and full of twists, love, and tears. A great read.
United States on Sep 28, 2023
Jennifer H.: I am a person that hates to read! But one day i took a chance on this one and couldnt put it down.Absolutely loved this book! Kept me thinking. Towards the end so many twists (happy and sad).
Worth a read!
United States on Sep 14, 2023
avid reader: A lovely story of friendship across the generation gap intertwined with a love story
Good read I liked it , thanks
United Kingdom on Aug 26, 2023
Suan: An interesting take on where life can lead one. Two parallel lives. One supporting physically and the other supporting morally. Surprising twist at the very end. I did not expect that one, although some - not all - of the others I cottoned on to before they were revealed.
Germany on Aug 24, 2023
Darran Green: I really liked this story I never wanted it to end I could have gone in reading it for days
United Kingdom on Aug 22, 2023
Peppersoo: Beautiful, unforgettable page turner. I loved this story. So many twists and turns, so many broken hearts. We all make mistakes and Jenny made plenty but she lived and loved over a 100 years. Despite her faults, she was an amazing brave lady.
United Kingdom on Aug 17, 2023
Love Reading: I'm giving The Memory Box five stars since I enjoyed it and it kept me turning the pages with the twists in the plot.
I must admit I puzzed at first, at why Jenny had left it till her 100th birthday to make a special and important journey. The travel insurance would have cost a fortune to begin with.
But as the story progresses, the reasons behind her journey come to light. And the reasons are poignant and heartbreaking.
There is a side plot with Candice, her carer at the home, who is in an emotionally abusive relationship. Through her own experience, Jenny is able to help (sometimes hinder) Candice's relationship with her partner, but it does add an excellent dimension to the story.
Finally, I didn't see the twist at the end, so I was surprised till the finish.
I can recommend The Memory Box to anyone who enjoys a dual time story.
United Kingdom on Aug 03, 2023
Mary: The Memory Box
This is my first book by Kathryn Hughes. The Memory Box has a dual timeline with a story weaving in and out between the 1940s and 2019. The first-person narration by Jenny and the third-person narrative to show Candice’s life seamlessly blend well across the chapters. The book starts slow and picks up a little in pace as the story moves ahead. The actual “story” takes place after 2/3 of the book however it was an easy read.
The focus isn’t much on the setting but rather the thoughts of the characters. Jenny feels real with her strengths, flaws, and uncertainties. Candice, well, there are girls like her. Can’t tell you how many times I wanted to shout at Candice to make her see what everyone around her saw. I think the author drove her point straight in about toxic relationships using Candice and Beau.
I tried to stay with the story and not guess the “twists” or reveals. And there were about five reveals toward the end. I figured out two straight away but the others creeped up on me.
Overall, it’s an immersive read and it’s a pleasure to be transported to Italy and Wales.
United States on Jan 30, 2023
| Uncover the Secrets of the Past with Kathryn Hughes' 'The Memory Box' | Barbara Davis: Preserving Joyful Conclusions | Kristin Hannah's Novel "The Nightingale" - A Story of Love, Loss and Survival during WWII | |
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| B2B Rating |
87
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99
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97
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| Sale off | $1 OFF | $7 OFF | $10 OFF |
| Total Reviews | 206 reviews | 2 reviews | 1 reviews |
| Dimensions | 5.05 x 1 x 7.75 inches | 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches; 14.4 Ounces | 5.55 x 1.55 x 8.25 inches; 1.2 Pounds |
| World War II Historical Fiction (Books) | World War II Historical Fiction | World War II Historical Fiction | World War II Historical Fiction |
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces | ||
| Paperback | 417 pages | ||
| Publisher | Headline | Lake Union Publishing | St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition |
| 20th Century Historical Fiction | 20th Century Historical Fiction | ||
| Language | English | English | English |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6/5 stars of 19,933 ratings | 4.6/5 stars of 88,652 ratings | 4.7/5 stars of 289,762 ratings |
| Women's Literature & Fiction | Women's Literature & Fiction | ||
| Best Sellers Rank | #330 in World War II Historical Fiction #762 in 20th Century Historical Fiction#10,549 in Women's Literature & Fiction | #3 in World War II Historical Fiction #15 in Family Life Fiction #44 in Literary Fiction | #2 in World War II Historical Fiction #8 in Family Life Fiction #17 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1472265951 | 978-1542021470 | 978-1250080400 |
| ISBN-10 | 1472265955 | 1542021472 | 1250080401, 9781250080400 |
United States on Oct 12, 2023