Memory and Dream

By: Charles de Lint

Narrated by: Kate Reading

As the young student of the cruel, brilliant artist Vincent Rushkin, Isabelle Copley discovered that she could paint images so vividly real they brought her wildest fantasies to life. But when the forces she unleashed brought tragedy to those she loved, she turned her back on her talent and her dreams.

Now, 20 years later, Isabelle must come to terms with the shattering memories she has long denied and unlock the slumbering power of her brush. And, in a dark reckoning with her old master, she must find the courage to live out her dreams and bring the magic back to life.

This is a tale of love, courage, and the transforming power of imagination.

©1994 Charles de Lint (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"In de Lint's capable hands, modern fantasy becomes something more than escapism. It becomes folk song, the stuff of urban myth." (Phoenix Gazette)
"[B]eautifully evokes a sense of creative community, making it almost possible to believe that the rarified aesthetic atmosphere might well be capable of conjuring up a spirit or two." (Publishers Weekly)
"[M]oves gracefully through the borders between reality and imagination, weaving a powerful tale about the relationship between an artist and her work. A strong addition to fantasy collections." (Library Journal)

Excellent

This is one of the books I would rate "6" I just read it for the second time out of my archives and it was well worth it.

Wait...what just happend?

Charles de Lint explores the boundaries between what is real and what is not on multiple levels in this book. It had many twists and I enjoyed it immensely. Memory and Dream is part of the Newford series, but like the other books in this series it can stand on its own and it is not necessary for it to be read in order. If you have not read any de Lint before; this is a good book to start with. De Lint explores urban fantasy meshing a modern day alternate 1980's America with the fey and Native American spiritualism. Memory and Dream delves into this but not as deeply as some of his other books.

The book is centered around Isabelle. She is a talented artist with an ability to create engaging pieces, but she also has a gift to bring to life what she paints. This was taught to her by her mentor, the acclaimed reclusive artist, Rushkin. Rushkin insists she must protect the world by destroying these creatures, but Isabelle has difficulty believing this. She wonders if she and Rushkin are crazy, and if she truly did create these creatures, why do they need to be destroyed?

Isabelle's relationship to Rushkin isn't healthy. He is a mad artist with mood swings, anger issues, and mental instability. Aside from questioning the reality of bringing life into the world by painting, Isabelle isn't sure she can trust Rushkin, or John - her boyfriend she doesn't know if she created or not.

De Lint often explores the effect of abuse with his characters. Isabelle is the product of a neglectful and verbally abusive childhood. The level of abuse is not as extreme as in some of his other books, but it does have a big impact on how Isabelle relates and deals with her life. While issues of abuse, suicide, and drug abuse are part of this book they are dealt with realistically and respectfully. There is minimal profanity and descriptions of sex, drug abuse, etc. are not explicit or graphic

Kate Reading's narration is very good. She has done all of the de Lint books I have read and enjoy the consistency. She does a fabulous job of distinguishing between her characters.

finally a De Lint on Audio

As a collector of Charles De Lint books, I was so excited to see an audio version. I was not disappointed. The book is set in his Newford setting that he uses for his urban realism stories. De Lint explores the role of the arts in our lives. A common theme in many of his books. Of course, he wraps it all in a lively set of stories that are interwoven and come together with a very satisfying end.

De Lint fans will be glad to listen to one of his stories and newcomers are in for a treat.

Wonderful story with delightful narration

This story is as charming and colorful as we've come to expect from Charles de Lint; and Kate Reading's narration and character acting adds charm and warmth to an already delightful book! It was easy to find more and more opportunities to listen to this story.

An urban fantasy set in modern times with modern characters, it somehow seems possible with a little suspension of disbelief. Each characters is unique, with a breadth and depth that makes them as familiar as friends. It also has one of the signs of great fantasy: there is obviously much more to the world and people than is revealed in the words of this book. (In fact, there are many books' worth of story if you also find yourself wanting more.)

Engrossing

This was such a lovely find. I love books that are not bleak and depressing yet still remain hearty and thought provoking. This is one of them.