The Memory Child

By: Steena Holmes

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Brian finds out that his wife, Diane, is pregnant, he is elated. He’s been patiently waiting for twelve years to become a father. But Diane has always been nervous about having children because of her family’s dark past. The timing of the pregnancy also isn’t ideal - Diane has just been promoted, and Brian is being called away to open a new London office for his company.

Fast-forward one year: Being a mother has brought Diane a sense of joy that she’d never imagined and she’s head over heels for her new baby, Grace. But things are far from perfect: Brian has still not returned from London, and Diane fears leaving the baby for even a moment. As unsettling changes in those around Diane began to emerge, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.

A woman’s dark past collides head-on with her mysterious present in this surreal and gripping family drama.

©2014 Steena Holmes (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

The build up is what keeps it from being 4 stars

Good and the twists at the end we're really good but the build up made me think this wasn't going to be a mystery or thriller. The pacing was a bit slow.

Mothers and Babies

I was as enjoying the book until the last two chapters. I like Steena Holmes writing, in some of her other books. I wish novels would be written about postpartum depression that didn't end with the baby being dead and the mother crazy. There is such a thing as triumphing over the odds.

Ugh

Worst narration ever. Over done, over acted. Almost ruined the book for me. Story was good.

Uniquely written, greatly performed.

This book was delivered in a very interesting way, from 2 person's point of view, and spanning almost 2 years time. I'm glad it tells the person and date at the beginning of the chapter, very helpful. Would have like a male narrator too, but having the one female didn't take away from the book for me. Now as far as the book. It was fantastic. I had an idea about the twist but what actually happened still threw me, I was wrong. The insight into mental health and post partum depression or psychosis is heartbreaking. All of the characters are lovable except Harvey. He seems like a creep. A short but good book.

Addicted to the very end

Diane is not sure if she wants to become a mother. But it's too late when the pregnancy test is positive. Brian, her husband couldn't be happier. But with Diane's career and the fact she may inherit her mother's psychosis postpartum depression, she fears she will not be a good mother.

Diane couldn't be more wrong. Grace is everything she ever wanted. The perfect baby and Diane wants nothing but to care and protect her. Yet, she can't figure out why Brian has been absent since the birth of their child. Nina, her nurse/nanny gives her written messages from Brian. But still, why hasn't he called?

As Diane tries to focus on the moments after her daughter's birth, she can't recall one memory. All she knows is the love she feels for Grace and the strange behavior of everyone else. And why doesn't anyone come to see her?

Filled with red herrings, this thriller will keep you asking questions and throwing you off to the very end. Steen Homles has perfected a true thriller that keeps your attention and turning the pages. Amy McFadden narrates with flawlessness giving detail to each character.

A predictable story, yet still an emotional read.

A predictable story, yet still an emotional read.

I chose the audiobook for a long drive, it kept my attention, but within the first paragraph I began pricing the storyline together, and by the halfway mark I saw the ending.

OK story, decent performance

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was an OK story to listen to while doing tasks. I missed some of the story but didn't feel like it was detrimental to the plot.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Better plot/story editing. There was a lot of repetition and exposition. Parts of the story dragged on.

Which character – as performed by Amy McFadden – was your favorite?

I liked the "Brian" character slightly better as he seemed more realistic.

Could you see The Memory Child being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Could be a movie with better editing. The concept is compelling but the writing needs more polish.

Moving

This is not my typical type of book. Not sure why I got it, but I am so glad I did. This story makes you realize how fragile life can be, how easy it is to lose touch with reality. Brian and Diane’s story is moving, unsettling and gripping. I had a hard time putting it down

dufficult to put down

amazing story. well written. so captivating, surprising. loved it. narrator did a great job. i didnt want it to end.

Wow

What a powerful story. Tears for sure
Narrator i love. As always she does a wonderful job

Never Expected

I obviously liked the write-up and reviews of this book because I bought it twice. Once for my kindle and once from Audible. I enjoyed going between the two with them syncing all the time.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. All the way through I had questions that remained unanswered and certainly never expected the ending.