The Memory of Us

A Novel

By: Camille Di Maio

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Julianne Westcott was living the kind of life that other Protestant girls in prewar Liverpool could only dream about: old money, silk ball gowns, and prominent young men lining up to escort her. But when she learns of a blind-and-deaf brother, institutionalized since birth, the illusion of her perfect life and family shatters around her.

While visiting her brother in secret, Julianne meets and befriends Kyle McCarthy, an Irish Catholic groundskeeper studying to become a priest. Caught between her family's expectations, Kyle's devotion to the Church, and the intense new feelings that the forbidden courtship has awakened in her, Julianne must make a choice: uphold the life she's always known or follow the difficult path toward love.

But as war ripples through the world and the Blitz decimates England, a tragic accident forces Julianne to leave everything behind and forge a new life built on lies she's told to protect the ones she loves. Now, after 20 years of hiding from her past, the truth finds her - will she be brave enough to face it?

©2016 Camille Di Maio. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

My Musings

At least one time a year, I will read a book that touches me to my very soul. The Memory of Us did that. Early on in the book, I almost quit reading because I found Judith a bit frivolous, but the plot continued to keep me engaged. I'm so thankful I kept reading/listening!

The love story between the hero and heroine is emotionally-charged while incredibly sad. Poor Judith just couldn't believe anyone could love her despite her problems. I don't want to give any of the plot away, but I encourage to embrace this marvelous book.

Please read this amazing book. If no other reason then that it is a fantastic depiction of the hardship and trials people faced during that horrific war, but I'm sure you will appreciate the great love between the couple. I rarely cry when reading a book, but this one definitely brought tears to my eyes. This is the best book I've read in 2017. It will definitely remain on my keeper shelf. Happy reading!

Made me look forward to my commute

This book was well written and extremely captivating. I enjoyed the character development through out the novel.

Lovely prose...regretful lives

While I always love Mrs. diMaios novels...his one left me unsatisfied because of the lack of faith Julianne had in her family especially Kyle & the vanity behind it...it seemed very selfish....
The happy ending left me unsatisfied....

Deeply moving and interesting

The characters pulled at my heart strings. The story so touching . I highly recommend this book!

Enjoyed the story

I enjoyed the heartbreaking story of lost time as one person decides what the other would want without communication. So much lost.

Beautiful and Romantic

I loved this book. I was riveted from the beginning to the very end. Beautiful story, very romantic.

The book takes some wonderful unexpected turns

Half way through the book throws WW II at you, quite a turn of events.

Wonderful historical romance

Wow. Just wow. What a wonderful historical romance. Emotionally evocative. Strong, lovable, relatable characters. I loved the tension with the tidbits of future events interspersed throughout the first part of the book, making the reader wonder what is to come and how will the characters get there. The book reminded me of another captivating book from years ago by Colleen McCullough, The Thorn Birds. I had a hard time putting this book down and cannot wait to read more from this author. I listened to a complementary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. Fiona Hardingham does a marvelous job narrating Julianne and Kyle's story which made for an enjoyable listening experience.

Joy, Sorrow and Love- A must read!

I feel compelled to leave a review. There are only a handful of books that have truly scorched my soul and this is one of them. Absolutely beautifully written so that the reader can smell, see, and feel what the characters are experiencing. A time before mine and a religion that I’ve never experienced and yet I was there. Flawed and yet courageous characters, a love story, a bittersweet plot. So much like life that it hurts and heals and deeply resonates. Thank you Author for this story. And thank you Narrator for switching seemlessly between accents and for feeling each word.

A story that kept me interested

I liked the story and narration.
I don't usually read books like this one, which would make an excellent Hallmark or Lifetime movie, but found it an enjoyable change.
Give it a try!