Review by matildajay -- The Stealer of Memories
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matildajay
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Review by matildajay -- The Stealer of Memories
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Stealer of Memories" by Mois Benarroch.]
2 out of 4 stars
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With an utterly poetic sense the reader is plunged into a mundane setting of a hustling bustling city morning, soon to become a dance across time and space as The Stealer of Memories by Mois Benarroch, questions the very idea of memories in a unique form of science fiction. Unfolding before your eyes, a sequence of characters that appear to narrate the novel as a single being, well pulling experiences from all different walks of life, time periods and gender. Benarroch hints first at the idea of whether our memories are really our own, or possibly a déjà vu, a story once told by a friend, or one we recreated ourselves after viewing a link to the past. With progression, whole new layers are added to the consequence that such a visceral action, as the creation of memory, is not as singular as originally thought. Instead pushing the thought we have but a collection of stolen consciousness, an ideal that leaves you wishing to read on.
The story commences with the author awakening from loosing consciousness in a shop, only to move on with his daily routine of writing at a local cafeteria. However they are unable to shake the feeling that the woman manning the cashier who aided him from his fainting spell, is someone he knows; or rather it is her memories he knows. Describing this uncanny ability as a tactile sense in which he may deduce a moment in their life, as though it is an old movie playing until the film runs out, with all the details vague and grainy. This ability develops into an almost second narrative that transports the reader through the life and hardships of an immigrant Jewish woman, through the eyes of Nazis, and the rollercoaster ride of a lover whether real or imagined. Collectively weaving their stories into one as a singular voice, a voice that is the authors, just as much as it could be mine, or yours; just as much as our collection of memories are there for the taking by humanity itself.
Although the book stands just under 150 pages of content, the poetic complexity, as well as the writing style (possibly stemming from the multilingualism of the author, or alternatively a difficulty with the style of editing) demands your full attention. As previously stated this book categorically falls under Science Fiction, regardless it would appear to push the boundaries into a more metaphysical niche. This piece of literature is not one to be skimmed and requires the reader to really engage him or herself in a process of thought similar to each unpredictable character. Should you be looking for a lighthearted fuzzy piece of prose on a lazy Sunday afternoon, well this is not the book for you. Although should you be wishing to read a book that will leave you scratching your head, rereading, and wondering about the concept of intangible dimensions…then you are in good hands.
Initially the book was challenging to follow, without real context given to the theme, and was a rather messy narrative so to speak. As the author morphed between his collective narrators, political, racial and equality issues unexpectedly surfaced. Particularly in regards to gender equality, and immigration, with the Holocaust discussed as a prime example. This humanity added a greater depth of history, and relatable grounding that balanced out the quizzical ideology of a “stealer of memories.” It is this additional dimension that really ties the characters together, making the plot more cohesive, and enjoyable.
Although an entertaining read, the feeling of being accelerated through a never-ending rabbit hole leaves the sense of unfinished business. Finally, as a concept this book is surely intriguing; but sadly it is the snags and stop-jerk style within the syntax itself, that leaves this book falling short. I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars, and would recommend this to readers with an appetite for the philosophical, or who are looking for challenging fiction not found on your everyday shelf.
******
The Stealer of Memories
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2 out of 4 stars
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With an utterly poetic sense the reader is plunged into a mundane setting of a hustling bustling city morning, soon to become a dance across time and space as The Stealer of Memories by Mois Benarroch, questions the very idea of memories in a unique form of science fiction. Unfolding before your eyes, a sequence of characters that appear to narrate the novel as a single being, well pulling experiences from all different walks of life, time periods and gender. Benarroch hints first at the idea of whether our memories are really our own, or possibly a déjà vu, a story once told by a friend, or one we recreated ourselves after viewing a link to the past. With progression, whole new layers are added to the consequence that such a visceral action, as the creation of memory, is not as singular as originally thought. Instead pushing the thought we have but a collection of stolen consciousness, an ideal that leaves you wishing to read on.
The story commences with the author awakening from loosing consciousness in a shop, only to move on with his daily routine of writing at a local cafeteria. However they are unable to shake the feeling that the woman manning the cashier who aided him from his fainting spell, is someone he knows; or rather it is her memories he knows. Describing this uncanny ability as a tactile sense in which he may deduce a moment in their life, as though it is an old movie playing until the film runs out, with all the details vague and grainy. This ability develops into an almost second narrative that transports the reader through the life and hardships of an immigrant Jewish woman, through the eyes of Nazis, and the rollercoaster ride of a lover whether real or imagined. Collectively weaving their stories into one as a singular voice, a voice that is the authors, just as much as it could be mine, or yours; just as much as our collection of memories are there for the taking by humanity itself.
Although the book stands just under 150 pages of content, the poetic complexity, as well as the writing style (possibly stemming from the multilingualism of the author, or alternatively a difficulty with the style of editing) demands your full attention. As previously stated this book categorically falls under Science Fiction, regardless it would appear to push the boundaries into a more metaphysical niche. This piece of literature is not one to be skimmed and requires the reader to really engage him or herself in a process of thought similar to each unpredictable character. Should you be looking for a lighthearted fuzzy piece of prose on a lazy Sunday afternoon, well this is not the book for you. Although should you be wishing to read a book that will leave you scratching your head, rereading, and wondering about the concept of intangible dimensions…then you are in good hands.
Initially the book was challenging to follow, without real context given to the theme, and was a rather messy narrative so to speak. As the author morphed between his collective narrators, political, racial and equality issues unexpectedly surfaced. Particularly in regards to gender equality, and immigration, with the Holocaust discussed as a prime example. This humanity added a greater depth of history, and relatable grounding that balanced out the quizzical ideology of a “stealer of memories.” It is this additional dimension that really ties the characters together, making the plot more cohesive, and enjoyable.
Although an entertaining read, the feeling of being accelerated through a never-ending rabbit hole leaves the sense of unfinished business. Finally, as a concept this book is surely intriguing; but sadly it is the snags and stop-jerk style within the syntax itself, that leaves this book falling short. I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars, and would recommend this to readers with an appetite for the philosophical, or who are looking for challenging fiction not found on your everyday shelf.
******
The Stealer of Memories
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like matildajay's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD
