The Memory Child

The Memory Child, Book 1

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

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.

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.

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.

So so

I predicted ending in first few chapters. very slow paced. almost didn't finish

Ugh

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

Couldn't stop listening

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended this book to others. The story explored all avenues of emotions, suspense, laughter, sorrow. You could actually see the events unfolding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Memory Child?

One of the most memorable moments was when she describes the first time she saw her daughter and the feelings she had.

Have you listened to any of Amy McFadden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent.

dufficult to put down

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

Beautiful story

Kept me guessing till the very end. Heartbreaking story of mother and child. A must read.

Good read.

Enjoyed the reading of the novel. The novel itself was good but sad. I would recommend this book .

Wow

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