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The Map of Lost Memories

by Kim Fay (Goodreads Author)

3.42 of 5 stars 3.42 · rating details · 452 ratings · 146 reviews

In 1925 the international treasure-hunting scene is a man’s world, and no one understands this better than Irene Blum, who is passed over for a coveted museum curatorship because she is a woman. Seeking to restore her reputation, she sets off from Seattle in search of a temple believed to house the lost history of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer civilization. But she soon discove...more

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published August 21st 2012 by Ballantine Books (first published August 1st 2012)

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Jul 02, 2012 Kim Fay rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Since I can't objectively review my own book --- I love it too much :) --- I'd like to share the "Publishers Weekly" review of it: "Fay’s debut novel is a thrilling mix of adventure and personal discovery set in Southeast Asia in the 1920s. At the behest of her manipulative mentor, Henry Simms, unappreciated 29-year-old Irene Blum quits her job at Seattle’s Brooke Museum and heads to Shanghai to persuade scholar-turned-revolutionary Simone Merlin to join her on a quest to locate 10 ancient Khmer...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Mitch rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have almost nothing but praise for The Map of Lost Memories, this is a book I could just tell author Kim Fay poured her heart into. There’s just so much to love and enjoy, the authentic period feel, the complex and interesting characters, a well-woven plot that ties together ancient Khmer history with the complicated politics of the interwar years. It’s hard enough finding historical fiction featuring 1920s East and Southeast Asia, reading one like this, smart, well-researched, is a real treat...more I have almost nothing but praise for The Map of Lost Memories, this is a book I could just tell author Kim Fay poured her heart into. There’s just so much to love and enjoy, the authentic period feel, the complex and interesting characters, a well-woven plot that ties together ancient Khmer history with the complicated politics of the interwar years. It’s hard enough finding historical fiction featuring 1920s East and Southeast Asia, reading one like this, smart, well-researched, is a real treat.

I initially thought this would be an adventure novel - it’s really a character study. Irene Blum, of course, is the former museum assistant, passed over for the curatorship position at a major American museum because of her gender, now looking for redemption by discovering the lost histories of the Khmer on ten copper scrolls. Along the way, helped by her wealthy benefactor the industrialist Henry Simms, she recruits an eclectic cast of characters for her expedition, Simone Merlin, wife of a notorious Communist party organizer, Marc Rafferty, shady Shanghai nightclub owner, and Louis Lafont, French archeologist. Each of the characters has individual and conflicting motives for being on the expedition, wanting the scrolls, and watching them jockeying with each other for pole position, discovering each of their individual motives for wanting the scrolls, seeing those motives change as their characters change, made following Irene’s journey of discovery a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

It helps too that Irene and her peers are also uniquely connected in ways that aren’t initially apparent. I liked Irene right away, especially her rightly indignant attitude after being rejected by the museum board, and understood her early obsession with locating the scrolls. Simone too, wow what an interesting character, someone who’s both huge on the Shanghai social scene but also sadly compelling on a personal level and suffering from a bad home life. And the way Irene recruits her makes the story later much more interesting, almost like a conflict between friends with all the connections that are eventually revealed. Really, the only weakness in the cast of characters I think is Marc, I didn’t buy his quickie relationship with Irene and his presence on the expedition felt almost pointless. There’s a big reveal about his relationship with Mr. Simms and hence Irene, but compared to Irene’s and Simone’s storylines, his feels like the forced requisite love interest story just so this book would have romance in it.

That’s not a big deal for me though, not when the Fay includes these almost vivid period descriptions of Shanghai, Saigon, and even the Cambodian jungle. Somehow, she gets the atmosphere, partly gritty, partly politically unsettled, an almost foreign mixture of Western and Asian influences, just right. I love that authentic feeling I get with an author does her homework, Fay definitely did her homework here, above and beyond even. But even better, the most impressive atmosphere, it doesn’t overwhelm the story with pages of description, rather it’s a light flavoring that provides the ambience but doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story. And best of all, it’s not all entirely from Irene’s or other colonial’s points of view, I like how Fay includes a local Cambodian woman, Clothilde, as well, and the way she challenges Irene’s motivations and calls her out on her preconceived notions just added another dimension to this already multifaceted book.

Actually, beyond Irene’s scenes with Marc which I felt were forced into the story, I really enjoyed The Map of Lost Memories. Somehow, I just think this book would’ve been even better as a two woman adventure, just Irene and Simone. But besides that, everything else, Irene and Simone, their journey, their development, all awesome.(less)

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Jul 23, 2012 Pamela Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! just started it and it's awesome....finished and still awesome. This book, The Map of Lost Memories, reads like a favorite classic old movie; think Casablanca, written with such texture that you can feel the suffocating steam rise deep in the Cambodian jungle. It is an adventure, mystery with an undercurrent of romance set in 1925. Irene Blum is a young woman from Seattle Washington, who has been working for the Brooke Museum specializing in exotic oriental artifacts. Irene leaves Seattle t...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-shelf

I won an advance copy of this book through GoodReads First Reads.

My mind is still reeling from all the good things about this novel (or maybe it's from lack of sleep, due to reading it for such long periods of time). It has been awhile since I have been so truly absorbed in a book from cover to cover--and after finishing it, wanting to turn back to page 1 and begin again. The story starts In Seattle with Irene Blum the protagonist, then moves to Shanghai, Saigon, and finally Cambodia as other ch...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, fiction, historical-fiction

I listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed it. This book is a historical fiction that takes place in Southeast Asia in the 1920s. There is a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a really intriguing premise that kept me listening anxiously to see what happened next.

I love reading about the 1920s and I have not read many books about Southeast Asia during this time period so I found the book truly fascinating from that aspect. The way that Fay writes about Shanghai and Cambodia...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Jo at Jaffareadstoo rated it 5 of 5 stars

The forgotten history of Cambodia is the foundation for this beautifully written novel of discovery. In The Map of Lost Memories, the author, Kim Fay presents a unique and exciting search for legendary copper scrolls, which are believed to describe the ancient Khmer civilization. When museum curator, Irene Blum, is given written evidence that the ancient scrolls exist, she enlists the help of adventurer, Simone Merlin, to help her gain access to this forbidden territory. However, Simone is a vol...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Barbara Seidel rated it 3 of 5 stars

This started slow but picked up momentum as the characters came alive. It tells the story of a woman in the 1920s trying to make a name for herself in the museum artifact field. Her goals take her all over SE Asia where she enlists a cast of lost souls including other women to help her. The descriptions of Cambodia and Vietnam - both places i have traveled to, made me want to go back. What was so compelling about the story was the depiction of women as adventurers at a time when women were not e...more

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May 18, 2013 Gloria rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I listened to this and the narrator was pretty good. One generic European accent was a little inconsistent but that the author should bear some blame for that because she never specified what country the character came from and hey, it COULD have been Trannsylvania!

The book drew me in and kept my interest. The author took her time developing characters although they all didn't develop equally. One character is a bit unstable and the author allowed that to reveal itself slowly which was very good...more

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May 05, 2013 Lindsay rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm a big historical fiction fan, but I tend to only pick up novels set in America or Europe. Kim Fay's debut novel, "The Map of Lost Memories," which takes place in Shanghai and Cambodia in 1925, was definitely a bit different from my usual fare. But different is typically good, and a new setting and a fresh voice made for a refreshing change of pace -- and I learned a few things, too!

She's not yet 30, but Irene Blum has devoted years of her life to Seattle's Brooke Museum of Oriental Art and i...more I'm a big historical fiction fan, but I tend to only pick up novels set in America or Europe. Kim Fay's debut novel, "The Map of Lost Memories," which takes place in Shanghai and Cambodia in 1925, was definitely a bit different from my usual fare. But different is typically good, and a new setting and a fresh voice made for a refreshing change of pace -- and I learned a few things, too!

She's not yet 30, but Irene Blum has devoted years of her life to Seattle's Brooke Museum of Oriental Art and is almost single-handedly responsible for its rise to prominence. Irene -- with her savvy, her skills at acquiring hard-to-find pieces and her passion for ancient Cambodia -- is the obvious choice to replace the museum's elderly curator upon his retirement, so she's absolutely flabbergasted when the museum's trustees pass her over for the position -- in part because she's a woman.

Now Irene has something to prove -- to the museum trustees, the world and herself -- and she sets about gathering the pieces and the people for an expedition deep into the jungles of Cambodia in search of a priceless ancient artifact. Irene possesses a map that she hopes will lead her to a set of 10 copper scrolls on which the history -- and mysterious downfall -- of the Khmer, or ancient Cambodians, is said to be inscribed.

Fueled by spite at the Brooke Museum trustees, Irene plans to take the scrolls to America and use them to cement her reputation in the museum world. But she needs help to find the uncharted temple where the scrolls are rumored to be hidden, and a rather motley crew comes together to join Irene on the treasure hunt -- the wife of a Communist party leader, the assistant curator of a museum in Cambodia, a Shanghai nightclub owner and a former Cambodian prostitute. Cultures and ideals clash, and in this novel of secrets, each player has his or her own motives -- and plans for the invaluable scrolls.

"The Map of Lost Memories" was a bit of a slow starter for me, partly because I have essentially no knowledge of Cambodia and I had to get my bearings in a book filled with names, words and customs that were new to me. But I kept my phone by my side to look up pictures of unfamiliar things mentioned in the book (like Cambodia's Angkor Wat -- one of the the largest religious monuments in the world) and before long I was immersed in the Orient in 1925.

I enjoyed journeying to a new land out of my normal element and, while I found Fay's writing to be a bit slow-moving at times, she provided lots of color and atmosphere to the story. Her debut novel was a pretty good read, and I'd check out her next book if it happens across my path.

(From my blog, www.lindzlibrary.blogspot.com)(less)

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Oct 13, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

A literary, thought provoking, adventure novel doesn’t come along very often, and when it does it seldom lives up to the hype that surrounds it. The exception that proves this rule is The Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay. Opening in 1925 Seattle, the novel’s heroine Irene Blum has just been passed over for the coveted position of museum curator of the Brooke Museum, a job that she is more than qualified to do, simply because she is a woman. Her mentor, and a friend to her deceased parents, Henry...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Cindy Crawford rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good book with an interesting blend of history, mystery, character study and adventure. The adventure aspect seems the least developed, making it more of a literary novel than an adventure novel. Set in 1925, this is the story of a group of people searching for the lost scrolls of the Khmer in Cambodia.

The main character, Irene, changes and grows throughout the novel, but most of the other characters seem to stay somewhat stagnant, even Simone. It very much felt like the other characters were pr...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Vickie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that I’ve always been a bit of an Indochina junkie, so, when I was approached about reviewing this book, I was a little leery. But, I am very thankful that I took on the task. Kim Fay knocked it out of the part with this one. I also have to admit that I am not a fan of a lot of descriptions of one’s surroundings, but this one was so well written, that I literally could feel the balmy, humid climate. I could hear the pounding rain. I could hear the insects in the jungle and see th...more I have to admit that I’ve always been a bit of an Indochina junkie, so, when I was approached about reviewing this book, I was a little leery. But, I am very thankful that I took on the task. Kim Fay knocked it out of the part with this one. I also have to admit that I am not a fan of a lot of descriptions of one’s surroundings, but this one was so well written, that I literally could feel the balmy, humid climate. I could hear the pounding rain. I could hear the insects in the jungle and see the streets of 1925 Shanghai and Saigon. I could smell the incense and the smoke from their hand-rolled cigarettes. I was mesmerized with the temples and the different statues that stood guard in Cambodia.

The characters are so well written that you can’t wait to see what happens next. There are so many twists in this book. Irene is very determined and very stubborn. And to say this lady has more courage than anyone else in the book is an understatement. She constantly surprised me with the depth of her courage and conviction to see her task through to completion. And, in my opinion, she surprised herself. Her parents have both died, her mother when she was a child, and her father more recently. Mr. Simms, a family friend, has been her father figure, benefactor and biggest champion, plays such an integral part in Irene’s growth throughout this story. There are several supporting characters that have a lot of depth as well. Simone, the Communist temple robber, gives new meaning to dysfunctional. Louis, Simone’s first love, stays true to his cause. And, then there’s Marc, the dashing nightclub owner. Would love to tell you his back story, but that would give away one of the surprises within the story.

There is murder, mystery, a little political intrigue and a great adventure. For me it is a little Indiana Jones in respect to adventure and a little Out of Africa in respect to the strength of the lead female character. I can’t express in words how well written this book is. You can tell that it was definitely a labor of love for Fay. I can only hope that she doesn’t stop here. I look forward to her next adventure. And hope that she doesn’t make me wait too long. Very well done Ms. Fay, very well done.

You can read all of my reviews at thereadingcafe.com.(less)

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Sep 15, 2012 Brenda Hawley rated it 3 of 5 stars

1925, female archaeologist looking for lost Khmer scrolls in Cambodia: sounded like something out of Indiana Jones, right? The novel was, however, very disappointing. Some of the positive aspects were the descriptions of 1925 Shanghai and the jungles of cambodia. I learned more about the transitioning from colonialism to the beginning of communism in Indo-China, but the structure of the plot and characterization and lack of interesting suspense left me frustrated. I suppose my biggest complaint...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Jeannie Mancini rated it 3 of 5 stars

Irene Blum, a museum assistant in Seattle, has been ousted out of the top curator position she has worked hard all her life to achieve. In shock, and feeling betrayed by her peers, she is soon given an opportunity by a friend of her father's to find a batch of lost copper scrolls that tell the story of the mysterious lost race of Cambodia's Khmer people. The Kmer race was the civilization that built the wonderous archaeogical site of Angkor Wat that lies deep in the eerie jungles of Cambodia. Se...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Susan Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book just couldn't make up it's mind on what kind of book it was. It's billed as an adventure novel but the adventure doesn't begin until halfway through the book. Adventure books tend to move at a rapid pace but that only happened the last 75 pages. Earlier on it just dragged. I began to think the story would never move from Shanghi. It's not really a character study. The leading character is the only one fully developed and the other women are actually fairly done but the male characters...more This book just couldn't make up it's mind on what kind of book it was. It's billed as an adventure novel but the adventure doesn't begin until halfway through the book. Adventure books tend to move at a rapid pace but that only happened the last 75 pages. Earlier on it just dragged. I began to think the story would never move from Shanghi. It's not really a character study. The leading character is the only one fully developed and the other women are actually fairly done but the male characters are only there as back drops. It's not really a travel book because I learned very little about the Cambodian culture. I really wanted to as I know next to nothing about it but I didn't come out much wiser than when I began.

The book is about a young woman who has a passion for Cambodia. She works as a museum curator in Seattle and is passed over for promotion. Since it's the 1920's, it's probably not that surprising. Irene Blum wants to prove how big a mistake the museum board made so she goes on a quest to find a lost temple in Cambodia. Her parents had been there in the past and her guardian, Mr. Simms- a wealthy man, bankrolls her expedition.

She flies to Shanghi and gathers an odd bunch of characters to assist her on her journey. How she meets them and gets their support makes up the first half of the book. There are a lot of drugs, parties and double dealing involved in assembling her team. They all want to find the temple but for different reasons.

I think this is an average book. There are some good points. The women are interesting. The descriptions on Cambodia are lyrical and descritive. The last 100 pages are very good. The jungle came alive for me and the wonderful finds were really brought to life. The pacing was good.

I'd like to think this is the first book of a series. I'd really like to read what happens next. I'd love to read more about the Cambodian culture and what happened to them. I'd like to know if there's a treasure map. I'd like to know if the characters continue to evolve. I hope the story doesn't end with this book. It could be a very good series. (less)

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Aug 10, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-edition, different_cultures, goodreads-authors, group-reads

First let me say that this book has apparently been loved by many of its early readers, and I can see why. The descriptions of the physical settings are wonderful, some of the metaphors are lovely, the storyline is potentially great, and the characters are not one-sided. They are selfish and altruistic, greedy and idealistic, and altogether human.

So, don't let my overall opinion put you off reading this book if you think it sounds like your kind of story. The book didn't work well for me because...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Jaylia3 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Set in 1925, this sophisticated, character-rich adventure begins in the Pacific Northwest, but most of the action takes place in the politically charged city of Shanghai and dense, steamy jungles of Cambodia, home of the ancient Khmer empire. Irene Blum is sure she is going to be put in charge of the Seattle museum she felt owed its success to her resolute, behind the scenes and not always legal acquisitions work, but a man with a degree is chosen in her place. Determined to prove her worth, she...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Cynthia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

Indiana Jane

I love adventure, lost treasure stories and this one is screaming at high decibel! Irene Blum is the behind the scenes curator at a prestigious art museum throughout until the mid 20’s. This means she does the work, others get credit for it. Her specialty is Asian artifacts particularly those of Cambodia, specifically the Khmer tradition that blossomed between 9,000 AD through 1,500 AD and then mysteriously, and suddenly, disappeared. No one knows why. When she suddenly has the chanc...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Meenoo added it

On the surface, “The Map of Lost Memories” hits all my bookish sweet spots: archaeology, history, an evocative setting, and the political machinations of the museum world. In the 1920s, Irene Blum travels to Cambodia to search for the lost scrolls of the Khmer Empire. Irene has a troubled past and an obsession with Khmer art and history. Not much is known about the Khmer Empire to Westerners at the time (or now, you could argue), especially regarding how and why the empire disappeared. Irene wan...more On the surface, “The Map of Lost Memories” hits all my bookish sweet spots: archaeology, history, an evocative setting, and the political machinations of the museum world. In the 1920s, Irene Blum travels to Cambodia to search for the lost scrolls of the Khmer Empire. Irene has a troubled past and an obsession with Khmer art and history. Not much is known about the Khmer Empire to Westerners at the time (or now, you could argue), especially regarding how and why the empire disappeared. Irene wants to find the scrolls and gain professional prestige so she can run her own museum focused on Khmer art in the US. It is a fabulous premise and one I was wholeheartedly interested in following. How romantic to think of jungle temples lost in time!

The book’s strengths lie in its descriptions of the mood and setting of SE Asia and its willingness to bring the complex issues of French colonialism, empire, and cultural ownership to the mix of issues pervading the book. I actually wanted to read the book on my balcony so I could feel the humid heat of the tropics (lately, this summer’s humidity feels tropical) to make the scenes come additionally alive. I loved the descriptions of the apsaras, temple architecture, and plants in Cambodia and Vietnam.

My major quibbles with the book were that I felt it dragged in places. I understand the quest aspect of Irene and Simone’s search, but I felt that some of the scenes could have been cut to keep the plot tighter. I didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between the characters, and there were too many characters and issues that emerged but weren’t satisfactorily resolved.

However, I want the kind of life these characters lived (but with less snakes and mosquitoes). The book did stay with me and left me with a lingering melancholy. I was enthralled by Irene’s obsession with the Khmer Empire and longed for an intellectual obsession like that. But some of the revolutionary seeds that Fay plants in the book become all too real in the future history of Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge took their name from the Khmer Empire, and with hindsight, we all know what atrocities they committed to their own people. It’s tragic to know what is in store for the people in Irene and Clothilde's world. It's obvious that the author shares the love of this part of the world with her characters and I am very interested in reading what she writes next. (less)

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Mar 12, 2013 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

As an archaeologist, I’m always skeptical about books featuring amateur archaeologists/ glorified pot hunters, regardless of the time period. Such books may inspire modern amateurs to go on their own quest for artifacts. In Fay’s novel, Irene is a disgruntled curator in a man’s world (i.e. 1925), who follows the archaeological trends of the time for preservation, which involves stealing artifacts for one’s museum or own collection. Fortunately, attitudes change throughout the book. I was pleasan...more As an archaeologist, I’m always skeptical about books featuring amateur archaeologists/ glorified pot hunters, regardless of the time period. Such books may inspire modern amateurs to go on their own quest for artifacts. In Fay’s novel, Irene is a disgruntled curator in a man’s world (i.e. 1925), who follows the archaeological trends of the time for preservation, which involves stealing artifacts for one’s museum or own collection. Fortunately, attitudes change throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised by the book’s overall message about protecting antiquities and archaeological sites, as well as the necessity of the indigenous population’s opinion in what happens to the relics of their past. It wasn’t a glorified treasure quest, but a well-written tale of a woman’s quest for a sort of academic revenge to realizing what is actually important. Fay’s various descriptions of Cambodia and China were beautifully detailed, providing a glimpse into a place I’ve never been. I could almost feel the intense humidity of the region. Moreover, I could feel Irene’s building tension towards her fellow travelers and desperation to find her piece of the Khmer.

This was a fun read for anyone interested in historical fiction, especially one with a feisty female lead. I personally found it entertaining, since Fay remained true to the time period, weaving in the academic to amateur attitudes towards archaeological remains and indigenous populations, as well as the major shifts occurring both academically and socially. However, the romantic sequence between two characters caught me off guard. Perhaps it was lust at first sight, but the relationship happened a bit too quickly without much development in between. Also, the major climax of the story, the buildup being the majority of the book, also happened a bit quickly. Without spoiling the ending, I wondered if where certain things were being protected was actually plausible explanation for that region. Despite those two points, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was beautifully crafted.(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this ARC free from Goodreads First Reads.

This is a very hard book to pin down--historical fiction, populated by Westerners but set in Asia, with an understated romantic thread, wrapped around an Indiana Jones-worthy archeological mystery. I can't say that it was can't-put-down compelling or a quick read, because it really took me a surprisingly long amount of time to read such a comparatively short book. But that density made for an immersive reading experience--it was almost as thoug...more I received this ARC free from Goodreads First Reads.

This is a very hard book to pin down--historical fiction, populated by Westerners but set in Asia, with an understated romantic thread, wrapped around an Indiana Jones-worthy archeological mystery. I can't say that it was can't-put-down compelling or a quick read, because it really took me a surprisingly long amount of time to read such a comparatively short book. But that density made for an immersive reading experience--it was almost as though the heat of Shanghai and the Cambodian jungle infected you and brought on a languid, almost hazy feel as you read, so the pace felt natural and unhurried rather than merely slow.

Set in 1925, American Irene Blum makes for Shanghai after being overlooked for the curator position at Seattle's Brooke Museum, an institution whose reputation for its Asian historical collection she almost single-handedly built, albeit behind the scenes and uncredited. Having grown up in the museum with a love of Khmer history, Irene is on a quest to make her name by discovering the mythical lost scrolls that supposedly chronicle the mysterious end of the Khmer empire. Her expedition is funded by her semi-adoptive father, Henry Simms, who provides her with a rediscovered diary containing a treasure map and instructs her to enlist the help of Simone Merlin. Simone, a French national born in Cambodia who grew up in the ruins of the Khmer temple at Angkor Wat, is married to the violent rabble-rouser Paul Merlin, who is attempting to bring about a Communist revolution in China. Mr. Simms also turns Irene on to Marc Rafferty, a Shanghai saloon owner and information kingpin.

From Shanghai to Saigon to the jungles of Cambodia, the three travel on their quest for a lost temple, picking up in Saigon Simone's childhood sweetheart Louis Lafont, now assistant curator of the French-run Conservation d'Angkor. Along the way, everyone has opportunity to question their motivation and ultimate goal, should the scrolls be discovered. Much is discussed about the state of the Cambodian people, crushed under the boot of the French colonists. Also revealed slowly is the mystery within the mystery--how they all seem to be connected in a giant web woven by Mr. Simms, even back to their parents.

I know next to nothing about Asian history, and while I can't say that this story imparted enough historical detail to make me feel more educated on the subject, I can say that the lush setting descriptions made me feel like I'd been a tourist on the sites (or at least watched a short, pretty travel documentary). I do feel more aware of the plight of indigenous people when European imperialists come calling. The author obviously has a love of the region, and that comes through in the writing.(less)

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Sep 17, 2012 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, fantasy

Picture Indiana Jones as a woman and you get a feel for what this book is like. It is so superbly written that I fell in love immediately with not only these characters, but the author as well. There's twists and turns and ups and downs and scandal and romance and excitement. On top of that, throw in some historical facts and an exciting trip through Cambodia and surrounding areas. It's all there. So why only 3 stars then? Well, I think for me anyway, it was a little too smart. I don't like to t...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

The one thing to remember about an adventure is that if it turns out the way you expect it to, it has not been an adventure at all.

They traveled at night as it was only then that the heat released its grip enough to make movement through the jungle possible. By 8am the temperature and humidity combined to immobilize every living creature. Despite the difficulties, this is the journey of a lifetime for Irene Blum. Raised by her father after her mother’s death when she was six, her childhood was s...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Jeff rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I randomly picked off of the "new book" shelf at the library. If you're like me, and you do that, you know that these can be "hit or miss." Well this one was definitely "hit!" I absolutely loved this book! If I understand correctly, Kim Fay has written other books, but this is her first novel. It's a wonderful story, set back in time, of a group of unlikely adventurers heading into the deeps of Cambodia to find an ancient Khmer temple, that may or may not be there...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Bonnie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Really, I wish I could give this novel two ratings. The first half would get four stars and the last part two. The setting is 1925 and the international treasure-hunting world belongs to the male species, as did every other profession. Irene Blum expects to be chosen as the curator for the Brooke Museum in Seattle, but is shocked to learn a man will fill the role. She vows to herself that she will ffind the lost history of Cambodia's ancient Klmer civilization and prove to the world that she is...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Sarah Wagner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, china, historical-fiction

*I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*

A historical adventure tale, reminiscent of Indiana Jones, takes the reader to 1920s Shanghai and then to Cambodia in search of evidence of the ancient Khmer civilization. Irene Blum, an American museum curator, was passed up for a promotion and instead embarked on a quest to find a Khmer temple deep in the jungle of Cambodia and the copper scrolls allegedly kept there that tell the history of an ancient empire. She is joined...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Andrea rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I was hoping for an Indiana Jones-type archaeological thriller, but, unfortunately, this was kinda dull. I didn't end up liking any of the characters. I realize the book is supposed to be about the main character's growth--you're not supposed to like her that much in the beginning. I just felt like she didn't grow that much. She was a self-centered, thieving, immature whiner at the beginning, and she was pretty much the same at the end. I did think the Khmer history and the perspective on coloni...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Jaime Boler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book Review: The Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay

The Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay (Ballantine Books; 326 pages; $26).

When author and former bookseller Kim Fay was a little girl, she became fascinated with Southeast Asia. Her grandfather played a significant role in her growing obsession. He was a sailor in the Orient in the 1930s and told Fay stories about his life. Together, they would study photographs from that era; Fay was entranced.

After graduating from college, Fay traveled to Asia fo...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Betty rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have read this author and I really enjoyed the book. It kept me guessing. The characters have secrets that surprise you and I had some late nights because I couldn't stop reading. I look for4ward to reading more of her books.

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Oct 05, 2012 Kristen rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wanted/expected to love this book but I was never really able to get into it. In fact I force-marched myself through the last 70 pages or so this afternoon because it was due back to the library today and I didn't think it was worth the fine to keep it. I'm not even sure where it failed for me; the treasure-hunt plot should have grabbed me even if the main characters were all somewhat unsympathetic. It did do an excellent job of transporting the reader to 1920's Shanghai and Cambodia, but stil...more

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Historical Fiction

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Adventure

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Cultural > Asia

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Thriller > Mystery Thriller

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Mystery

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Mystery > Historical Mystery

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Adult

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Literature > Asian Literature

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Adult Fiction

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About Kim Fay

Born in Seattle and raised throughout Washington State, I lived in Vietnam for four years and still travel to Southeast Asia frequently. A former independent bookseller, I am the author of the historical novel "The Map of Lost Memories" and "Communion: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam," winner of the World Gourmand Cookbook Awards’ Best Asian Cuisine Book in the United States. I am also the crea...more

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Books by Kim Fay

Communion: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam

To Asia With Love: A Connoisseurs Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam

To Vietnam With Love: A Travel Guide for the Connoisseur

To Nepal With Love: A Travel Guide for the Connoisseur

To Thailand With Love: A Travel Guide for the Connoisseur

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Quotes from The Map of Lost Memories

“The one thing to remember about an adventure is that if it turns out the way you expect it to, it has not been an adventure at all.” — 10 people liked it

“Even if you don't find what you think you're looking for, darling, it's the going out and looking for it that counts.” — 4 people liked it

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