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The Memory Lights
A short story (9,000 words) by K.M. Weiland.
Even as she scrabbles for a living as a pickpocket on the streets of Victorian London, Mary somehow knows her terror of the streetlamps holds the key to her forgotten past. But not until she and her conman protector are drawn into a daring prison break will she come face to face with the horrifying memory of the night that shattered her life and trapped her in a world of darkness.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
10 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Weiland
29 books2,519 followersK.M. Weiland is the award-winning and internationally published author of acclaimed writing guides such as Structuring Your Novel, Creating Character Arcs, and Writing Archetypal Character Arcs. She writes historical and speculative fiction and mentors authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 10, 2016
Wow.....I am utterly gob smacked.
'throws away laptop and my current stories' Just kidding - K.M. inspires me so much!
This is unbelievably good. It's beautiful, thrilling, haunting.... it must remain on my kindle book shelf forever and forever....'hugs story'.
Words just fail me. This was such a difficult and emotional scenario.... boiled down to 9,000 words. Mary was incredibly executed, K.M did a fantastic job making a 'witless' or 'common' character have incredible heart.
My only complaints.
One typo .... one use of an exclamation mark during narrative (I just personally don't like this) and my biggest complaint.....
IT'S TOO SHORT! THERE ISN'T A SEQUEL!!!!!! 'Cries hysterically.' K.M. did a brilliant job of condensing so much material into a short story but it was so rich it could have just gone on and on.... I wanted to know what was going to happen next to her! K.M. PLEASE, I beg you, WRITE A SEQUEL.
I will buy it, I will buy multiple copies and skip through the countryside tossing them to and fro.
Please?
And to all my wonderful Goodreads friends and friends of friends... read this book!!!!!
'throws away laptop and my current stories' Just kidding - K.M. inspires me so much!
This is unbelievably good. It's beautiful, thrilling, haunting.... it must remain on my kindle book shelf forever and forever....'hugs story'.
Words just fail me. This was such a difficult and emotional scenario.... boiled down to 9,000 words. Mary was incredibly executed, K.M did a fantastic job making a 'witless' or 'common' character have incredible heart.
My only complaints.
One typo .... one use of an exclamation mark during narrative (I just personally don't like this) and my biggest complaint.....
IT'S TOO SHORT! THERE ISN'T A SEQUEL!!!!!! 'Cries hysterically.' K.M. did a brilliant job of condensing so much material into a short story but it was so rich it could have just gone on and on.... I wanted to know what was going to happen next to her! K.M. PLEASE, I beg you, WRITE A SEQUEL.
I will buy it, I will buy multiple copies and skip through the countryside tossing them to and fro.
Please?
And to all my wonderful Goodreads friends and friends of friends... read this book!!!!!
December 16, 2013
The thing that I love about digital publishing is the ease with which authors can create and distribute shorter works of fiction, such as novellas or short stories, without having to create an anthology. In The Memory Lights, by KM Weiland, we get treated to a wonderful short story about a mentally ill young woman set in Victorian England.
The author teases out the details of the circumstances of her illness and her protector, Colin. From the first we know something is wrong with Mary ans it has something to do with lights…if she could just remember.
Weiland makes her characters leap off the page in creative dialogue and mannerisms that captured my attention. As is always the case with a good story, it ends too soon, but I’ll be back for more.
The author teases out the details of the circumstances of her illness and her protector, Colin. From the first we know something is wrong with Mary ans it has something to do with lights…if she could just remember.
Weiland makes her characters leap off the page in creative dialogue and mannerisms that captured my attention. As is always the case with a good story, it ends too soon, but I’ll be back for more.
May 10, 2018
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up (mild violence)
Best for Ages: 12 and up
Read on Kindle Unlimited
From the first book I read by Weiland, I knew that she was talented. She had a writing voice that stood out and unique story ideas. This short story has been on my to-read list for a while, and I’m glad to finally be able to read it.
This book starts out feeling almost like a dream sequence, but you quickly discover it isn’t. In word choice, in the details that are focused on, Weiland quickly pulls us into Mary’s head, a girl with a past shrouded in mystery and who has many fears.
While this is a short story, it feels whole and complete. The ending was so sweet and satisfying.
I recommend this to those who like short stories, England, and light mystery.
Best for Ages: 12 and up
Read on Kindle Unlimited
From the first book I read by Weiland, I knew that she was talented. She had a writing voice that stood out and unique story ideas. This short story has been on my to-read list for a while, and I’m glad to finally be able to read it.
This book starts out feeling almost like a dream sequence, but you quickly discover it isn’t. In word choice, in the details that are focused on, Weiland quickly pulls us into Mary’s head, a girl with a past shrouded in mystery and who has many fears.
While this is a short story, it feels whole and complete. The ending was so sweet and satisfying.
I recommend this to those who like short stories, England, and light mystery.
May 11, 2019
Intriguing characters in a vivid setting with a mystery that really kept me guessing! I had no idea where it was going at the beginning, but even when I started getting ideas, they usually weren't the right ones. ;) I liked the way Mary struggled with her memory and got things back in bits and pieces rather than all at once; it felt very natural and believable. The only thing I would have liked better was to have the ending extended a little farther for a bit more closure. But overall, very well done!
Content--various illegal activities; violence and gunplay, including blood and wounds; name-calling and insults
Content--various illegal activities; violence and gunplay, including blood and wounds; name-calling and insults
October 22, 2019
It was amazing.
It was brilliantly written and the story line was unlike any other book I've read.
It was incredibly short for how much story was there! It could have been a lot longer, but I'm perfectly fine with how short it was. It served it's purpose well.
So yeah. I loved it.
(as a side note that really doesn't matter, I found it kind of funny how similar K.M. Weiland and Mary's names were...Kathryn Marie and Katherine Mary...Like I said, doesn't matter, it's just interesting.)
It was brilliantly written and the story line was unlike any other book I've read.
It was incredibly short for how much story was there! It could have been a lot longer, but I'm perfectly fine with how short it was. It served it's purpose well.
So yeah. I loved it.
(as a side note that really doesn't matter, I found it kind of funny how similar K.M. Weiland and Mary's names were...Kathryn Marie and Katherine Mary...Like I said, doesn't matter, it's just interesting.)
October 24, 2019
K. M. Weiland is amazing at grabbing and pulling you in with an amazing story and shocking you with symbolism and meaning along the way! There is so much beneath the surface.
December 2, 2013
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have read Weiland's books on writing a novel, however this was my first time reading any of her fiction. Typically I am not very fond of short stories as most tend to be poorly written with little character or plot development. However i was pleasantly surprised by Miss Weiland. This was very well written and entertaining. I could hardly put it down. My only issue with this book is that I wished it was a novel or novella so that I could enjoy learning more about the characters and see what happened next. The book took me less than 1.5 hour to read. But I guess I was a bit too greedy to take it all in as it was that good. Nonetheless this did not detract from the book and how much I enjoyed it.
As the book description states, the story follows the life of Mary, a pick-pocket who suffers from amnesia. This not only affects her ability to remember her past but also in storing new memories. Most authors who normally write about fictional characters with mental illnesses, typically do not get it right. Instead they follow the Hollywood cliches of what they think persons with brain injuries may experience. However Miss Weiland was spot on in portraying a women whose brain injury has severely impacted her ability to function. This gives persons the impression that she is nothing more than a mad woman, whom the reader sympathizes with.
You can also see that a lot of research and thought was put into painting a picture of Victorian London. From her descriptions of the city to the slangs she used, I almost felt as though I was there in the room listening to the characters and watching events unfold.
Would recommend this to any looking for a nice, quick, fun read!
I have read Weiland's books on writing a novel, however this was my first time reading any of her fiction. Typically I am not very fond of short stories as most tend to be poorly written with little character or plot development. However i was pleasantly surprised by Miss Weiland. This was very well written and entertaining. I could hardly put it down. My only issue with this book is that I wished it was a novel or novella so that I could enjoy learning more about the characters and see what happened next. The book took me less than 1.5 hour to read. But I guess I was a bit too greedy to take it all in as it was that good. Nonetheless this did not detract from the book and how much I enjoyed it.
As the book description states, the story follows the life of Mary, a pick-pocket who suffers from amnesia. This not only affects her ability to remember her past but also in storing new memories. Most authors who normally write about fictional characters with mental illnesses, typically do not get it right. Instead they follow the Hollywood cliches of what they think persons with brain injuries may experience. However Miss Weiland was spot on in portraying a women whose brain injury has severely impacted her ability to function. This gives persons the impression that she is nothing more than a mad woman, whom the reader sympathizes with.
You can also see that a lot of research and thought was put into painting a picture of Victorian London. From her descriptions of the city to the slangs she used, I almost felt as though I was there in the room listening to the characters and watching events unfold.
Would recommend this to any looking for a nice, quick, fun read!
March 29, 2013
Mary is on the run one night in Victorian London, where "fog drifts through the street like sea billows" and her enemy is the light. She kills every streetlamp she finds. They're too much like eyes watching her. She doesn't remember why, or even why she carries coins and jewelry in her pocket.
Even after being seized by Colin, whom she believes is someone she lives with and helps in his work "collecting valuables", and dragged back to his thieves' den, she barely remembers who she is.
She's soon launched out into the night by Colin, the nefarious Jack and a mysterious stranger to serve as a ruse in a plan to spring a criminal overlord from police custody. Then things go terribly wrong, but in confronting Stewart Mary confronts not only her past trauma but her past identity as another person.
As a Britisher, though not old enough to recall Victorian colloquial English (my grandparents probably could), I was impressed by K.M. Weiland's meticulous researching of the slang of the place and period. Colin tells Mary to "hush your gob" and promises her "One of these days this is going to buy us out of our hogsty, hear?". As a child, I recall my mother using the word "pigsty", forex in describing my room. (Never "pigpen" - that's American.)"Hogsty" is new to me, likewise calling "lampposts" "lamp poles", though I'm confident these and similar terms were fastidiously sourced by Weiland.
In The Memory Lights there is violence, passion, retribution and tenderness, with finally the hope of hearts striving to reunite. More than memorable - it's masterful.
Even after being seized by Colin, whom she believes is someone she lives with and helps in his work "collecting valuables", and dragged back to his thieves' den, she barely remembers who she is.
She's soon launched out into the night by Colin, the nefarious Jack and a mysterious stranger to serve as a ruse in a plan to spring a criminal overlord from police custody. Then things go terribly wrong, but in confronting Stewart Mary confronts not only her past trauma but her past identity as another person.
As a Britisher, though not old enough to recall Victorian colloquial English (my grandparents probably could), I was impressed by K.M. Weiland's meticulous researching of the slang of the place and period. Colin tells Mary to "hush your gob" and promises her "One of these days this is going to buy us out of our hogsty, hear?". As a child, I recall my mother using the word "pigsty", forex in describing my room. (Never "pigpen" - that's American.)"Hogsty" is new to me, likewise calling "lampposts" "lamp poles", though I'm confident these and similar terms were fastidiously sourced by Weiland.
In The Memory Lights there is violence, passion, retribution and tenderness, with finally the hope of hearts striving to reunite. More than memorable - it's masterful.
December 7, 2013
Mary – Mad Molly – is afraid of the street lights, but she can’t remember why. Working as part of Colin Raynor’s gang of cut purses and pickpockets, she wanders London’s streets. She walks in a perpetual daze – trying to remember. When Colin is hired to break another felon, Matthew Magnuson, out of jail, events are set in motion that penetrate deeply into Mary’s fogged consciousness, dredging up vague memories that could be dangerous – dangerous to her and those around her.
In The Memory Lights, K.M. Weiland takes us on a scenic tour through a tortured mind. A gripping story that is hard to classify, Lights has elements of mystery, thriller, horror, and psycho-drama all effectively intertwined into a fast-moving narrative that was fun to read. A short book, it really qualifies as a novelette – although some people dislike the use of this diminutive word – or even a bound short story. Whatever, it’s just about the right length for the story being told.
I received a free review copy of this work, but it’s worth the investment of a purchase. Even though I reviewed an electronic copy, it’s the type I believe more effectively read in paper copy, so that the crinkling of pages being turned can add to the overall tingling effect of the story.
In The Memory Lights, K.M. Weiland takes us on a scenic tour through a tortured mind. A gripping story that is hard to classify, Lights has elements of mystery, thriller, horror, and psycho-drama all effectively intertwined into a fast-moving narrative that was fun to read. A short book, it really qualifies as a novelette – although some people dislike the use of this diminutive word – or even a bound short story. Whatever, it’s just about the right length for the story being told.
I received a free review copy of this work, but it’s worth the investment of a purchase. Even though I reviewed an electronic copy, it’s the type I believe more effectively read in paper copy, so that the crinkling of pages being turned can add to the overall tingling effect of the story.
December 22, 2013
This is really a good short story - that actually seems longer than the amount of pages that it says it is.
At first, I really hated the guy that Mary "works for" and felt sorry for her, especially when they were making fun of her because she couldn't remember things and her fear of lights. But after a couple of twists and turns that begin when she is "forced" to help him spring someone from jail, everything starts making sense. The complete ending is not what I expected at all, but definitely enjoyable.
I would like to know more about Mary and these events. Maybe the author has another short story in her on this subject. :)
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
At first, I really hated the guy that Mary "works for" and felt sorry for her, especially when they were making fun of her because she couldn't remember things and her fear of lights. But after a couple of twists and turns that begin when she is "forced" to help him spring someone from jail, everything starts making sense. The complete ending is not what I expected at all, but definitely enjoyable.
I would like to know more about Mary and these events. Maybe the author has another short story in her on this subject. :)
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2015
A fantastic introduction to K.M. Weiland's fictional works that has me even more eager to get my hands on some of her novels. In this short story she has created vivid characters and a thrilling mystery that satisfies.
August 31, 2017
A quick read that's sure to keep you intrigued through all 9,000 words.
When you start reading this, you're thrown in almost right in the middle of the action. While it might feel you've missed a whole bunch of stuff, it also helps, because you can sympathize better with the MC, Mary. She doesn't know what she's missing from her memory, and the reader doesn't know what's gone on before either; it's a bewilderment to both character and reader. But puzzle it through the whole way, since it's worth it. *nodnod* The villain in this was also one I hope to never meet. The good guy person(spoilers as to who this person is :P) connected to the MC was probably my favorite. And the thing with the lights connecting to her past is really neat.
The ending....ack, the ending... It's quite heartbreaking.... But I shall not spoil it for you. :P
Overall, an enjoyable, mysterious short story, so go find a copy and read it. : D
**I received a free e-copy in exchange for my honest review**
When you start reading this, you're thrown in almost right in the middle of the action. While it might feel you've missed a whole bunch of stuff, it also helps, because you can sympathize better with the MC, Mary. She doesn't know what she's missing from her memory, and the reader doesn't know what's gone on before either; it's a bewilderment to both character and reader. But puzzle it through the whole way, since it's worth it. *nodnod* The villain in this was also one I hope to never meet. The good guy person(spoilers as to who this person is :P) connected to the MC was probably my favorite. And the thing with the lights connecting to her past is really neat.
The ending....ack, the ending... It's quite heartbreaking.... But I shall not spoil it for you. :P
Overall, an enjoyable, mysterious short story, so go find a copy and read it. : D
**I received a free e-copy in exchange for my honest review**
September 29, 2017
I needed a short read to fill in between books and remembered that I had purchased this about a month ago with free Kindle credit. Was reading it at 1:30 am the best decision? Probably not. BUT HEY. We're ignoring that fact. xD
This was a lot more underwhelming than I thought it would be. The writing is as stellar as I've come to expect from K.M. Weiland, but the short duration of the story made it all feel extremely rushed. I didn't much care for any of the characters or feel any emotional impact from the story. It was just like a brief "mystery" that I didn't find that captivating.
Still, the writing and setting were both amazing! So I don't regret reading this. :)
3 stars
This was a lot more underwhelming than I thought it would be. The writing is as stellar as I've come to expect from K.M. Weiland, but the short duration of the story made it all feel extremely rushed. I didn't much care for any of the characters or feel any emotional impact from the story. It was just like a brief "mystery" that I didn't find that captivating.
Still, the writing and setting were both amazing! So I don't regret reading this. :)
3 stars
June 24, 2018
An Incredible Journey
I originally chose to read this story because I was in the mood for something short and gothic. I have to say that the cover art also swayed my original decision to purchase this story. However, this story gripped me from the first few sentences. The whole piece was like a rollercoaster ride. K.M. Welland is an incredible writer and instructor. I will recommend this story to all of my book loving friends.
I originally chose to read this story because I was in the mood for something short and gothic. I have to say that the cover art also swayed my original decision to purchase this story. However, this story gripped me from the first few sentences. The whole piece was like a rollercoaster ride. K.M. Welland is an incredible writer and instructor. I will recommend this story to all of my book loving friends.
March 1, 2019
This short story was far from perfect. Having said that I still recommend it - especially for writers or wannabe writers. It was very well written with lots of beautiful prose. I also loved the main character Mary and her fight against against both the lights and her amnesia. She alone made the story worth reading and buying. Had she been placed in another storyline, I might have loved it.
November 8, 2019
Not a genre I usually read, but enjoyed it.
Suspense is usually my wife's choice. I prefer noir or fantasy, but I wanted to find out if the author could actually write, without reading a novel.
She can. I loved the main character and the whole way the story unfolded. Well worth a read.
Suspense is usually my wife's choice. I prefer noir or fantasy, but I wanted to find out if the author could actually write, without reading a novel.
She can. I loved the main character and the whole way the story unfolded. Well worth a read.
April 10, 2020
A story to 'remember'
With a unique slant of looking through the eyes of a woman who's lost her memory, the story zips along nicely. Well-paced and a feeling of empathy for the unfortunate lady. The ending builds and races to a final climax. Very well written and completely entertaining.
With a unique slant of looking through the eyes of a woman who's lost her memory, the story zips along nicely. Well-paced and a feeling of empathy for the unfortunate lady. The ending builds and races to a final climax. Very well written and completely entertaining.
December 31, 2016
Another good short
This made for a good night time read. The concept and story were remarkable. Has a strong element of suspense laced throughout the book.
This made for a good night time read. The concept and story were remarkable. Has a strong element of suspense laced throughout the book.
June 13, 2017
Good story, short and sweet. It kept my attention from the beginning. Well planned and written short story.
February 8, 2018
km weiland has an absolute gift with words. this story is intoxicating, but prepare for a headache. she writes so convincingly in deep POV that you feel like you are the one who hit their head.
November 14, 2013
Again, here's a good short story by this author! She really needs to do more short stuff like this and stop doing long novels. The short form works so much better for her. :)
This story was very odd and very unrealistic and very interesting. The most interesting thing about it was how it felt so REAL, in spite of the fact that it wasn't realistic at all. All the characters--apart from the heroine--were flat and stagey, and the basic plot device of her brain being that severely damaged by a fall on the sidewalk wasn't quite convincing, at least to me. Some brain damage would be natural, of course, but her mental decline was very drastic considering she only hit her head against the pavement.
But that doesn't really matter. None of the details really matter. The other characters don't even really matter that much. It wasn't a story about real people and real events. It was a horrible dream sequence, the nightmare of a woman who has always been afraid she doesn't get the big picture, who has always been worried that someday she might not remember the right facts and might commit heinous blunders without realizing it...
It was real. Real as you and me. Real as history, as past, present, and future.
It was a real nightmare some women have.
What if I slipped a little bit more..what if I really forgot who I was? What would happen to me? Who would take care of me? What crimes would I commit without understanding I was doing wrong? What kind of people would take advantage of me? When they asked questions, what if I didn't know the answers? Even if the answers were supposed to be easy, what if I just didn't know what I was supposed to say?
I've never actually had this nightmare, myself. Not specifically. But I felt the realness of it. Maybe it's an intrinsic fear we all have..maybe some of us have it more than others.
Anyway, as you can probably tell, I thought the story was good. Really good. SO MUCH BETTER than Dreamlander. :( :D
This story was very odd and very unrealistic and very interesting. The most interesting thing about it was how it felt so REAL, in spite of the fact that it wasn't realistic at all. All the characters--apart from the heroine--were flat and stagey, and the basic plot device of her brain being that severely damaged by a fall on the sidewalk wasn't quite convincing, at least to me. Some brain damage would be natural, of course, but her mental decline was very drastic considering she only hit her head against the pavement.
But that doesn't really matter. None of the details really matter. The other characters don't even really matter that much. It wasn't a story about real people and real events. It was a horrible dream sequence, the nightmare of a woman who has always been afraid she doesn't get the big picture, who has always been worried that someday she might not remember the right facts and might commit heinous blunders without realizing it...
It was real. Real as you and me. Real as history, as past, present, and future.
It was a real nightmare some women have.
What if I slipped a little bit more..what if I really forgot who I was? What would happen to me? Who would take care of me? What crimes would I commit without understanding I was doing wrong? What kind of people would take advantage of me? When they asked questions, what if I didn't know the answers? Even if the answers were supposed to be easy, what if I just didn't know what I was supposed to say?
I've never actually had this nightmare, myself. Not specifically. But I felt the realness of it. Maybe it's an intrinsic fear we all have..maybe some of us have it more than others.
Anyway, as you can probably tell, I thought the story was good. Really good. SO MUCH BETTER than Dreamlander. :( :D
January 21, 2014
The story opens with Mary running from she knows not what, with jewellery and coins she knows nothing about, in a Victorian London she does not recognise. Described by one of the ‘gang’ who send her out to pick pockets as ‘Crazy Mary, this epithet appears accurate until we realise she is lost in her own fears and is trying to make sense of the world around her, combined with a compulsion to break streetlights as they are eyes watching her. But watching her do what?
Her ‘protectors’, Jack, and Colin, who likes to goad her with her bad memory, uses her to help them spring a criminal associate from a police station and sends Mary in to create a distraction.
Once inside the building Mary isn’t sure why she is there or what she is supposed to do, but something about Alex Stewart, the man she was told to speak to strikes a chord with her. Mary starts to remember and from here things go horribly wrong, especially for Colin and Jack.
Without spoiling the plot entirely, because this is a short story, I was left wondering why Colin sent her into this situation at all when he knew exactly who Mary was and how she had lost her memory.
Saying that, the characters were well drawn and the Victorian vernacular authentic.
The narrative kept me reading, though at only 9,000 words I felt there was more mileage in Mary’s story and could have been longer.
Her ‘protectors’, Jack, and Colin, who likes to goad her with her bad memory, uses her to help them spring a criminal associate from a police station and sends Mary in to create a distraction.
Once inside the building Mary isn’t sure why she is there or what she is supposed to do, but something about Alex Stewart, the man she was told to speak to strikes a chord with her. Mary starts to remember and from here things go horribly wrong, especially for Colin and Jack.
Without spoiling the plot entirely, because this is a short story, I was left wondering why Colin sent her into this situation at all when he knew exactly who Mary was and how she had lost her memory.
Saying that, the characters were well drawn and the Victorian vernacular authentic.
The narrative kept me reading, though at only 9,000 words I felt there was more mileage in Mary’s story and could have been longer.
February 27, 2016
Strong Writing, Confusing Characterization
Ms. Weiland's strength is the way she pushes her readers into the character's body. The powerful sensations that assault the protagonist – the biting cobblestones, the damp clothes, the harsh streetlights – make us shiver as we follow her through the dark, foggy back-alleys of Victorian London and the creepy passages of her own mind. The overhanging sense of foreboding gives the story a horror-esque chill, but without any of the gore or other less-appealing elements of the horror genre.
I do have one major problem with this book, though. I don't know if this is a spoiler, but if it is, consider yourself warned. My issue is the ambiguity about the age of the main character. Perhaps I let the back-cover copy shape my perceptions too much; nevertheless, it's confusing to call someone a "girl" and give her the voice and thought pattern of a ten-year-old when she's actually older. The truth was plain by the end of the book, but this confusion interfered with me figuring out the mystery.
After admitting that I got a free copy from Story Cartel to review: "The Memory Lights" was a fun, quick read, with great ambiance, strong setting, and a tense amnesia mystery. Not knowing how to visualize the protagonist bugged me, but I don't think it ruins the experience.
Ms. Weiland's strength is the way she pushes her readers into the character's body. The powerful sensations that assault the protagonist – the biting cobblestones, the damp clothes, the harsh streetlights – make us shiver as we follow her through the dark, foggy back-alleys of Victorian London and the creepy passages of her own mind. The overhanging sense of foreboding gives the story a horror-esque chill, but without any of the gore or other less-appealing elements of the horror genre.
I do have one major problem with this book, though. I don't know if this is a spoiler, but if it is, consider yourself warned. My issue is the ambiguity about the age of the main character. Perhaps I let the back-cover copy shape my perceptions too much; nevertheless, it's confusing to call someone a "girl" and give her the voice and thought pattern of a ten-year-old when she's actually older. The truth was plain by the end of the book, but this confusion interfered with me figuring out the mystery.
After admitting that I got a free copy from Story Cartel to review: "The Memory Lights" was a fun, quick read, with great ambiance, strong setting, and a tense amnesia mystery. Not knowing how to visualize the protagonist bugged me, but I don't think it ruins the experience.
July 13, 2014
Short stories are meant to be read in one sitting. This is a very intriguing story, a mystery that was scary every page of the way, though I shouldn't say too much because it is a story meant to surprise. I read it on my kindle app on my computer, and very much enjoyed it. Listened to the soundtrack of Pan's Labyrinth while reading it and surprisingly, it fit very well with the atmosphere, most of the time! There's a video on youtube that has the whole soundtrack from it in one place.
The Memory Lights is a dark story, a little (I do mean little) like the Mystery of Edwin Drood, but much shorter of course. The characters had their quirks and I will certainly remember this story. I may have to reread it sometime. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't exactly a moral -- I suppose there may have been one. Maybe I should think harder about it. Or perhaps I shouldn't think too much. But the ending fit, and made it a haunting tale.
The Memory Lights is a dark story, a little (I do mean little) like the Mystery of Edwin Drood, but much shorter of course. The characters had their quirks and I will certainly remember this story. I may have to reread it sometime. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't exactly a moral -- I suppose there may have been one. Maybe I should think harder about it. Or perhaps I shouldn't think too much. But the ending fit, and made it a haunting tale.
April 21, 2016
… what the heck just happened?
No seriously, someone please tell me because I have no idea. Somehow, in twenty-six pages, my entire life was turned upside fracking down and inside fracking out. I was taken into the world of Mad Molly Raynor, I grew to love her, I felt pain for her, and then I was left heartbroken as I had to let her go.
But hopefully not forever.
Because a full novel about Molly would not go amiss.
Just sayin’
What I liked:
That feeling like you’ve just been sucker punched that you get from a really good twist in an amazing short story.
What I didn’t like:
That it ended
Who I’d recommend it to:
Anyone, just so long as they don’t mind playing catch up as they read. Molly doesn’t quite have all her faculties, so as you read you have to piece things together as she remembers. I know that’s off-putting for some, but I loved it.
Multiple high fives for this incredible, quick read.
No seriously, someone please tell me because I have no idea. Somehow, in twenty-six pages, my entire life was turned upside fracking down and inside fracking out. I was taken into the world of Mad Molly Raynor, I grew to love her, I felt pain for her, and then I was left heartbroken as I had to let her go.
But hopefully not forever.
Because a full novel about Molly would not go amiss.
Just sayin’
What I liked:
That feeling like you’ve just been sucker punched that you get from a really good twist in an amazing short story.
What I didn’t like:
That it ended
Who I’d recommend it to:
Anyone, just so long as they don’t mind playing catch up as they read. Molly doesn’t quite have all her faculties, so as you read you have to piece things together as she remembers. I know that’s off-putting for some, but I loved it.
Multiple high fives for this incredible, quick read.
December 9, 2013
The Memory Lights by K. M. Weiland
Nothing light about this suspense!
Being in such a short format, Weiland doesn’t waste words. You are catapulted deep into the conflict and drama as the suspense unfolds. It is subtle in its sophisticated approach to reveal only enough to keep you intrigued. It is amazing what the mind will do to protect itself and this wonderful story showcases an extreme example of such a time.
Even in the short form, a theme emerges that sometimes actions done in the name of love have greater consequence than can be fully realized. It was a tantalizing read with many readers asking if this is only an appetizer. They clearly want to read more from these characters and I concur.
To read more from K.M. Weiland, visit her blog and website at : http://www.kmweiland.com/
This honest review was in exchange for an ARC from the Story Cartel.
Nothing light about this suspense!
Being in such a short format, Weiland doesn’t waste words. You are catapulted deep into the conflict and drama as the suspense unfolds. It is subtle in its sophisticated approach to reveal only enough to keep you intrigued. It is amazing what the mind will do to protect itself and this wonderful story showcases an extreme example of such a time.
Even in the short form, a theme emerges that sometimes actions done in the name of love have greater consequence than can be fully realized. It was a tantalizing read with many readers asking if this is only an appetizer. They clearly want to read more from these characters and I concur.
To read more from K.M. Weiland, visit her blog and website at : http://www.kmweiland.com/
This honest review was in exchange for an ARC from the Story Cartel.
March 20, 2016
“The Memory Lights”, a short story by K.M. Weiland packs a punch in its 34 pages. Set in gritty Victorian London, we are quickly introduced to Mary who is haunted by the street lights and is hanging out with the wrong crowd. I was reminded of Oliver Twist, Sherlock Homes and Jack the Ripper as I raced through this story. I want to know more about Mary and the tragedy that involved the two men in her life, Alex and Jack. After finishing “The Memory Lights” I felt a need to seek out more of K.M. Weiland’s works to see if her full length works pack as much punch (strong world building & intriguing characters) as this 34-page short story.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
December 4, 2013
This short story is a mystery/thriller of sorts set in a semi-Dickensian England. Mary doesn’t quite know who she is or why she’s afraid of the lights or how she came to be where she is, but she’s trying to remember. The writing style is solid enough, with some good scenic detail, although the story does sometimes seem to slip in and out of dialect. The story was a quick and easy read, and I was interested to see how it would turn out. However, I never felt I got enough of a sense of any of the characters that I could care one way or the other about them. There wasn't enough backstory, and the story was wrapped up too quickly. I wanted more development.
Note: I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2013
What struck me about the writing is that Weiland does a great job describing body language and writing quirky, individualized dialogue. She's great at conveying character in such a short page count.
The part that was less effective for me were the "Britishisms." I'm not British, so maybe I'm way off, but that part of the narration and dialogue just didn't seem believable/realistic.
I saw an early version so there are still a couple of typos here and there, but I'm sure that'll be addressed and it certainly doesn't take away from the reading experience.
Overall, I liked the story, and I would definitely read more of Weiland's writing.
(By the way, she has an AWESOME podcast on writing. I recommend it highly!)
The part that was less effective for me were the "Britishisms." I'm not British, so maybe I'm way off, but that part of the narration and dialogue just didn't seem believable/realistic.
I saw an early version so there are still a couple of typos here and there, but I'm sure that'll be addressed and it certainly doesn't take away from the reading experience.
Overall, I liked the story, and I would definitely read more of Weiland's writing.
(By the way, she has an AWESOME podcast on writing. I recommend it highly!)
December 16, 2013
I very much enjoyed The Memory Lights. The way this short story is written, the reader is able to feel Mary's confusion, yet without becoming frustratingly confused themselves. The twists were also nicely balanced, neither so sudden they were unbelievable nor predictable. There was one typo that I noticed (you're instead of your), but beyond a momentary thought of, "Oh look, a typo," it did nothing to detract from the story. The only major quibble I have with the story was that I didn't realize Mary was an adult until the end of the book. Overall, a good read, and I'd be interested to read more of Weiland's work at some point. Recommended.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
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