Memory Road

by Sarah Edghill

Despite knowing it’s a mad idea, Lily agrees to take her mother on one last road trip around the UK, in this new novel by the bestselling author of His Other Woman. This trip will be challenging because Lily’s mother can no longer be described as “just a bit forgetful”: Moira has started talking to imaginary friends and singing ABBA songs in public, and last week she began emptying boxes of cereal onto the floor in the supermarket. Lily is worried and embarrassed by her mother’s behavior but, despite her recent dementia diagnosis, Moira is happy—albeit in a sweary sort of way—and insists the journey will help her write a memoir. As they trundle across the country in an ancient VW campervan, Lily feels the strain as she struggles to deal with her mother’s decline, her own daughter’s criticism and her ex-husband’s upcoming wedding plans to a younger woman. One night, leaving Moira alone in the hotel, Lily meets a man in a bar and, for the first time in years, she feels alive. This road trip was intended to celebrate the past. But will it end in crisis, or might Lily’s chance encounter help build a new future for this fractured family?Praise for Sarah Edghill’s A Thousand Tiny Disappointments “Thoroughly gripping . . . Sarah Edghill knows how to pinpoint what goes on in families.” —Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry “An accomplished, moving and ultimately uplifting novel.” —Hannah Persaud, author of The Codes of Love

Genres: Contemporary

254 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2024

Reviews

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book I read by Edghill was a brilliant psychological thriller which had me hooked.
This book sounded like such a contrast (but another of my favourite genres) that I was instantly intrigued and keen to get started.

Once again, the author has a great skill at giving us a really good look into the mind of our characters and I loved this....especially as Moira was losing her ability to control her own mind, after being diagnosed with dementia.

There's a lot of focus in the media about dementia at the moment but it's not something we see really explored in fiction - maybe in passing or with a secondary characters - so this was really great to read a book where the main focus is on someone who is suffering and also seeing the effects this has on not only the person, but also family memebrs and the wider community.

I loved both Moira and Lily and their relationship both past and present. Then the introduction of Jake created that new dynamic to the whole story.

The writing was really well positioned by being super sensitive throughout, but also injected with such humour at others. It created that realistic vibe and showed how real life really is filled with ups and downs.

A really enjoyable read.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will stay with you after you finish reading it. An exploration of family relationships between mothers and daughters while dealing with a diagnostic of dementia, this book will make you cry, laugh and will squeeze your heart with lots of emotions.
With a diagnostic dementia Moira wants to go on a road trip with her daughter Lily of all the important places on her life, in order to write a book to leave for Lily and her daughter Eleanor.
There are lots of surprises and heartbreaking situations during this trip, but also an opportunity for second chances in life, in the romantic sense, but also a chance to reconnect and start anew on family relationships, especially of Lily and her daughter, but also to learn how to navigate this new life of living with someone who in the near future most probably won’t even recognize you.
Beautifully written this book will warm your heart and make you look into yourself and your relationships with the people you love in your life.

[Kirsty Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book for me was absolutely brilliant. I was very young when my Great Nana received her diagnosis and I vaguely remember many stories of quirky little things that she did both pre and post diagnosis. I’ve also worked in care with people with dementia and resonated with this book so much.

Moira is such an incredible character, with her foul language, outbursts and the sadness that is her diagnosis of dementia. She’s a very strong minded and Moira is adamant that a road trip is just what she needs to hold onto her dear memories. Lily concedes and off they go in the rusty camper-van.

Sarah Edghill does such a wonderful job of demonstrating Lily’s (Moira’s daughter) perspective of what it’s like to have the constant worry of caring for someone with the diagnosis of dementia. Lily is basically a doormat, taken for granted by everyone and criticised for everything, especially by her daughter Eleanor, a hugely successful lawyer who holds no prisoner’s and speaks her mind never mind the emotionally hurtful consequences. These three generations of women could not be any more different and despite all of this all that matters in the end is family.

Reading this book was like a warm hug in a book. I really loved how it all came together. Very easy reading that leaves you feeling all fuzzy inside.

[Marles Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a certain bittersweet energy to Memory Road. Capturing relationships through generations as well as the loss of connections through the effects of dementia, divorce and family dramas. A story about mothers and daughters, and the difficulties and surprises in between.
Moira is 79 and in the throws of dementia. Some days she’s Moirs, other days she forgets who she is, where she is, dances when everyone is looking, and swears like a trooper. She wants to remember, and remember one last time all the places of years past and write a book with these memories for her daughter Lily, and grand-daughter, Eleanor. Lily is a people pleaser who is taken fro granted by colleagues and ex-husband Nick and does not want to drive her mother on a road trip. Eleanor is the successful lawyer-daughter who is always angry – in her job, at her mother, at anyone. Eleanor thinks Moira should stay home and Lily is making a mistake entertaining the road trip idea and even finds them mid-trip to bring them both home.
So much of the parent-adult-child dynamic is at play in this story, and each of the women switch in an out of all of these roles throughout the story. The straddling of familial relationships and friendship is also explored between these three, as well as the relationships on the periphery for them too. There is also a rockiness in the equilibrium of humour and sadness with the impact of Moira’s dementia and confusion. I found Eleanor’s treatment of her mother was spiteful and hurtful and felt like I wanted her scenes to end quickly. There is a feelgood element to this book with a happier ending for Lily’s personal life thrown in, however this rose-coloured glasses approach to all of their lives collectively was a little too unrealistic. Dementia is not just being a bit forgetful or ‘having a senior moment’, it is an incurable, terminal condition. Humour can be a fantastic coping mechanism and many people impacted by dementia try to find moments of joy to share with their loved ones. This book might provide some light relief about the devastating effects of dementia in light of the sadness and emotional turmoil it can bring a family.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a number of this authors books and this is by far my favourite. Following a formal diagnosis of dementia 79 year old Moira tells her daughter Lily that she wants to go on a road trip to revisited places that have special memories for her as she is going to write a book for Lily and her granddaughter Eleanor. 47 year old divorcee Lily is reluctant at first as her mothers behaviour has become erratic recently but she is persuaded that it’s a good idea so off they set from Brighton in Lily’s rather unreliable VW camper van. Moira is a wonderful character. My mother had dementia and I worked for a dementia research charity for 12 years so I have some first hand knowledge. We don’t know what she was like before but Moira is a determined woman whose embarrassment switch has been turned off! She uses foul language and does what she wants but sometimes she realises something is wrong and you can see the sadness.

Briefly, after a couple of overnight stops and some interesting encounters they arrive in the Lake District and their hotel that is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers! Then to add to Lily’s worries her rather judgemental daughter turns up, unhappy about the road trip. With Moira having a bad cold she’s confined to her bed and with Eleanor watching her Lily goes out for a walk that end up with a drink in a hotel and a meeting with a rather dashing gentleman!

The author clearly has some personal knowledge of dementia and I really felt for Lily who seems to take the brunt of everything. She is treated like a doormat. Her former husband left her for a trail of young women, her mother expects her to do whatever she wants (although understandable with her disease) and her daughter talks to her as though she is stupid. But the possibility of a romance really gives Lily a boost. An enjoyable story about 3 generations of women and the devastating effects of dementia. Lots of sadness but also lots of feel good moments and a very emotional read.

[Georgina Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memory Road follows Lily and her mother Moira on a road trip (encouraged by Moira’s dementia consultant) from Brighton to Wales to help Moira write her memoire that she wants to leave for her daughter and granddaughter, but with a beaten up camper van, Lily’s anxiety and Moira’s deteriorating dementia this won’t be a smooth ride, but will certainly be a trip down “memory road”

This was a lovely feel-good read with all the right heartbreaking and jubilation moments, the author has done a fantastic job in creating three generational characters on their own character development journeys, weaving in a lovely chance meeting romance.

Lily is such a lovely character despite all her anxiety and worrying personality, the trip does her well as she is able to build a better relationship with her family members and even embark on an instalove romance trope. We also have Moira who was such a funny and lovely character, who had me laughing majority of the time, until she had me crying at the end! Some of her outbursts were hilarious! You did really feel for her as she was able to realise that she was losing her memories and was losing all her inhibitions and filters but was still able to recognise her loved ones. Plus, the granddaughter Eleanor, I completely disliked her character throughout most of the book, I was not a fan of the way she spoke to and behaved towards her mother and grandmother, she did have a redeeming arc towards the end of the book, but this still left her as my least favourite of all the characters

This was a real fast paced read, with a real sense of family coming together woven throughout the book, I loved the world building and the plot twists, especially the one regarding Oliver that was quite a twist and turn! The ending did come about quite abruptly but was still a lovely and cute ending!

3.5

[Liz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the author’s previous books but this is definitely my favourite so far. The story is so believable and the characters are so well portrayed.
When Lily reluctantly agrees, against the advice of her daughter Eleanor, to take her mother, Moira on a trip down memory lane she gets much more than she bargained for! Lily is a 47 year old divorcee and Moira has just been diagnosed with early stage dementia. Lily as a caring daughter decides to take time off work to go on a road trip in her camper van so that her Mum can revisit places that have had important meanings in her life.
As the two women leave Brighton their trip will take them both on a voyage of discovery. Moira is so well portrayed as someone who has quite lucid moments but then is bewildered by some of the situations she finds herself in and Lily becomes aware of how quickly she is losing the Mum she cares so much about. When Moira becomes ill they are forced to stay in the Fawlty Towers style hotel they have booked in the Lake District. When Lily takes a break and visits a restaurant in a neighbouring hotel she meets a handsome stranger, Jake Jordan, and does something completely out of character. As a result of her actions, her bossy daughter arrives in the Lake District.
Memory Road is a poignant story of how we may slowly lose someone dear to dementia but it is so sensitively told and there is so much humour in the telling to make this book a resounding good success. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much in Memory Road that I related to. I adored this book! It is a story about family and the relationships between mothers and daughters.It is about figuring out how to talk to your fiercely independent, successful, demanding, and slightly terrifying daughter without alienating her. It is about figuring out what is important to you and being open to taking chances. It is about realizing that things don’t have to be perfect and sometimes it is ok to not behave perfectly. It is about finding a way to be present and celebrate life. It is about being a family and being there for the good days and the bad.

Lily is sandwiched between two forceful women, her mother Moira who is acting out in public and becoming more forgetful as her dementia progresses, and Eleanor, her stubborn and successful daughter, and often feels less than. When Lily agrees to take her mother on a road trip to visit places from her past in order to write her memoir, Eleanor thinks it is a ridiculous plan and doesn’t want them to go. As Lily spends time with her mother and experiences the good days and the bad days the relationship begins to change. An encounter with an attractive man adds another thing for Lily to think about. But when Eleanor shows up will she put an end to the road trip? What will this do to the relationships?

Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.

[Ellie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are the kind of reader who can sit down to get lost in a book in an afternoon, you will find this an enjoyable read. That is not to say that it’s lightweight as it deals with the realities of having a parent with dementia and a grown up daughter – Eleanor – who is “difficult”.

Lizzie Bennett is a divorcée in her forties who enjoys working alongside Gordon in a garden centre – Beautiful Blooms. Her mother Moira lives close by but following confirmation of memory issues, Lizzie agrees against her better judgement to drive her mother to places she remembers, while she still remembers them so she can write down her own story to leave for Lizzie and Eleanor.

Part of the journey takes them to Keswick but things start to unravel here. Moira goes missing, Eleanor insists on coming to “help” and Gordon’s relationship back home in Brighton disintegrates. Lizzie is pulled in various different directions and, as she’s a likeable main character we are rooting for her on the sidelines to be bolder and less selfless.

My only criticism of the book is that it came as a surprise that I had reached the end already because I was enjoying it so much.

I can imagine that it might be the start of a trilogy because ends are not neatly tied up. In the meantime however, I will give Lizzie, Moira and Eleanor the ending I wanted them to have in my head.

4/5

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three main characters, three generations of the same family, all living in Brighton. Firstly we have Moira, aged 79, strong-willed, feisty, but a bit frail and suffering the first symptoms of dementia. Sometimes she’s completely lucid, at others she can’t remember things she’s done that morning. She swears – a lot – and does odd things like dancing in the aisles at Asda or going for a walk without her shoes. But she wants to go on a road trip and has the full support of her doctor. It will do her good and she also wants to write a book about her life.

Then we have Lily, mid-forties, everyone’s doormat, from her mother and her ex-husband Nick, to her daughter Eleanor. Lily doesn’t really want to take her mother on this road trip, but she soon rolls over, and off they go in her rusty old VW campervan.

Finally we have Eleanor, high-flying lawyer, who always seems to be shouting at someone on the phone. She argues with Lily and with granny Moira. She thinks the road trip is a ludicrous idea, and even worse, she doesn’t think Lily is capable of looking after her own mother. So horror of horrors, she decides to join them part way through and bring them home.

In spite of the sadness of Moira’s dementia, it’s a feel-good book about family, friendship, love and hope. We meet a lot of people along the way including Oliver from Moira’s past life, the hilarious owners of the guest house in Keswick and a surprising love interest for Lily, who really deserves it. Because Lily has always just been the conduit in everyone else’s life and maybe she deserves her own happiness, as she points out at one point.

My only teeny weeny criticism is that the campervan should definitely have had a name, like Susan Calman’s Helen in her TV series Grand Days Out. I’m told Breadloaf is a popular moniker in some places, but I’m just going to call it something really simple like Wilma The Wandering Wombat.

Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #MemoryRoad blog tour

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has such a lovely wee cover, which is very fun and inviting. Mix that with the antics Moira gets up to, in the blurb, with her unfortunate diagnosis, and this book already has you hooked, by the time you have finished looking at that. I knew that I was going to love this book, because we have all had an older generation person, be it mother or another generation, who has done some things that lead to a little craziness ensuing, and a lot of us have had at least some experience with dementia and how that can add to the level at which these things take place.

This book introduces us to two main characters, whom we get to take the time to get to know and the author really does a brilliant job of giving us a lot of detail and making us effective lively feel as though  we are part of the family, as we are going to be along for the ride, aren't we? 

I also really liked that, though we got to know them well, we still could get the feel for the dashing round that Lily seemed to do, to help her mum, and avoid any mishaps, if at all possible. 

Then we are thrown into the actual unexpected and the story takes a lovely turn. I really enjoyed this and the author pulled it off nicely. It was interesting and fun and th whole book came together so nicely.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily’s mum, Moira, is developing dementia, but wants her daughter to take her on a road trip down memory lane, revisiting places that meant a lot to her in her younger days. Lily reluctantly agrees and the two set off in Lily’s unreliable camper van. Unfortunately, Moira falls ill, and their travels are cut short. Moira struggles on, determined to record her memories in her notebook in which she will present her life story to her daughter and granddaughter. The granddaughter, Eleanor, disapproves and travels to join them. There are moments of humour, when Moira’s behaviour threatens to embarrass them all. But there are also moments of pathos and sadness when the reality of her failing faculties leaves Moira confused and despairing. Along the way the three women find a deeper understanding of each other and engage in meaningful conversations for the first time in years. Lily also finds the prospect of new hope for the future. Overall, a well written story about the difficulty of being a sandwich daughter and mother. The book seemed to begin and develop with great promise, only to fizzle out suddenly at the end. An interesting read which would have benefited from a stronger ending.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! I absolutely adored this book! It is never easy seeing someone you know/love deal with dementia, and the author has done an amazing job by showing how a diagnosis effects people in different ways in a very from Moira - our 79 yr old sweary, telling you as it is, always wanting to sing/dance - Mum/Grandma - who is adamant that everything is fine - ( i love her) to Lily who is trying to keep her life from combusting on her, from trying to keep everyone happy, and helping her mum through this without truly looking after herself.

I laughed out loud and may have shed a tear or two, so many times whilst reading this whilst they were on their hectic road trip that if anything could go wrong, it probably would have! But little did they know that it was exactly what they all needed, including Lily's daughter Eleanor. This book is heartwarming, heartfelt, compassionate, and emotional as you see through Lily's eyes, how dementia is affecting them all. ❤️ I really do hope there will be a 2nd one as I would love to see what Moira, Lily, and Eleanor will get up to, see how there relationships with each other has grown and let's not forget our leading man, Jake

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems I’ve been reading a few books about three generations of women coming together lately, and this was definitely the most cheerful despite the tough subject matter!

Obviously I had an immediate bias towards this book as it started in Brighton, but it was also written in such a hopeful and uplifting way. Lily is one of those inherently kind characters who puts everyone before herself, and her mother Moira was foul mouthed and hilarious a lot of the time, so they made for an interesting duo! Whilst Moira’s behaviour with her early dementia wasn’t recognisable from my own family’s experience, it brings awareness to just how differently it affects people, and the toll it takes on those around them. It was definitely done with a lightness, but you could still feel the emotional weight and frustration which Lily and her daughter Eleanor felt.

Whilst it didn’t turn into quite the epic road trip I was expecting, it did have some surprise romance to add even more joy to the story, and I loved the way the family had all bonded by the end of the novel. Definitely one when you need something uplifting and cheerful!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, cry, and cry some more. I would definitely recommend having tissues when you read it, especially if you've ever cared for someone with dementia.

I loved the relationships between the three main characters, although I pretty much hated Eleanor right from the off. Moira was fantastic, but seeing her lose her sense of self was heartbreaking. And Lily was like almost every women I've ever known, always putting others first.

The B&B owners were a combination of genuine, lovely people; and totally odd! That gift they sent them home with! Just... why?

I used to be a carer for someone with dementia, and Sarah has really captured how you can't take your eye off the ball for a second, and the emotional toll that takes. The book also speaks of the deep love between families, and the lengths we go to for our loved ones.

As always, the romance side of the book was, in my mind, totally unrealistic. Due that kind of thing ever happen in real life? I guess it's nice to think so.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Memory Road by Sarah Edghill and I'm still processing all the emotions it stirred up! From the hilarious mishaps to the heart-wrenching realities of dementia, this book took me on an unforgettable journey with Moira and Lily. Memory road explores many themes, romance, dementia and mother/daughter relationships.
Edghill’s writing is is so poignant, real and her characters are so well portrayed. Edghill will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between.

Moira was such a character! So strong willed and my heart felt for her, I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like. Oh, Lily. What a woman. In the middle of the three generations, trying to care for her mother who is suffering with dementia and dealing with her daughter, Eleanor, who has absolutely no trouble speaking her mind. I really felt for Lily.

At first I was not a fan of Eleanor, but towards the end I didn’t dislike her.

I felt quite emotional reading this story but I absolutely loved it.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book, I really enjoyed reading this book the way the author wrote about the way Lilly felt about her mothers’ diagnoses of onset dementia was so spot on. From the embarrassment of the way her mother addressed people using bad language or just wanting to dance through to the acceptance to her condition.
Throughout the journey they took from there home in Brighton to the places that Moira had lived with her husband and Lilly years before we are onlookers to the story as it unfolds. When they make a stop in Keswick, they check into a hotel that is very much like faulty towers, but Moira gets sick, and they need to stay for a while longer. Lilly’s daughter arrives to save the day as she thought the road trip was a silly idea and they should have stayed at home but agrees to stay while her grandmother better.
A truly brilliant book, that has you going through a mix of emotions.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a mixture of it all; humour, romance, relationships, seriousness. I thought it was a wonderful book and thought that Lily was brave (and possibly slightly stupid) to go through with taking her mum on the road trip. Whilst it appears that Lily's mum Moira is in the early stages of dementia, some of her behaviour is very unpredictable.

At times this behaviour brings comedy and others concern. I think it showed really well how family cope and connect when things happen. I definitely think that the road trip needed to be longer - just to see them cause more chaos! As sometimes even Lily is the one who needs looking after!

I loved Lily's daughter - Eleanor's attitude, she was a fiery character and definitely bossy but loved that at times we did see a softer side to her. Some of the scenes were laugh out loud and others made me want to cry! I thought that this was brilliantly written and I would love to hear more from this trio.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

79-year-old Moira is in the beginning stages of dementia. She convinces her daughter Lily to take her on a road trip to relive important memories from the past, writing it all down in a book to leave her daughter and granddaughter, Eleanor. Along the way they get stuck in the Lake District, and things go awry, especially when abrasive Eleanor comes to take over from her incompetent (as she sees it) mother. Being forced into the same small space goes a long way in helping the women mend their fraught relationships with each other and having long-overdue conversations.
This book is beautifully written, with compassion and humour throughout. You can feel the embarrassment that Moira's action cause her daughter and granddaughter, and at the same time you can feel Moira's frustration when she realises that she is declining but she is helpless to stop the progression.
I enjoyed the book but felt the ending came around quite abruptly. I could have happily spend more time with Lily and her family.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of books have made me laugh, and a lot of books have made me cry. Never has a book made me do both at the same time so often as "Memory Road". I absolutely adore Moira. She seems to be made up from all the people I've known with dementia, and I have to say that Sarah Edghill tackles this difficult subject with style, grace, and a bit of flair (much how Moira herself is dealing with it). Wrapping firmly around Moira's thread is Lily's story - and if you're halfway through this book and not fervently hoping for things to go right for her then I suggest you go back to the beginning and start again. Perfection.

My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Know the feeling when you pick up a book that is just a lovely slice of life that has bite to it, like a delicious slice of lemon meringue pie that leaves you wanting more…well that is Memory Road by Sarah Edghill.

This book grabs you at the beginning and just like Lily, the slightly hesitant daughter being pulled along for the adventure, you’re glad you took the leap and set out on this journey.

Maybe I’m at an age where I appreciate how my mother is aging and where our relationship is, but this book hit me in the heart and made me feel all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I might have read it twice. Highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a literal trip.

Thanks to Loves Book Tours my Instagram BP for this #AD!

[Sharey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Edghill's "Memory Road" is an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in a road trip adventure. Lily's decision to take her elderly mother, Moira, on a journey across the UK is equal parts heart-warming and challenging. Moira's dementia adds layers of complexity to their travels, but amidst the chaos, there's an undeniable bond between mother and daughter.

Edghill navigates the delicate balance between love, frustration, and humour in the face of dementia. Through Lily's eyes, we experience the ups and downs of caregiving, from embarrassing moments to heart-warming connections. While the journey may be bumpy, "Memory Road" reminds us that even amidst the challenges of memory loss, there's still joy to be found in the present moment.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and read it in one very short sitting. The chapters are short and snappy and make it flow really nicely so it is very easy to read.

The book was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters that were believable and very relatable. I loved Moira who reminded me of my Gramps, although he had a brain tumor, we didn't know that until the last 4 months of his life, for a year before that he had been showing signs of dementia, and so I saw so much of him in Moira.
I also really liked Lily and Jake. I related to Lily so much, it was hard and very worrying watching the person I idolised deteriorating and diminishing in front of my eyes. Although I may not have handled situations exactly like her I definitely could see why she would.

This was definitely an emotive read, some parts i found to be so heartbreaking and they had me reaching for a tissue and at others I was so uplifted and found myself just smiling away.
A fantastic book that I would highly recommend

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, a lovely way to broach the horrible subject of dementia. I found it to be very realistic in the way everything was portrayed and it's had funny bits too! I tears in my eyes from the sad bits but also had laugh out loud moments and to be honest there was more of the latter to counter balance the former. It also did a good job of telling how it is with the sandwich generation, being in the middle of having elder parents that need your support, holding down a full time job and having your children (ok in this case not young) needing your attention too. I loved the whole book and thoroughly recommend it to anyone that needs a a great book to read.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book about family relationships and a diagnosis of dementia. Maude is 79 and has dementia, Lily her daughter is divorced with a grown up daughter, Eleanor.
Maude want to go on a road trip to relive her memories and wants Lily to take her, Lily is not so sure, but after Maude’s consultant thinks it’s a good idea there is no way out for Lily.
In Lily’s old VW campervan they set off on the journey, following Maude’s memories. Eleanor keeps phoning to demand they return, but is ignored. The story gives an insight into fraught relationships, the good and bad days for those with dementia and renewing of bonds.
Well written and enjoyable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story so much!


Lily’s mom Moira is in the beginning stages of dementia and wants to go on a road trip to show her all the places she and the father have had important moments happen.

Reading stories about dementia always helps put into perspective how it affects the person and people around them. I’ve seen my grandfather go through it and it was terrible realizing he didn’t know who I was.

I loved that there was a bonding aspect to this story for Lily, Moira, and Lily’s abrasive daughter, Eleanor.

I do wish the book had more to the ending but hey, maybe that’s an opener for a second part.

[Brittney Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a book tour for my honest opinion.

I actually gave this book a 3.9 but rounded up!

The characters were just something. Lily had no backbone, Moira was just a nasty old lady when she wanted to be (dementia aside) & Eleanor was a real witch (with a b lol) BUT these characters did save themselves at the end.

It was a cute little book but a tad bit predictable. The trip came to a head at Keswick, where I really began rooting for Lily.
I would’ve liked an epilogue because the end did make me smile & want more.

Overall, it’s a cute book but definitely a read at your own risk book.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @EdghillSarah @bloodhoundbook @KellyALacey @lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Memory Road is a absolutely fantastic read. I loved it. I felt so many emotions reading this book: Joy, sadness at times and frustration at her daughter. I loved Moria lilly mum shes duch great character that made me laugh. The story about Lily who goes on a road trip with her mum whi is starting to get forgetful and is eventful trip. This is emotonial and heartwarming read that will stay with you. it definatly has with me. I found Memory road wasy to read and could out down. Execellent read. 5 stars

[Debbie Caven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why do writers insist on making middle aged female characters so unlikeable? Scared of everything, walked over by everyone, dithering internal monologues that make no sense to the plot that has just happened.
The plot of this story is good, it would of been really enjoyable if the main character had just lightened up. Have her laugh at her Mums outrageous behaviour, take at face value the man saying he'll be down to see you in two weeks and isn't tied to his current location. Instead I was over 90%of the way through the book before she finally turned into someone I'd like to hang out with

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish it had me gripped.
Dementia is not an easy subject to talk about or even possibly write about but Sarah Edgehill has done a brilliant job here.
Lily's Mum Moira has been diagnosed with dementia and want's to go on a road trip down memory lane so that she can write a book about her life before she forget it all.
The relationship between them is stretched to it's limit at times, will they regret starting this journey.
This is a great story beautifully written with wonderful characters and overall a Brilliant Book.