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The Memory Box
A heartbreakingly beautiful novel, The Memory Box unlocks an unforgettable epic story of love and war, from the million-copy-selling author of The Letter, Kathryn Hughes.
Some love stories can't be forgotten...
Jenny Tanner opens the box she has cherished for decades. Contained within are her most precious mementoes, amongst them a pebble, a carving and a newspaper cutting she can hardly bear to read. But Jenny knows the time is finally here. After the war, in a mountainside village in Italy, she left behind a piece of her heart. However painful, she must return to Cinque Alberi. And lay the past to rest.
After a troubled upbringing, Candice Barnes dreams of a future with the love of her life - but is he the man she believes him to be? When Candice is given the opportunity to travel to Italy with Jenny, she is unaware the trip will open her eyes to the truth she's been too afraid to face. Could a place of goodbyes help her make a brave new beginning?
Some love stories can't be forgotten...
Jenny Tanner opens the box she has cherished for decades. Contained within are her most precious mementoes, amongst them a pebble, a carving and a newspaper cutting she can hardly bear to read. But Jenny knows the time is finally here. After the war, in a mountainside village in Italy, she left behind a piece of her heart. However painful, she must return to Cinque Alberi. And lay the past to rest.
After a troubled upbringing, Candice Barnes dreams of a future with the love of her life - but is he the man she believes him to be? When Candice is given the opportunity to travel to Italy with Jenny, she is unaware the trip will open her eyes to the truth she's been too afraid to face. Could a place of goodbyes help her make a brave new beginning?
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
3652 people are currently reading
4979 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Hughes
28 books790 followersKathryn Hughes was born in Altrincham, near Manchester. After completing a secretarial course, Kathryn met her husband and they married in Canada. For twenty-nine years they ran a business together, raised two children and travelled when they could to places such as India, Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand. Kathryn and her family now make their home in a village near Manchester. The Letter, Kathryn's first novel, was an international bestseller, and her second The Secret has been highly acclaimed. Kathryn is now at work on her third novel, The Key.~ Headline Publishing
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 739 reviews
August 5, 2021
In 2019 Jenny Tanner turns 100! She’s as sharp as a tack, mentally speedy even if she’s a bit slower moving around than she used to be! She lives in an upmarket care home and Candice Barnes is her lovely carer. They look in Jenny’s memory box together and she asks a big favour of Candice so she can lay some ghosts from her past to rest. The story is told in dual timelines from 1940 onwards and in the present day.
What a lovely, emotional story that delves into both women’s lives. Jenny has a fascinating story to tell which is both heartwarming and heartbreaking as it takes us from being billeted in Wales in 1940 with her much younger brother Louis, to wartime Italy and beyond following the story of her marriage. The wartime story is very good and I particularly enjoy this part as Jenny walks tightropes. It’s a story of love, loss, tragedy, sacrifice, guilt and learning to forgive. Jenny is the most wonderful character, she’s funny, wise, perceptive and caring. Candice’s story demonstrates how easy it is for kind hearted souls like her to become controlled by another. She too is so likeable, very kind, sweet natured and you so want her to have the chance to fulfil her dreams and be happy. The story is well written, all the characterisation is done with skill, it’s very easy to read with some very good descriptions. The dual timelines interweave smoothly and so the novel flows. There are some good twists although maybe one of two are a bit too convenient and coincidental but it does make for a good yarn and I do enjoy them!
Overall, it’s an immersive read and it’s a pleasure to be transported to Italy and Wales for a brief while!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
What a lovely, emotional story that delves into both women’s lives. Jenny has a fascinating story to tell which is both heartwarming and heartbreaking as it takes us from being billeted in Wales in 1940 with her much younger brother Louis, to wartime Italy and beyond following the story of her marriage. The wartime story is very good and I particularly enjoy this part as Jenny walks tightropes. It’s a story of love, loss, tragedy, sacrifice, guilt and learning to forgive. Jenny is the most wonderful character, she’s funny, wise, perceptive and caring. Candice’s story demonstrates how easy it is for kind hearted souls like her to become controlled by another. She too is so likeable, very kind, sweet natured and you so want her to have the chance to fulfil her dreams and be happy. The story is well written, all the characterisation is done with skill, it’s very easy to read with some very good descriptions. The dual timelines interweave smoothly and so the novel flows. There are some good twists although maybe one of two are a bit too convenient and coincidental but it does make for a good yarn and I do enjoy them!
Overall, it’s an immersive read and it’s a pleasure to be transported to Italy and Wales for a brief while!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 3, 2023
From the bestselling author of The Letter, Kathryn Hughes returns with THE MEMORY BOX, a beautiful, timeless, and heartrending story of love in a time of war.
I adore everything the talented storyteller Kathryn Hughes writes. She dives deep into the hearts and souls of her characters, and they come alive on the page. THE MEMORY BOX is spellbinding, and the audiobook was swoon-worthy, narrated by the extraordinary Rachel Atkins. I was glued to the audiobook (and the book) for days and could not wait to get back to it.
Unforgettable. Utterly captivating! The characters still linger after the last page is turned.
Kathryn is engaging, witty, funny, and sassy, and her dual timelines are the BEST. Hughes is one of my favorite historical fiction authors of all time. Both the past and present are equally as compelling. Every book is absorbing and tantalizing, drawing you into the lives of her vivid characters and everything going on around them. Her style is unique and unlike any other author. Top Books of the year list.
Jenny (who just turned 100 yrs old) is one of the best characters. I fell in love with her immediately. She has had a rough life and is stronger for it. She resides in the Green Meadows retirement community.
She reflects upon her past with the young Candice, that works at the home. As she looks through her precious keepsakes in her memory box, she realizes there is one important painful journey she must make before it is too late. She must go return to Italy.
Jenny is smart, funny, feisty, razor-sharp, wise, and what I would hope to be at her age. I also enjoyed the gay friend, Frank, whose partner had passed, and he moved into the home.
Candice, her caregiver, and employee, is a highly relatable character with a crappy manipulative, abusive, dirtbag-controlling boyfriend, Beau, and Jenny is just the person to mentor and guide her. (her banter was laugh-out-loud).
Their Italy trip was truly mesmerizing. I laughed out loud and wanted to push Beau off a cliff. He was one nasty guy. There is so much backstory here, and it feels as though you are sitting down with a cup of tea or coffee with your grandmother, and she is telling you a story of her past. Intimate and entrancing! Wouldn't that be fun if we could get our grandparents to spill their deep dark secrets?
There are jaw-dropping twists and surprises before the book ends, which will keep you glued to the pages. Utterly, unputdownable and spectacular.
At the end of the book, the author writes about her Inspiration for THE MEMORY BOX, which I adored with some key recommended reads about women in Italy, the war, and more about this time tragic period in the forties and fifties.
You will laugh and cry. Just finished and wanted to let everyone know they must read this book. I have read all her books except Her Last Promise (not sure how I missed it) and could not purchase the audiobook fast enough. Cannot wait.
In addition to this one, check out The Secret, The Key, The Letter. Her audiobooks are highly engaging and magnetic.
If you have not read this author, highly recommend reading every single one. I am not particularly a huge fan of historical fiction, but trust me, this book and all her books are the BEST!
Heartwarming, powerful, riveting, and thought-provoking. Character-driven and plot-driven, fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Elizabeth Berg, Patti Callahan Henry, and Kristin Hannah will devour this one.
A special thank you to Headline and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also purchased the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Rachel Atkins - always a treat!
Blog:
#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 💗💗💗💗💗
Pub Date: 08/05/21
US Blog Tour Dec 9, 2022
I adore everything the talented storyteller Kathryn Hughes writes. She dives deep into the hearts and souls of her characters, and they come alive on the page. THE MEMORY BOX is spellbinding, and the audiobook was swoon-worthy, narrated by the extraordinary Rachel Atkins. I was glued to the audiobook (and the book) for days and could not wait to get back to it.
Unforgettable. Utterly captivating! The characters still linger after the last page is turned.
Kathryn is engaging, witty, funny, and sassy, and her dual timelines are the BEST. Hughes is one of my favorite historical fiction authors of all time. Both the past and present are equally as compelling. Every book is absorbing and tantalizing, drawing you into the lives of her vivid characters and everything going on around them. Her style is unique and unlike any other author. Top Books of the year list.
Jenny (who just turned 100 yrs old) is one of the best characters. I fell in love with her immediately. She has had a rough life and is stronger for it. She resides in the Green Meadows retirement community.
She reflects upon her past with the young Candice, that works at the home. As she looks through her precious keepsakes in her memory box, she realizes there is one important painful journey she must make before it is too late. She must go return to Italy.
Jenny is smart, funny, feisty, razor-sharp, wise, and what I would hope to be at her age. I also enjoyed the gay friend, Frank, whose partner had passed, and he moved into the home.
Candice, her caregiver, and employee, is a highly relatable character with a crappy manipulative, abusive, dirtbag-controlling boyfriend, Beau, and Jenny is just the person to mentor and guide her. (her banter was laugh-out-loud).
Their Italy trip was truly mesmerizing. I laughed out loud and wanted to push Beau off a cliff. He was one nasty guy. There is so much backstory here, and it feels as though you are sitting down with a cup of tea or coffee with your grandmother, and she is telling you a story of her past. Intimate and entrancing! Wouldn't that be fun if we could get our grandparents to spill their deep dark secrets?
There are jaw-dropping twists and surprises before the book ends, which will keep you glued to the pages. Utterly, unputdownable and spectacular.
At the end of the book, the author writes about her Inspiration for THE MEMORY BOX, which I adored with some key recommended reads about women in Italy, the war, and more about this time tragic period in the forties and fifties.
You will laugh and cry. Just finished and wanted to let everyone know they must read this book. I have read all her books except Her Last Promise (not sure how I missed it) and could not purchase the audiobook fast enough. Cannot wait.
In addition to this one, check out The Secret, The Key, The Letter. Her audiobooks are highly engaging and magnetic.
If you have not read this author, highly recommend reading every single one. I am not particularly a huge fan of historical fiction, but trust me, this book and all her books are the BEST!
Heartwarming, powerful, riveting, and thought-provoking. Character-driven and plot-driven, fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Elizabeth Berg, Patti Callahan Henry, and Kristin Hannah will devour this one.
A special thank you to Headline and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also purchased the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Rachel Atkins - always a treat!
Blog:
#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 💗💗💗💗💗
Pub Date: 08/05/21
US Blog Tour Dec 9, 2022
October 27, 2021
3.75 Stars
One Liner: Effective in some ways.
Jenny is living at an elder care center and has just celebrated her 100th birthday. As her favorite caretaker Candice takes out an old wooden box from the drawers, Jenny feels the memories rushing in. She knows there’s something she needs to do, and that involves traveling to Italy.
Being a child of delicate health, it took persistence and grit for Jenny to outlive many others. She hopes for an additional couple of months to lay the past to rest. Jenny asks Candice to accompany her to Italy. It’s for physical support as well as to help Candice see the truth of her relationship with a douche bag manipulative jerk of a boyfriend Beau (eww!).
How will the trip to a place full of past events and memories help both women come to terms with their lives? Can Jenny find her peace? Can Candice force herself to see the truth she so desperately wants to ignore?
The Memory Box has a dual time is as smooth as butter. The story weaves in and out between the 1940s and 2019. The first-person narration by Jenny and the third-person narrative to show Candice’s life seamlessly blend across the chapters.
Can’t tell you how many times I wanted to shake Candice to make her see what everyone around her saw. There were enough red flags to supply for a global red-themed party, and still have some left to spare.
The book starts slow and picks up a little pace as the story moves ahead. The focus isn’t much on the setting but rather the thoughts of the characters. Jenny feels real with her strengths, flaws, and uncertainties. Candice, well, there are girls like her. I think the author drove her point straight in about toxic relationships using Candice and Beau.
The actual story takes place after 65-70% of the book. Things crucial to the book enter the picture and bring the threads together. I guessed all the twists except for one, and I must admit I’m not fully convinced about it. It works more as a plot device, IMO. Also, a couple of things were a tad too convenient. I do like happy endings, so I’m not complaining as such.
While Jenny’s arc was pretty much stable, Candice’s arc seemed confusing in the second half. I was pretty much fed up with her by then, or it would’ve annoyed me more. That girl could do with some solid dumping of sense into her brain.
The reason the book still has it rounded off to 4 stars is the portrayal of toxic love and gaslighting in relationships. It irked me to no end to see Candice make excuses and deny the truth, and that I would say is the biggest achievement. That part is very realistic.
To sum up, The Memory Box is not a must-read historical, but it has some valuable relationship lessons that can start a discussion.
Thank you, NetGalley, Mobius Books, and Headline Review, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheMemoryBox #NetGalley
One Liner: Effective in some ways.
Jenny is living at an elder care center and has just celebrated her 100th birthday. As her favorite caretaker Candice takes out an old wooden box from the drawers, Jenny feels the memories rushing in. She knows there’s something she needs to do, and that involves traveling to Italy.
Being a child of delicate health, it took persistence and grit for Jenny to outlive many others. She hopes for an additional couple of months to lay the past to rest. Jenny asks Candice to accompany her to Italy. It’s for physical support as well as to help Candice see the truth of her relationship with a douche bag manipulative jerk of a boyfriend Beau (eww!).
How will the trip to a place full of past events and memories help both women come to terms with their lives? Can Jenny find her peace? Can Candice force herself to see the truth she so desperately wants to ignore?
The Memory Box has a dual time is as smooth as butter. The story weaves in and out between the 1940s and 2019. The first-person narration by Jenny and the third-person narrative to show Candice’s life seamlessly blend across the chapters.
Can’t tell you how many times I wanted to shake Candice to make her see what everyone around her saw. There were enough red flags to supply for a global red-themed party, and still have some left to spare.
The book starts slow and picks up a little pace as the story moves ahead. The focus isn’t much on the setting but rather the thoughts of the characters. Jenny feels real with her strengths, flaws, and uncertainties. Candice, well, there are girls like her. I think the author drove her point straight in about toxic relationships using Candice and Beau.
The actual story takes place after 65-70% of the book. Things crucial to the book enter the picture and bring the threads together. I guessed all the twists except for one, and I must admit I’m not fully convinced about it. It works more as a plot device, IMO. Also, a couple of things were a tad too convenient. I do like happy endings, so I’m not complaining as such.
While Jenny’s arc was pretty much stable, Candice’s arc seemed confusing in the second half. I was pretty much fed up with her by then, or it would’ve annoyed me more. That girl could do with some solid dumping of sense into her brain.
The reason the book still has it rounded off to 4 stars is the portrayal of toxic love and gaslighting in relationships. It irked me to no end to see Candice make excuses and deny the truth, and that I would say is the biggest achievement. That part is very realistic.
To sum up, The Memory Box is not a must-read historical, but it has some valuable relationship lessons that can start a discussion.
Thank you, NetGalley, Mobius Books, and Headline Review, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheMemoryBox #NetGalley
October 6, 2024
I find books by Kathryn Hughes to be very intriguing, fast moving and delightful. This is another such book.
This story takes place in the 1940s and then shifts back and forth to 2019. Its wonderful how the author's stories build up a little bit at a time, but keep you wanting to turn the pages to find out what happens next. There are plenty of unexpected surprises as well as some that I was able to guess correctly.
Jenny, a 100 year old woman and her caregiver Candice, develop a close relationship which upon Jenny's 100th birthday causes her to want to fulfill a very important bucket list wish. Candice agrees to go with Jenny to Italy to help her put the puzzle pieces together from her past. Candice has her own relationship problems with her common law boyfriend, and this experience with Jenny causes her to look at her own life more realistically, as well as helping Jenny fulfill her last wishes.
Another great book by Kathryn Hughes. I just love her writing!!
This story takes place in the 1940s and then shifts back and forth to 2019. Its wonderful how the author's stories build up a little bit at a time, but keep you wanting to turn the pages to find out what happens next. There are plenty of unexpected surprises as well as some that I was able to guess correctly.
Jenny, a 100 year old woman and her caregiver Candice, develop a close relationship which upon Jenny's 100th birthday causes her to want to fulfill a very important bucket list wish. Candice agrees to go with Jenny to Italy to help her put the puzzle pieces together from her past. Candice has her own relationship problems with her common law boyfriend, and this experience with Jenny causes her to look at her own life more realistically, as well as helping Jenny fulfill her last wishes.
Another great book by Kathryn Hughes. I just love her writing!!
July 23, 2021
I always enjoy reading Kathryn Hughes books and I was delighted to receive a copy of her new book The Memory Box.
Jenny has just celebrated her one hundred birthday.
This is the story of her life starting from the Second World War when she was evacuated with her brother to a small town in Wales.
I really enjoyed this story, the history and the characters.
I’m looking forward to the next book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jenny has just celebrated her one hundred birthday.
This is the story of her life starting from the Second World War when she was evacuated with her brother to a small town in Wales.
I really enjoyed this story, the history and the characters.
I’m looking forward to the next book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2022
Tiesiog wow!!! ❤❤❤
Man truksta zodziu aprasyti kokia superine knyga, man paliko dideli ispudi- gyvenimo istorija paremta tikrais faktais, biski primine Atpilda Picoult❤🤩
Geriausia siu metu skaityta knyga man- jei reiktu rinktis viena☺😊👍✨
Dabar labai nuosirdziai noriu perskaityti visos sios autores knygas ateityje😍
Man truksta zodziu aprasyti kokia superine knyga, man paliko dideli ispudi- gyvenimo istorija paremta tikrais faktais, biski primine Atpilda Picoult❤🤩
Geriausia siu metu skaityta knyga man- jei reiktu rinktis viena☺😊👍✨
Dabar labai nuosirdziai noriu perskaityti visos sios autores knygas ateityje😍
September 23, 2022
Kuomet norisi jautrios, bet įtraukiančios istorijos žinau, jog ši autorė manęs nenuvils.
Dženi Taner - moteris, kuri švenčia savo šimtąjį gimtadienį. Ji supranta, jog kasdien jai gyventi laiko lieka vis mažiau. Praeitis jai ir šiandien neduoda ramybės, tad moteris nusprendžia nuvykti į Italiją ir atsisveikinti visiems laikams.
Kaip jau supratote, Dženi sveikata nėra nepriekaištinga ir jai vienai atlaikyti tokią kelionę būtų gana sudėtinga, tad jai palaikyti kompaniją nusprendžia senelių globos namų darbuotoja Kendisė Barnes. Panašu, jog ši kelionė joms abiems atneš naujų atradimų. Tik ar šios dvi moterys ryšis juos priimti?
Tikėjausi nesudėtingos bei jausmingos istorijos. Būtent tokia ir buvo ši knyga. Hughes turi talentą kurti įtraukiančias, jautrias bei nepaprastas knygas. Nors mano nuomone, ši knyga nebuvo pati stipriausia šios autorės istorija, tačiau buvo malonu skaityti bei atsipalaiduoti.
"Atminimų skrynelėje" istorija pasakojama dvejomis laiko linijomis. Jos abi man pasirodė įdomios, tačiau truputį mane erzino Kandisės vaikinas Bau. Jis man pasirodė gana įkyrus personažas. Nepaisant to, knyga man patiko. Sakyčiau, jog tobulas skaitinys savaitgaliui, kuomet norisi pabėgti nuo rutinos bei pasinerti į kupiną netikėtumų istoriją.
Dženi Taner - moteris, kuri švenčia savo šimtąjį gimtadienį. Ji supranta, jog kasdien jai gyventi laiko lieka vis mažiau. Praeitis jai ir šiandien neduoda ramybės, tad moteris nusprendžia nuvykti į Italiją ir atsisveikinti visiems laikams.
Kaip jau supratote, Dženi sveikata nėra nepriekaištinga ir jai vienai atlaikyti tokią kelionę būtų gana sudėtinga, tad jai palaikyti kompaniją nusprendžia senelių globos namų darbuotoja Kendisė Barnes. Panašu, jog ši kelionė joms abiems atneš naujų atradimų. Tik ar šios dvi moterys ryšis juos priimti?
Tikėjausi nesudėtingos bei jausmingos istorijos. Būtent tokia ir buvo ši knyga. Hughes turi talentą kurti įtraukiančias, jautrias bei nepaprastas knygas. Nors mano nuomone, ši knyga nebuvo pati stipriausia šios autorės istorija, tačiau buvo malonu skaityti bei atsipalaiduoti.
"Atminimų skrynelėje" istorija pasakojama dvejomis laiko linijomis. Jos abi man pasirodė įdomios, tačiau truputį mane erzino Kandisės vaikinas Bau. Jis man pasirodė gana įkyrus personažas. Nepaisant to, knyga man patiko. Sakyčiau, jog tobulas skaitinys savaitgaliui, kuomet norisi pabėgti nuo rutinos bei pasinerti į kupiną netikėtumų istoriją.
July 24, 2025
THE MEMORY BOX is such an emotional story and it absolutely shredded my heart! Kathryn Hughes spoke to my heart with this novel. What a beautiful story of second chances, love, guilt and fate. We get to relive Jenny’s past and understand why she is the way she is today. You are going to feel like you are right there, living in Italy during the war and feeling everything Jenny was going through. Hold on tight readers! THE MEMORY BOX is such an inspirational story!
During the last few chapters of THE MEMORY BOX I had full blown tears. So let me warn you, have tissues ready and not just one or two! Jenny has just reached one hundred years old and is in a nursing home. She forms a connection with a young caregiver named Candice who works there and Jenny slowly shares her story with her by what is in her memory box. The story is told in dual timelines from 1940 onwards and in the present day. That’s all I can say because I want you to be blown away with this as I was. Kathryn Hughes does a great job of capturing my emotions and pulling hard on my heart strings! This heart warming novel had me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put the book down until the very last page!
THE MEMORY BOX will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won’t be able to stop until you know what happens to Jenny and Candice. Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. THE MEMORY BOX is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Candice and Jenny as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Kathryn Hughes will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! How can someone write such an emotional and heart tugging story is beyond me, but I now have many of her books and she is forever one of my auto buy authors!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
During the last few chapters of THE MEMORY BOX I had full blown tears. So let me warn you, have tissues ready and not just one or two! Jenny has just reached one hundred years old and is in a nursing home. She forms a connection with a young caregiver named Candice who works there and Jenny slowly shares her story with her by what is in her memory box. The story is told in dual timelines from 1940 onwards and in the present day. That’s all I can say because I want you to be blown away with this as I was. Kathryn Hughes does a great job of capturing my emotions and pulling hard on my heart strings! This heart warming novel had me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put the book down until the very last page!
THE MEMORY BOX will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won’t be able to stop until you know what happens to Jenny and Candice. Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. THE MEMORY BOX is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Candice and Jenny as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Kathryn Hughes will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! How can someone write such an emotional and heart tugging story is beyond me, but I now have many of her books and she is forever one of my auto buy authors!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 28, 2022
Jenny has just reached 100 years old and is in a care home. She forms a connection with a young carer called Candice who works there and she gradually shares her story with her (through her memory box). This begins at the start of World War Two when she is in her twenties. The story is dual time frame and moves between the present (2019) and Jenny's life through the War starting in Wales and then in Italy.
Candice has her own struggles in the present with her overly controlling and toxic boyfriend Beau. Together they travel to Italy for a commemorative trip.
I loved the two main characters and slowly becoming immersed in each of their lives. There was certainly a lot of turmoil and a few big secrets in Jenny's life. Some of the memories were heart wrenching and there were a few big twists that I didn't see coming at all. I equally enjoyed reading about Candice's life in the present and I was really rooting for her to achieve her life ambitions and get her life back on track.
An emotional and beautifully written story which I would definitely recommend.
Candice has her own struggles in the present with her overly controlling and toxic boyfriend Beau. Together they travel to Italy for a commemorative trip.
I loved the two main characters and slowly becoming immersed in each of their lives. There was certainly a lot of turmoil and a few big secrets in Jenny's life. Some of the memories were heart wrenching and there were a few big twists that I didn't see coming at all. I equally enjoyed reading about Candice's life in the present and I was really rooting for her to achieve her life ambitions and get her life back on track.
An emotional and beautifully written story which I would definitely recommend.
December 28, 2023
What a heartfelt and emotional book this was.
A young woman, not having the best upbringing is low in self-confidence. She works at a nursing home and feels like someone finally cares about her, her new boyfriend. She has made a connection with the oldest resident there, a woman named Jenny Tanner. Jenny is over 100 years old and knows time is running out for her. She has a memory box with special mementos that signify times in her life that are important to her. Jenny has made a strong connection with her nursing assistant, Candice Barnes. With time slipping away Jenny knows it's a now or never kind of thing and she must return to the place of her birth, Italy, she has some places she must revisit and some things she must make right. Her memories will not let her not due this, and she will with Jenny's help.
Told in flashbacks of Jenny's younger life and its importance and modern times. As Candice spends more time with Jenny, we see an awareness she develops about her current situation. I enjoyed seeing the growth and development Candice shows. The past and present meet in this glorious book, so emotional and heartfelt and full of beautiful surprises. This is a book that had been passed over many times on my reading shelf because I wasn't sure how I'd like it. I'm here to say if you have books, you've been putting off get to them and you may just love them like I did this one.
Highly recommended!
Pub Date 05 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A young woman, not having the best upbringing is low in self-confidence. She works at a nursing home and feels like someone finally cares about her, her new boyfriend. She has made a connection with the oldest resident there, a woman named Jenny Tanner. Jenny is over 100 years old and knows time is running out for her. She has a memory box with special mementos that signify times in her life that are important to her. Jenny has made a strong connection with her nursing assistant, Candice Barnes. With time slipping away Jenny knows it's a now or never kind of thing and she must return to the place of her birth, Italy, she has some places she must revisit and some things she must make right. Her memories will not let her not due this, and she will with Jenny's help.
Told in flashbacks of Jenny's younger life and its importance and modern times. As Candice spends more time with Jenny, we see an awareness she develops about her current situation. I enjoyed seeing the growth and development Candice shows. The past and present meet in this glorious book, so emotional and heartfelt and full of beautiful surprises. This is a book that had been passed over many times on my reading shelf because I wasn't sure how I'd like it. I'm here to say if you have books, you've been putting off get to them and you may just love them like I did this one.
Highly recommended!
Pub Date 05 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 24, 2021
Its not that it's a bad story its just one I've read too many times already. The twists and turns were unsurprising, predictable really. If you don't read much or maybe don't read this genre, then the story might be exciting for you but it just felt generic to me.
Also, the parts with Beau and Candice made me want to stop reading. Beau is a whining, sniveling, gaslighting bottom feeder. Maybe the author did a good job on that antagonist but I just wanted to skip through his bits of the story.
I enjoy reading books by this author but this one just didn't work for me 🤷♀️
But that doesn't mean it won't work for you.
Also, the parts with Beau and Candice made me want to stop reading. Beau is a whining, sniveling, gaslighting bottom feeder. Maybe the author did a good job on that antagonist but I just wanted to skip through his bits of the story.
I enjoy reading books by this author but this one just didn't work for me 🤷♀️
But that doesn't mean it won't work for you.
March 19, 2023
Stop what you’re doing and read.this.book.
I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The 👏🏼 PLOT 👏🏼TWISTS. It totally keeps you guessing and includes all the emotions. Thank you Kathryn Hughes
I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The 👏🏼 PLOT 👏🏼TWISTS. It totally keeps you guessing and includes all the emotions. Thank you Kathryn Hughes
December 17, 2021
This book was like a heartbreakingly beautiful breath of fresh air. Jenny just turned a century old and although it seems almost too late at this point in her life, she is on a mission to return to Italy and set things right. Well, as right as she possibly can. Some things she has completely given up on and as she tells her story, you begin to understand why.
I can't begin to tell you how much I love the jumping back and forth, from present day to the past. You're reliving Jenny's past through her own eyes and anyone who knows me, knows history is my thing. Comparing how completely different almost every aspect of life is from then until now, never gets old. Of course, some things never change, namely relationships and the downright trouble or absolute bliss that they bring.
The more you learn about Jenny's past, trying to survive in war-torn Europe, the more surprises you receive. I honestly didn't see a couple of them coming, which is difficult to do when you read as much as I do. I really got caught up so much in this book, that it was easy to picture it in-depth and feel the breeze in Italy or smell the food Simeon cooked for everyone in the retirement home. Sound crazy? Maybe, but that is how good the author portrayed it all.
There's plenty more I could say, but I want everyone to dive into this book headfirst. Be taken on a poignant journey of love, loss, friendship, and redemption.
I would like to show my appreciation to Netgally, the author, and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I can't begin to tell you how much I love the jumping back and forth, from present day to the past. You're reliving Jenny's past through her own eyes and anyone who knows me, knows history is my thing. Comparing how completely different almost every aspect of life is from then until now, never gets old. Of course, some things never change, namely relationships and the downright trouble or absolute bliss that they bring.
The more you learn about Jenny's past, trying to survive in war-torn Europe, the more surprises you receive. I honestly didn't see a couple of them coming, which is difficult to do when you read as much as I do. I really got caught up so much in this book, that it was easy to picture it in-depth and feel the breeze in Italy or smell the food Simeon cooked for everyone in the retirement home. Sound crazy? Maybe, but that is how good the author portrayed it all.
There's plenty more I could say, but I want everyone to dive into this book headfirst. Be taken on a poignant journey of love, loss, friendship, and redemption.
I would like to show my appreciation to Netgally, the author, and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2021
I have loved every single one of Kathryn Hughes books, but this one…was my absolute favourite! So well written and I loved the back and forth of the story. I loved the way that Candice befriended Jenny in the care home and the natural role of friendship that blossomed into so much more. Jenny’s story was harrowing in so many ways, what she endured during her younger years, overcoming polio, losing her parents to the war, her and Louis’ move to Wales for safety, her relationships with both Nico and Lorcan. I loved the way it ended too, it’s not often a book makes me cry, but this one did several times. I feel like I was there, living through the war in Italy, it’s unthinkable what happened. A truly beautiful story that I made last as long as possible! I honestly didn’t want to finish this book!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Headline for gifting me this book in return for an honest review.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Headline for gifting me this book in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Keista pačiai, jog šią knygą įveikiau. Pats rašymo stilius - siaubingas... vaikiškas ir atrodė, jog šitą knygą rašė 12 metų vaikas. Nesvietiškai nenormalus moters naivumas, keiksmai kurie primena gatvinius pašlemėkus... baisu. Ir juokingiausia : aš jį taip myliu!!! Nu siaubeli.. už ką ši knyga gavo tiek liaupsių??
Dženi personažas man patiko. Bet irgi knygos gale jau nusivažiavo ... apsurdiškas galas. Nežinau. Bet ši autorė manęs dar nebuvo taip nuvylusi...
Dženi personažas man patiko. Bet irgi knygos gale jau nusivažiavo ... apsurdiškas galas. Nežinau. Bet ši autorė manęs dar nebuvo taip nuvylusi...
November 4, 2022
3.5*
Graži, paprasta, lengvai skaitoma istorija. Vietomis erzino Kandisės naivumas, bet žavėjo šimtametės Dženi personažas. Rekomenduočiau paplūdimio atostogoms arba atvirkščiai - niūriam savaitgaliui.
Graži, paprasta, lengvai skaitoma istorija. Vietomis erzino Kandisės naivumas, bet žavėjo šimtametės Dženi personažas. Rekomenduočiau paplūdimio atostogoms arba atvirkščiai - niūriam savaitgaliui.
January 5, 2022
This was a truly lovely book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I like books told in two timelines, and the author did an outstanding job with both lines. Once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. I’m going to look for more Kathryn Hughes books, she was a new author to me.
Beautifully written and plotted, with characters that will stay with you when you’re finished reading.
4 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Beautifully written and plotted, with characters that will stay with you when you’re finished reading.
4 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 10, 2021
Love historical fiction but
This story had a decent enough plot. It just wasn't told well. The author wasn't very convincing with the love story between the two main characters. And that was the whole basis on why this story took place to begin with. There was a little intrigue which goes along with this subject matter. It just wasn't entertaining.
This story had a decent enough plot. It just wasn't told well. The author wasn't very convincing with the love story between the two main characters. And that was the whole basis on why this story took place to begin with. There was a little intrigue which goes along with this subject matter. It just wasn't entertaining.
September 20, 2022
If anyone is a fan of Lucinda Riley then you are sure to be a fan of Kathryn Hughes. This book tells the story of 100 year old Jenny who defriends young and caring Candice. Together they work through their own troubles and take a journey that will change their pasts as they know it.
June 4, 2022
Ehh graži istorija. Galima ir ašarėlę išspausti. Veikėjai netobuli, dėlto labiau man patinkantys. Rašytoja sugebėjo ne kartą apgauti 😁
July 14, 2023
Too much of the book (especially the first half) was about Candice & Beau’s relationship which was just annoying…otherwise great story of Jenny’s life & how WWII affected her life.
May 21, 2023
Ho solo una parola per questo libro: PERFETTO!
È stato un viaggio meraviglioso ed una carezza per l'anima, ve lo consiglio di cuore. Ha al suo interno tutti gli elementi che amo nei libri: due protagoniste forti, l'una ci accompagna in una struggente storia drammatica mentre l'altra la vedremo quasi in un dolce romance di rinascita, il tutto nella cornice di un romanzo storico veramente ben scritto. Decisamente il mio ideale di libro, sono felice di averne sentito per caso il forte richiamo mentre mi aggiravo per gli scaffali e di non aver potuto resistere alla tentazione di portarlo con me non appena ho sfiorato la splendida copertina.
È stato un viaggio meraviglioso ed una carezza per l'anima, ve lo consiglio di cuore. Ha al suo interno tutti gli elementi che amo nei libri: due protagoniste forti, l'una ci accompagna in una struggente storia drammatica mentre l'altra la vedremo quasi in un dolce romance di rinascita, il tutto nella cornice di un romanzo storico veramente ben scritto. Decisamente il mio ideale di libro, sono felice di averne sentito per caso il forte richiamo mentre mi aggiravo per gli scaffali e di non aver potuto resistere alla tentazione di portarlo con me non appena ho sfiorato la splendida copertina.
July 22, 2022
Trecia mano skaityta sios rasytojos knyga ir tikrai nenuvyle. Rasymo stilius ir neilgi chapteriai labai patinka. Pati istorija grazi bet ne saldi, visko po truputi. Dziaugiuos kad dar dvi jos knygas turiu neskaitytas
October 29, 2021
What a beautiful, heartwarming read!
Very intriguing storyline!
The Memory Box drew me in slowly and wouldn’t let me go!
Told in a duel timeline of the 1940’s and 2019, The Memory Box is a very emotional read.
Jenny is the main character and what a character she is…..at age 100 she decides she needs to go back to Italy to revisit her past. I have to say for a 100 year old woman, Jenny certainly was in good health and shape!
All the characters were very well developed and engaging in their own special ways.
Lots of twists and turns I never saw coming.
Lovely historical fiction book…
I am looking forward to reading more books written by author Kathryn Hughes.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
*Bookstagram @shortbookthyme
Very intriguing storyline!
The Memory Box drew me in slowly and wouldn’t let me go!
Told in a duel timeline of the 1940’s and 2019, The Memory Box is a very emotional read.
Jenny is the main character and what a character she is…..at age 100 she decides she needs to go back to Italy to revisit her past. I have to say for a 100 year old woman, Jenny certainly was in good health and shape!
All the characters were very well developed and engaging in their own special ways.
Lots of twists and turns I never saw coming.
Lovely historical fiction book…
I am looking forward to reading more books written by author Kathryn Hughes.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
*Bookstagram @shortbookthyme
February 12, 2023
Od autorky to byla má druhá kniha a myslím, že se mi líbila víc než právě kniha Dopis. Autorka vsadila na střídání časových linek mezi současností a minulostí a to mám ráda. Kniha se mi až na začátek četla příjemně. Příběh se mi velmi zamlouval a vyprávění hlavní hrdinky - stoleté Jenny bylo laskavé i smutné zároveň. Záleželo, kde jsme se zrovna ve vyprávění a jejím životě dostali. Postavy jsem si celkem oblíbila, i když byla tam jedna postava, která mi po celou dobu čtení "pila krev". Ti, co četli, zřejmě uhádnou koho myslím.
December 2, 2021
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love a good dual timeline in a book. Love it.
Jenny Tanner, who has recently celebrated her 100th birthday, is living in a care home when her carer, Candice Barnes, finds a wooden box in one of her drawers and together they look through it. From this moment on we switch back and forth between 1940 and present day (2019). Jenny recounts her memories from her marriage, war in Italy, her childhood years in Wales and many more memories all the while we are finding out about Candice’s life and how she reacts and connects with Jenny’s past. Jenny knows she must travel to Italy to feel at peace and she asks Candice to accompany her on the trip for not only physical support, but she also wishes for Candice to see that she’s trapped in a relationship that isn’t healthy for her.
This is a beautiful story about love, sacrifice, happiness, guilt, loss, regret and forgiveness. Jenny and Candice are both such amazing characters, the compassion they show others is really touching and I love how they connected with each other throughout the book. I enjoyed the twists in the book, even though you can see a couple of them coming, and it made it that much more enjoyable for me to read. So does Jenny find her peace? Does Candice see the truth about her relationship that she’s ignored all this time and find some true happiness? You’ll have to pick up The Memory Box to find out!
Jenny Tanner, who has recently celebrated her 100th birthday, is living in a care home when her carer, Candice Barnes, finds a wooden box in one of her drawers and together they look through it. From this moment on we switch back and forth between 1940 and present day (2019). Jenny recounts her memories from her marriage, war in Italy, her childhood years in Wales and many more memories all the while we are finding out about Candice’s life and how she reacts and connects with Jenny’s past. Jenny knows she must travel to Italy to feel at peace and she asks Candice to accompany her on the trip for not only physical support, but she also wishes for Candice to see that she’s trapped in a relationship that isn’t healthy for her.
This is a beautiful story about love, sacrifice, happiness, guilt, loss, regret and forgiveness. Jenny and Candice are both such amazing characters, the compassion they show others is really touching and I love how they connected with each other throughout the book. I enjoyed the twists in the book, even though you can see a couple of them coming, and it made it that much more enjoyable for me to read. So does Jenny find her peace? Does Candice see the truth about her relationship that she’s ignored all this time and find some true happiness? You’ll have to pick up The Memory Box to find out!
March 9, 2023
Having read and enjoyed all of Kathryn Hughes books I was looking forward to reading The Memory Box. The story is written in dual timeline which I love to read and this one easily flows between the 2 time periods of 2019 and 1940 . The story of Jenny in 1940 , is told through Jenny's voice, 100 yer old woman living in a senior care center in 2019 as she shares her life story with her caretaker Candace. Jenny's story takes us back to 1940 during the war and takes place in Wales and Italy. As we read about Jenny in 2019 we also read about Candace and the toxic relationship she is in.
There are some interesting WWII events in the story but mostly they are the backdrop for Jenny's story.
I have mixed feelings toward Jenny- I loved her as a a centenarian but I had a hard time with her choices in her younger life. And what is with books where they look into one another's eyes and immediately are in love- I would call that lust not love and not what one should be making life choices on - choices that will impact many peoples lives. Candace drove me crazy- she was sweet and and very kind to Jennifer but her inability to see how she was being controlled and manipulated by her boyfriend was just so hard to understand and so very infuriating.
The plot was good but predictable- many twists to the story but easily seen before revealed.
In summary I enjoyed the story but didn't love the story - I wish the twists had kept me guessing to the end. I wish Jenny had made better choices but then I guess that is what the story is all about, her choices and the impact it had on her life as well as many others.The end was neat and tidy all tied up with a little bow. Not that I don't like happy endings but they need to feel real.
There are some interesting WWII events in the story but mostly they are the backdrop for Jenny's story.
I have mixed feelings toward Jenny- I loved her as a a centenarian but I had a hard time with her choices in her younger life. And what is with books where they look into one another's eyes and immediately are in love- I would call that lust not love and not what one should be making life choices on - choices that will impact many peoples lives. Candace drove me crazy- she was sweet and and very kind to Jennifer but her inability to see how she was being controlled and manipulated by her boyfriend was just so hard to understand and so very infuriating.
The plot was good but predictable- many twists to the story but easily seen before revealed.
In summary I enjoyed the story but didn't love the story - I wish the twists had kept me guessing to the end. I wish Jenny had made better choices but then I guess that is what the story is all about, her choices and the impact it had on her life as well as many others.The end was neat and tidy all tied up with a little bow. Not that I don't like happy endings but they need to feel real.
October 27, 2022
Kde začať...
Táto kniha nie je krásna. Táto kniha je silná, obsahuje ťažkú tému a je nádherná. Čo všetko si jedna žena počas svojho dlhého života preskákala je až neuveriteľné. Tento príbeh si chcete prečítať. Ja som počas čítania cítila všetko. To bolo také silné, emočné vypätie a zimomriavky. Táto kniha bola dokonalá. Príbeh, ktorý vás skutočne dostane. ❤️
Táto kniha nie je krásna. Táto kniha je silná, obsahuje ťažkú tému a je nádherná. Čo všetko si jedna žena počas svojho dlhého života preskákala je až neuveriteľné. Tento príbeh si chcete prečítať. Ja som počas čítania cítila všetko. To bolo také silné, emočné vypätie a zimomriavky. Táto kniha bola dokonalá. Príbeh, ktorý vás skutočne dostane. ❤️
August 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book and liked the 2 narratives which follow Candice & Jenny. Parts of the story were very predictable though.
I've read/listened to all kathryn Hughes' books but didn't enjoy this one quite as much as her other work.
I've read/listened to all kathryn Hughes' books but didn't enjoy this one quite as much as her other work.
January 8, 2024
At first it started a little slow for me, but about page 100, I started to get invested into the characters. It was a love story and also threw in some factional history events, which I love. I will more than likely read another of her books.
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