The Memory Box

by Kathryn Hughes

I’m not one of those unreliable narrators. You can trust me.

Just like when a con-artist says "I don't care if you decide not to invest, just don't want you to miss out." If he/she truly didn't care about you investing, he wouldn't mention it. A honest person doesn't say, "I'm honest. Trust me." So I think, Oh, you (character) are an unreliable narrator. *I make note*.

‘Louis Francis Tanner.’

Louis Francis, is a twist, or his true role in the story is a twist/reveal that simmers and brings an element to the story that brings appeal closer to the reader.

and we both turn to see Frank leaning against the frame, a tattered teddy bear clutched to his chest.

Is this "closure" ??

He dips his head towards the bear, burying his nose in its fur, befor...

I love this scene on so many levels. A gesture that brings the past forward to the present?

‘You never did make a skirt for M...

A duty that again brings the past to present and is saying you and I still have things to do. New Memories possible?

‘Why, Frank? Why didn’t you say anything?’

It’s me who should be lost for words. ‘It was Ernest’s idea to track you down,’ he begins.

Ernest said it was so simple, you must have wanted to be found.’ He

Mrs Culpepper introduced you to me as their oldest resident.’ He gives a little laugh. ‘We actually shook hands.’

Drives home the idea of what reaching across the chasm and prejudice of a small, hurt boy, now a man.

My brain feels particularly sluggish as I try to make sense of everything. ‘But you still haven’t said why you didn’t tell me who you were.’

Good question. Again

He gives a resigned shrug. ‘I suppose I wanted to find out if you were worth getting to know. I had to make sure you wouldn’t disappoint me again.

I don't like how he is blaming and deciding what's she worth. I get his concerns, but his wording sounds superior. Oh, well.

couldn’t believe you would actually leave me behind. I thought you were just teaching me a lesson and would reappear,