Liz Currently Loves…..The Memory Game by Sharon Sant.

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So today see’s the release of “The Memory Game” By Sharon Sant ,a book I absolutely adored and that had me reaching for the tissues. A review plus a little competition for you to win your very own copy will follow shortly – first however I tracked Sharon down and asked her a few questions and here is what she had to say.

 

The Memory Game was an emotional read. Was it just as emotional to write?

 

When I’m writing I tend to be quite focused on what I’m doing from a technical perspective, particularly during the first draft, so although I must be getting emotionally involved, I’m not really aware of it. When I read it back is when I notice a draft affecting me emotionally, probably because I try to read it with fresh eyes, almost as though someone else has written it. I’ve read The Memory Game back three times now to edit and proofread and each time I’ve found myself crying. There’s another proofread to go, so I need to get some tissues to hand this time!

 

Was the ending set in your mind from the start or did it evolve with the characters?

 

Yes, the ending was pretty much set from the start. I remember discussing it with my writer friend, Mel Sherratt, on a train journey last year when I was telling her about the story that was in my head, and I mentioned the idea I had for the ending back then. For me, I don’t think there could have been any other ending that would have made as much sense.

 

Bethany was a wonderful emotive character – was she based on anyone you remember from your schooldays?

 

Thank you!  Actually, I think you mentioned in your review that we all knew someone like Bethany at school and I think most of us did (or do if we’re lucky enough to still be at school!).  I had a best friend (in fact, we’re still best friends now) at school who, while she wasn’t quite bullied in the way Bethany is, still got a really hard time.  Her parents were quite strict and were also devout Christians, which made her stand out immediately.  My friend has this staggering IQ, she’s incredibly witty and interesting, a talented artist, and generally very cool, but people at school didn’t see that, they just saw this slightly old fashioned girl who wasn’t allowed to do the stuff the rest of us could. When she did get picked on, to my shame, I didn’t defend her like I should have done.  Looking back, I think I was afraid that if I did, I would become that girl instead.  I only ever just managed to stay on the right side of socially acceptable myself – my parents struggled for money and I was never one of the cool kids.

 

Tea, coffee or cake?

 

Um, can I have tea AND cake?  I don’t drink coffee very often; it makes me go caffeine crazy!

 

If you could take one book to a desert island, what would it be?

 

This is so hard, why only one?  I’m not sure, honestly, but my first instinct is the book I always mention, The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. I should probably say War and Peace – it would last me longer!

 

3 people alive or dead you would like to go for a drink with?

 

Oh dear, I’m sure I’m supposed to give an answer that includes people like Alfred Nobel or Einstein.  But I’m going to show just how shallow I really am now by saying Colin Morgan, Matt Smith and Bob Mortimer!

 

Thanks Sharon!

 

You can follow Sharon Here: https://twitter.com/SharonSant

Find out more about her here: http://sharonsant.com/

Purchase Information: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Memory-Game-ebook/dp/B00EU7R1GA/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378024812&sr=1-2&keywords=the+memory+game

 

Review

 

First of all thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book for review. No REALLY thank you it was amazing.

 

David died at 15. But he is not gone. Weeks after his death, he wanders his home village, unable to interact with anyone or anything…and unable to understand why, as he seems to be the only ghost around. Suddenly he realises that there IS one person that can see and hear him…her name is Bethany. An outcast and loner, they had no contact in life so why is she the only one who can see him now?

 

This was such a beautifully written story it tugged at my heartstrings. David was not a particularly nice person in life – certainly not in his attitude to girls like Bethany – and as he watches his best friend behave appallingly he comes to some understanding of who he himself was and how different things would be now if only he could get that life back. In the relationship with his Mother, his Stepfather and with Bethany. I suppose in a way, you could call it a coming of age story..except of course David will not have the chance. The relationship that develops between the two youngsters – one living, one dead, is almost what I would like to call “Anti Twilight”. No angst, just a rather strange friendship and mutual respect that you wish with all your heart they could have in life. And yet…if David was alive they would never speak.

As Bethany tries to help David discover just why it is that he is stuck, they learn more about each other and themselves. She really is an amazing girl who has suffered her own share of tragedy…and we all knew girls and boys like her at school, some of us WERE those people – the slightly odd, and seemingly sad misfits. What Sharon Sant has done is give you a glimpse behind the mask – a possible reason for being. It makes you wonder….what if you had simply spoken to a girl like that rather than avoiding them or making fun – what hidden depths might you discover and who knows what friendships are missed because this simply doesnt occur.

And of course its a darn good story to boot – you will WANT to know what David’s purpose is, why he is the only spirit, why is Bethany the one chosen to be able to see and hear him. There are some humerous moments as David tries to accomplish those things that film ghosts always seem to be able to do – moving things, scaring people..but mostly it is an emotional and heart wrenching ride towards the final resolution. Will David be doomed to walk forever with only Bethany for company? I would suggest you read and find out!

 

COMPETITION.

Win your very own copy of The Memory Game by commenting on this post with the answer to this question.

If YOU died and only one person could see and hear you, who would you choose and why?

Please also state whether you would prefer Ebook or Paperback and be aware that Paperbacks will be despatched at the end of this month (UK only for Hard Copy)   Entries will be judged by an impartial observer and the winner announced on Facebook, Twitter and here on site.

 

Happy Reading Folks!

 

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6 Responses to Liz Currently Loves…..The Memory Game by Sharon Sant.

  1. Charli says:

    Paperback 🙂

    I would choose my stepdad to be able to see and hear me because he makes me laugh, can sort out my problems and helps me out so much! He’s kind, hilarious and I love him very much, so I would definitely make sure he could still be around me… And crack the odd joke about people on the TV.

    Charli x

  2. My son because I wouldn’t want him to grow up not knowing his mummy loved him. Although it’d be pretty weird for him as a teenager, being haunted by his mother. :p

  3. Littlenel says:

    I’d pick my boyfriend, to let him know I was ok and so (hopefully) he knew I was looking out for him still!

  4. Jess W says:

    Paperback (I’m in the UK).
    My sister because we talk about everything and we share everything with each other so I’d definitely choose her! 🙂
    Also I would be able to look out for her.

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