"Challenging, intricate, and intriguing, this literary science fiction novel dwells within two time frames and explores what it is to be human in the world of speculative science. "
If you delight in speculative fiction and feel a frisson of excitement when a novel thoroughly provokes your thoughts, then step this way. Irish film director, screenwriter and author Neil Jordan has created an unsettling and intriguing atmosphere. Ireland sings a song of the land and sea, community and people.
There is two hundred years between the future present of 2084 and the past, and the two time frames often blend into each other. I felt disconcerted by the lack of framework between the time periods, and until I understood who resided where and internally felt the change in direction, there were moments where I was a little lost in time.
Another deliberate disturbance is the lack of speech marks, for me it created an almost dreamlike quality to the writing. It sets up a challenging read, both in terms of the writing and the concept. Jagged moments slash through feelings, the intricacies of the future creates a haunting that feels within desperate reach.
The ebb and flow of The Library of Traumatic Memory ensures a challenging and provocative novel as it explores the dark and traumatic side of human emotion.
The gripping first sci-fi novel from award-winning author, director and screenwriter Neil Jordan.In the late nineteenth century, Montagu Cartwright embarks on a new architectural project:
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The gripping first sci-fi novel from award-winning author, director and screenwriter Neil Jordan.In the late nineteenth century, Montagu Cartwright embarks on a new architectural project: building the Huxley Mansion on the edge of the peninsula.In present day, Christian Cartwright works as a librarian at the Huxley Institute, a successful but mysterious organisation at the cutting-edge of medical and scientific advancements. There is the Library of Traumatic Memory, which seeks to relieve patients from their most painful memories; the Clairvoyant Program, which explores the world of dreams and their possible connection to reality; and the Forever Wing, which pushes the boundaries of human mortality.But when one of the Institute's devices allows Christian to communicate with his recently deceased lover, Isolde, the secrets of the Institute begin to unravel and Christian must confront the true and terrible dangers that lay ahead.
The Library of Traumatic Memory features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative fiction, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Historical Fiction
Paperback, Hardback. Not Available.
The Library of Traumatic Memory was written by Neil Jordan and published by Head of Zeus an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)
The Library of Traumatic Memory has 336 pages
