Summary
Sam Kane is a character from Andrew Fookes’ 2019 debut novel, In Body, In Mind.
In Living Memory is Sam’s one published novel. As the title suggests, it explores the role of memory in the construction of identity. It asks us to consider how it might change us if we lost our connection with the past. And if we have to remember who we love, does that mean we truly love them? If we have to remember what we believe, does that mean our belief is genuine? If we have to remember what we’re like, does that mean our character is authentic? What memories must we keep in order to keep our identity?
This is a story about truth, trust, secrecy and sacred promises. It’s about what happens when we hide who we are from ourselves, and about taking back control of our lives. It’s about how love can grow from nothing, and how it can become our reason for everything.
Mark Strong is going to lose his memory. His wife, Cate, has had a car accident and she’s lost hers, at least for the moment. They embark on a project to recapture Cate’s memory before their entire history has disappeared, but neither can foresee how dredging up their past will profoundly reshape their individual senses of self, and fundamentally alter the course of their relationship.
Ken Gutterson –
A beautifully woven narrative that captivates from beginning to end, In Living Memory unfolds through a rich tapestry of characters, settings, and profound themes. The authenticity of its cast invites deep introspection, offering readers a mirror through which to contemplate their own triumphs, struggles, and sense of purpose.
The depth of research and insight embedded in the novel is remarkable, revealing a nuanced grasp of the human condition and a compassionate embrace of the diverse journeys we undertake. While the prose is vivid and evocative—at times demanding—it greatly enriches the immersive quality of the storytelling.
This is a novel that teaches as much as it moves. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, religion, and literature, it expands the reader’s intellectual horizons and leaves them with a deeper, more resonant understanding of themselves.