Book Review: The One Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr

Released: 12th January 2017, Penguin

Flora is seventeen and longs to be like every other girl her age. However, Flora can’t remember anything past being ten for more than a few hours. She has anterograde amnesia ever since she was ten.

When she goes to a party, she ends up alone with her best friend’s boyfriend, Drake. They kiss and he leaves. When Flora wakes up, she remembers Drake, she remembers the kiss. Her first new memory for seven years.

She must be with Drake and so sets out to find him alone hoping that she will find him quickly and they can be together.

I found Flora to be such an interesting character. She had such an innocence about her that I felt the need to protect her, hoping that no one was going to take advantage. As far as all the other characters are concerned, I didn’t know who to trust much like Flora. She’s an inspirational character. Many could learn a lot from her.

As I read, I tried to put myself in her shoes – getting myself to a place and then waking up a while later having no idea how I got there. It was a terrifying thought and yet, she embraces the adventure. She forgets, starts again and keeps moving.

Flora’s story is intriguing. I got the feeling as I was reading that there were a few things Flora didn’t know. I never really stopped wanting to know what was going to happen and whilst I usually have an idea halfway through of how a book is going to develop, I had no clue as to what was going to happen by the end of this novel. It really did have me guessing. A lot.

I can’t say much more without giving away the end. What I will say is that this is probably one of the best books I have read in a while (and I’ve read some fabulous books.) Even now, I am still thinking about it.

This book appeals to both younger and older readers. I loved this book (even if it was slightly heart-breaking). It’s beautifully written and Flora is an adorable, strong lead character.

I really hope Emily Barr decides to revisit Flora at some point. I’d love to know what happens next.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.