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A review by richardrbecker
The Mechanics of Memory by Audrey Lee
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Mechanics of Memory by Audrey Lee is closer to 3 1/2 stars than 3, mostly because the concept feels fresh as a technothriller revolving around the unethical practices of Copeland-Stark, a business built on breakthroughs in memory therapy. Where it wins is in developing a realistic premise, even if the boundaries of believability are pushed too hard at times — especially the concept of top-tier employees being required to provide top-tier collateral for experimentation. Even with an explanation, it doesn't feel especially plausible.
Even so, I was willing to roll with it, given Hope's story (being one of those collateral sacrifices) stands out. While her development was diminished in that her own memories were already compromised, it's still easy to sympathize with her, and her collateral confederates as they try to unmask the evil being done under the guise of important work (and profit) from the most vulnerable place possible — as patients. The less impressive story, but still important, was that of Luke. He is the employee who sacrificed his fiance Hope to become a lab rat to save his daughter from the same fate.
Overall, the writing was fluid and easy to follow. The concepts, such as using AR and VR to treat patients by erasing or planting memories, were interesting from a psychological and technological perspective. Several of the twists play very well in the story, even if the ending falls a bit flat. The larger story backdrop—everything underpinned by the story's sinister medical corporation setting and even Hope's true (but hidden) motivation—feels convenient.
Even so, none of that prevents me from recommending the book in support of a new author. Audrey Lee has plenty to offer and the story, overall, was enjoyable. It's perfect for anybody looking for a slow-burn technothriller or interested in the fragility of perception. In that way, it opens up a few ideas worth thinking about.
My copy came from BookSirens. I accepted it as part of an effort to be introduced to new and/or indie authors. The Mechanics of Memory didn't disappoint.
Even so, I was willing to roll with it, given Hope's story (being one of those collateral sacrifices) stands out. While her development was diminished in that her own memories were already compromised, it's still easy to sympathize with her, and her collateral confederates as they try to unmask the evil being done under the guise of important work (and profit) from the most vulnerable place possible — as patients. The less impressive story, but still important, was that of Luke. He is the employee who sacrificed his fiance Hope to become a lab rat to save his daughter from the same fate.
Overall, the writing was fluid and easy to follow. The concepts, such as using AR and VR to treat patients by erasing or planting memories, were interesting from a psychological and technological perspective. Several of the twists play very well in the story, even if the ending falls a bit flat. The larger story backdrop—everything underpinned by the story's sinister medical corporation setting and even Hope's true (but hidden) motivation—feels convenient.
Even so, none of that prevents me from recommending the book in support of a new author. Audrey Lee has plenty to offer and the story, overall, was enjoyable. It's perfect for anybody looking for a slow-burn technothriller or interested in the fragility of perception. In that way, it opens up a few ideas worth thinking about.
My copy came from BookSirens. I accepted it as part of an effort to be introduced to new and/or indie authors. The Mechanics of Memory didn't disappoint.