Plot Summary

The Book of Memory

Petina Gappah
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The Book of Memory

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

Book Brief

Petina Gappah

The Book of Memory

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Zimbabwe • 1990s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah details the nonlinear recollections of Memory, a Zimbabwean woman on death row in Harare, following her conviction for the murder of her adoptive father. Through her writings, which form her court appeal, Memory navigates complex themes of identity, privilege, race, and colonialism, juxtaposing her childhood in a poor township with her elite education in Cambridge and the harshness of her current imprisonment. The novel addresses sensitive issues such as violence and trauma.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

4,900 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Petina Gappah's The Book of Memory has been praised for its intricate storytelling and rich exploration of Zimbabwean culture. Reviewers commend the novel's evocative prose and complex characters. However, some note a slow narrative pace and occasional structural issues. Overall, it’s a compelling yet contemplative read, appreciated for its depth and cultural insights.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book of Memory?

Readers who enjoy intense character studies, legal dramas, and African literature will be captivated by The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah. Comparable to Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, this novel explores themes of memory, identity, and justice.

4.0

4,900 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Book of Memory is the debut novel of Petina Gappah, an accomplished Zimbabwean writer and lawyer known for her short stories and engagements in international law.

Gappah’s manuscript for The Book of Memory was among the top twelve entries for the 2011 Best Unpublished Manuscript Award in South Africa.

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The Book of Memory was shortlisted for the 2016 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction, highlighting its critical acclaim and recognition within the literary community.

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Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Zimbabwe • 1990s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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