Thanks for the Memories

A cute story that was slightly ruined by the feeling that the author was trying overly hard to make me sad

I enjoyed this light read by the same author as PS I Love You. This is the story of a young Irish woman struggling to get through a difficult time in her life. Her life is turned upside down following an accident. She begins having memories of things that did not happen to her and begins running into a mysterious American man who seems oddly familar. While you will have to use your imagination a bit to buy into the plot, it gives this novel a little twist that makes it unique. The characters are enjoyable and believable - especially Henry, the elderly father of the main character, who has some of the funniest and most memorable lines in the book.

It was the first novel of Ahern's that I have read and I will definitely pick up another one of her books soon.

I had never read Cecilia Ahern's books before, but had just watched the movie made from her first novel, the best seller P.S. I Love You. I totally loved the fairy tale quality of it. A definite chick flick.

Justin Hitchcock has moved to England to be closer to his daughter, after he and her mother divorced. He travels to Ireland to work as a guest lecturer at Trinity College. It is there that he is persuaded to donate blood for the first time.

Back in England, Joyce Conway suffers a serious fall that results in a hospital stay. She needs a blood transfusion. Joyce starts having memories of things that have never happened to her. Hmm - see where this is going?

I enjoyed the characters of Joyce and her friends. They came across as realistic. I was not so taken with the character of Justin. Although he is the 'romantic' lead in the story, I just never really bought it. I found him to be rude and boorish and he just never redeemed himself in my eyes. But it is Joyce's father Henry who steals the show. He is a the only parent Joyce has left. He is elderly and set in his ways. He has never travelled much beyond his neighbourhood. His views on just about everything provide laughter but tears as well. This is the character I engaged with the most.

The dedication in the front of the books is to her grandparents and includes photographs. I could see her Grandfather Ahern as Henry