The Memory Game is narrated by 15 year-old David Cottle whom we meet just after he has been killed in a hit and run accident on a lonely country road. David’s insubstantial body feels neither cold nor pain now but he cannot work out what he is supposed to do, or where he is meant to go… So he goes home to find his distraught mother calling the police while his stepfather tries to mollify her with possible explanations for the fact that he didn’t come home that night. No one can see David and he cannot make himself heard by the living.
David attends his own funeral but it is only when he visits his school that he realises that one person, Bethany – a girl that he had never paid any attention except to be unkind to – not only can hear him but sees him too. However Bethany has her own problems to deal with, not least in being victimised by all her peers, and really doesn’t need a ghostly stalker.
Author Sharon Shant deals with dark and gritty themes: death and loss – David’s father and Bethany’s mother are both dead – as well as child abuse, teenage sexuality, first love and bullying sensitively and with linguistic elegance. Sharon handles her material confidently. Seen through the eyes of a teenage boy, life can be confusing and frightening especially as David can no longer influence the living world – he cannot even make his presence felt through touch – and has no idea what he should do or why his spirit lingers when he is unaware of any other dead people.
The Memory Game is a compelling read. The narrative pace never slackens and the ending may very well surprise you. An ideal read for teens and adults alike. If I were a secondary school teacher I would recommend it to my pupils as it would be sure to stimulate some interesting discussions.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
The Memory Game