Book Review - The Memory of You by Samantha Tonge

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Title: The Memory Of You

Author: Samantha Tonge

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 16th May 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

A gorgeously uplifting story about memories, storytelling, love and friendship, about the journeys we take and the people we meet, what we remember and how there are some things we can never forget.

Alex would like to believe she’s a woman who has it all. Or that’s what she tells everyone, including herself. But this is far from true. Actually she’s on the cusp of losing her home, her dream career as a writer is in tatters, her ex won’t speak to her, and her mother’s gone forever.

But then a chance meeting with a stranger named Hope gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, when Hope jokes that perhaps Alex should take over her job in a cafe while she goes travelling.

Just at that moment, it sounds like the answer to all her problems. So Alex persuades Hope to let her step into her shoes for a month. She brushes away Hope’s attempts to explain about the café, instead demanding to know more about the owner Tom.

But she should have asked to know more. Because the ‘Wrong Order Café’ isn’t like anywhere she’s ever been before. And Alex’s life is about to change forever…

What a book! And once more I'm astounded at Samantha Tonge's development as an author, as her writing seems to get more and more impressive with every single book.  

And this is clearly a personal story for the author, as she deals with a variety of characters with dementia who are all working at the Wrong Order Cafe, which enables them to still feel like valued members of society.  It deals with how loved ones have to come to terms with a family member or friend slowly losing their memory and watching the decline. 

Whenever the story is talking about these topics, you can feel the heart and emotion, and the sensitivity that is being displayed. All signs of an awesome author. 

But it's not just about that, it's also about a chance meeting between Alex and Hope, leading to a decision that will change both of their lives.  Alex shows enormous character development as the story progresses, and I loved seeing her author journey. 

I really enjoyed the setting of the cafe in Manchester, especially owner Tom, and his parrot who has a fabulous personality and often made me smile. 

There's also another health matter that is dealt with in this book, that just doesn't seem to feature much anywhere, and although is a fact of life for women, isn't often spoken about, and the way that was included, again added extra depth to the story, is really great to see. 

This is ultimately an uplifting and heartwarming story, filled with a lot of heart, that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.