Tannat

I forget how I stumbled across Forest of Memory even though it was only a few days ago. However I discovered it, I was debating about buying the ebook when I thought to check my library and my dilemma was solved because they had some paper copies! I’m glad I went the library route because there was something more authentic about reading it on paper that just wouldn’t have been present on an ereader. Of course, now if I want to reread it, I’d have to pick up an ecopy because even though it’s only a novella, the print version is priced not much below full length novels. Boo.

It took me a little while to get into because it follows this conceit of deliberately inserting some typos and strikeouts because the main character is supposed to be typing her story on an old-fashioned typewriter. I wasn’t sure I was buying it although I was trying not to be irritated. I will admit that although they were peppered throughout, they weren’t excessive, especially considering that this person would most likely have made a lot more than was shown. So I made my peace with that conceit in the end although I was initially iffy on it.

It’s set in a future, hyper-connected version of our world, where the main character, Katya Gould, drops off the grid when she encounters a stranger in the woods. He kidnaps her because she interrupts his work and the novella is the story of their encounter. So what did I like about it? It was creepy. I guess I just got sucked into the story. The ending turns out to be a bit of a puzzle which might annoy some people but to me makes it more interesting. She doesn’t have a lot of verifiable evidence because she dropped off the network (which in itself is super freaky for this world) but you’re left with wondering about her motivations if she were making it up or what his motivations would be if she weren’t… Plus there is some physical evidence.

All in all, it’s just weird and fun and interesting.