The Insistence of Memory
Nothing could prepare Joanne for the secrets her husband left behind. As she stumbles through each day, trying to raise their daughters alone, Joanne soon learns that Jeff’s basement tinkering had led to a remarkable invention: a machine that can record memories and play them back in someone else’s mind.
Now, Jeff’s partner-in-crime wants to turn their unfinished project into a money-making scheme, while Joanne’s best friend fears the danger of dredging up buried memories. Joanne’s heartache must take a backseat as she struggles to find a way forward. She’s torn between supporting the future of her husband’s incredible discovery and keeping her own troubled history safely locked in the past.
The Insistence of Memory gently bends reality as it explores grief, friendship, and the ethics of privacy.
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Available in paperback and ebook editions, 298 pages.
Genre
As a work of speculative fiction, the story is set in our contemporary world with the addition of a memory recording machine. This sci-fi twist questions the future of technology and leads to the story’s elements of mystery. Note: The Insistence of Memory includes adult language and themes.
Reviews
“The Insistence of Memory by Susan Quilty is a brilliant look at the nature of memories, how they shape our lives, and how they are shaped by our lives.” – STARRED Review by Erica Ball for Independent Book Review (Full review here)
“A solid speculative fiction story with enough mystery elements to keep readers guessing.” – Kirkus Reviews (Full review here)
“The Insistence of Memory by Susan Quilty is intriguing and fascinating, with a perfect balance between science fiction and mystery.” – Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite (Full review here)
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Extras
Want to explore more? Read the opening pages for free and go behind the book with continuing blog posts. Note that character descriptions and discussion questions may include mild spoilers.
Chapter One – The ceiling is smooth and white above Joanne’s head. Shadows play on the wall as light filters in through the partially drawn shades. Joanne doesn’t notice the worn paperback that is spread open, its pages bent, less than a foot from her head. She doesn’t notice the book light, fallen forgotten on the floor, still shining faintly in the morning light. (Continue reading…)
Early Edition
In 2017, The Insistence of Memory was published exclusively through Amazon. In 2021, a second edition was released for wider distribution. The novel’s original cover was designed by Angel Fischer of Halo Designs and was briefly available on the second edition. You may notice, the current cover features elements and colors inspired by the original design.
Check back for bonus content and updates in The Insistence of Memory blog posts.
