Don't miss the next sweeping historical novel from Corin Burnside.
An utterly heart-wrenching and unputdownable novel about love, loss and sacrifice, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.
1940. Having grown up surrounded by nature, Bella Gardner loves nothing more than getting her hands dirty. When war breaks out, she immediately signs up for the Air Transport Auxiliary, frustrated she can’t play a more active role, yet keen to do something for the war effort. But when her brother is involved in a tragic accident, Bella must make a decision that changes the course of her life forever.
2014. Archaeologist Jennifer Dawson is excited when she is told about an unrecovered World War 2 Spitfire but is shocked to discover that the body of the pilot is still inside the plane. Trying to avoid her own demons, Jennifer sets out to solve the mystery of the forgotten pilot – and finds that the answer might lie a lot closer to home…
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! The best book I've read this year so far and it will be hard to beat. I enjoyed this author's last book but this tops it by a mile! It's a dual timeline story and the two timelines blend seamlessly. Every second chapter is about Bella, in the past and Jennifer in the present up to the last few chapters so you always know where you are in the book. The opening pages were a brilliant hook and it never waned. Both Bella and Jennifer have suffered trauma in their lives. They are both strong women with Bella doing something completely out of the ordinary. There's a great cast of characters and so much information on different subjects, yet it never gets bogged down. I did have an inkling part way through and then guessed where it was going but it didn't stop my enjoyment of the read. For me it enhanced it. Even though I knew a certain outcome, a wave of sadness washed over me when it came out. It's a very emotional read with grief, love, joy and acceptance running through it. A phenomenal amount of research must have gone into this story. The dog fights in the Spitfires were so well done you could feel the tension of the pilots. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves dual timelines and stories set around the war. Can't wait for her next book!!
Many thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
So Corin Burnside was a new author to me but given how much I love WW2 historical fiction with dual timeline storyline involved, it was a no brainer that I had to read this, plus the cover to the book is gorgeous.
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the stories of both Bella and Aidan back in 1940 and that of Jennifer in present day 2014, I was captivated right from the first few chapters, really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and to discovering each of their stories. I loved how the story went back and forth from 1940 to present day 2014 which was done so seamlessly. I loved the mentions of the Spitfires, Hurricanes planes, really added something special to the story.
The archeological element to the story was a really insightful one, as I learnt a few things that I never even knew, like how the process worked when they discovered/found something and the hoops they have to jump through with people of authority before they can proceed with the evacuation of a dig site.
So if you love books that tell a story in the present and in the past then I can highly recommend this beautiful tale of love, sacrifice, friendship, courage, discovery and so much more.
Oh my goodness, what a debut this is! I read this pretty quickly because I didn’t want to put it down. I love a duel timeline and this was done so well, giving the reader the opportunity to really get to know each character. The twists and turns of this book kept me on my toes and to be honest, I can’t say anything else.. I just loved it 💛
The stories of 2 women in different time periods (Bella in WW2 and Jennifer in present day). Whilst this book is well written, the WW2 plot was a bit far fetched imho - a woman pretending to be an raf officer taking her brothers place on training and posting.
Whilst I know history has stories of women who have disguised themselves and gone into battle, the whole set up of this felt forced to drive the plot forward. As for the present day story, it was ok and it was a nice touch to have a thread to the WW2 plot line. But I’m afraid this wasn’t a hit with me.
Gave 4 instead of 5 stars because the author makes a great story, full of details, but when the book is approaching its end the plot seems to rush like if there was a page limit and the story has to be wrapped up quickly. Would have loved to enjoy more the ending as I did the rest of the book.
I read quite a lot of historical fiction and a lot of it involves WW2. This story by Corin Burnside presents a totally fresh take on a period of history we have all read so much about. This one grabbed me from the first page. Such an emotional and heartbreaking story of families in war. A dual timeline story, I also learned a lot about archaeological digs around the discoveries of war aircraft. This was a fascinating story, brought together intelligently by Corin where each page led you to the next with a desire to know how everyone was going to get out of this alive, or not. Brava! Corin Burnside.
A dual timeline book is at least two books, two stories, entwined. If told well, as in this book, it feels like one story. In this book, there’s an Australian and British world with its players engaging World War 2. There’s also a present day British world with its players ultimately trying to digest the World War 2 world and understand it. Our author handled this nicely, creating a very satisfying story. Well done!
After loving the author’s first book, I had high expectations for The Memory Keeper, and it did not disappoint. 🥹 The author’s talent for creating vivid, cinematic scenes makes reading her work feel like watching a movie unfold. Even though I could sense where the story was heading, the way the narrative unfolded kept me hooked. The Memory Keeper is indeed a true page-turner! 👍
However, I have to admit that the portrayal of grief within Jennifer’s family didn’t resonate with me as deeply as I’d hoped. Despite this, the book shines in other areas. The topics of RAF, spitfires, and archaeology were new to me, yet they were so well-written that I could easily understand and visualize them. The tension during the flying scenes kept me on the edge, and I even picked up some new insights into archaeology.
Overall, The Memory Keeper is definitely an emotional and insightful read. I’m eager to see what the author comes up with next and will definitely be keeping an eye out of for her future works 💖 She’s my go-to historical fiction author to date!
Q: What themes in World War II fiction resonate with you most? Courage, survival, resistance, sacrifice, or something else? Share your answers on my bookstagram
I thoroughly enjoyed The Memory Keeper. It is a dual time historical novel set in 2014 and WW11. The story is well thought out and the pace is just right. The characters are well rounded and believable. I did work out where the narrative was going about half way through but this didn't detract from my reading pleasure at all. I can recommend giving this book a try if you enjoy a good read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
1940. Having grown up surrounded by nature, Bella Gardner loves nothing more than getting her hands dirty. When war breaks out, she immediately signs up for the Air Transport Auxiliary, frustrated she can’t play a more active role, yet keen to do something for the war effort. But when her brother is involved in a tragic accident, Bella must make a decision that changes the course of her life forever.
2014. Archaeologist Jennifer Dawson is excited when she is told about an unrecovered World War 2 Spitfire but is shocked to discover that the body of the pilot is still inside the plane. Trying to avoid her own demons, Jennifer sets out to solve the mystery of the forgotten pilot – and finds that the answer might lie a lot closer to home…
My rating:
Plot: 5 out of 5 stars Writing: 4.5 out of 5 stars Character development: 4.5 out of 5 stars Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful story, told over a dual time line, one set in the present tells the story of Jennifer and the other, Bella’s story takes place during WWII. The characters are interesting women each with their own story to tell but there are also many similarities. The book is very well written, vivid and with great attention to detail. The story flows well and is very moving with the right amount of mystery, suspense and a bit of romance that keep you going till the end. The characters are well developed; their actions are explained with enough detail, this makes characters appear realistic.
Overall:
This is a, well written and researched story with great character development, the right amount of intrigue and suspense to keep you captivated till the end.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
What an amazing book ! Dual time line was written so well and the characters were so real. The story of an amazing pilot and the secret within and an unbelievable coincidence . Read it and you won’t be disappointed. My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the early read
Thank you to NetGally for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love, love, love "The Memory Keeper" by Colin Burnside! Though it started off a bit slow, once I got into it, I found it to be an incredibly captivating read that kept me up late, eagerly turning pages to find out more. This book is a wonderful page-turner!
One of my favorite aspects of the novel is its dual timeline. I love discovering how things link together as the story unfolds, and Burnside does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing about the lives of the two main characters. In the present day, we follow Jennifer, who is dealing with grief while working to recover a WWII Spitfire at a local dig. In 1940, we meet the enigmatic Bella, who is desperately trying to use her hard-earned skills for the war effort by posing as her brother as women were unable to fight.
Bella, in particular, stands out as a compelling lead. Her story is so well-written that I couldn't put the book down. Burnside's writing skillfully weaves together the past and present, creating a rich and engaging narrative that keeps you invested in both timelines.
Overall, "The Memory Keeper" is a beautifully crafted story that seamlessly blends historical fiction with contemporary issues. It’s a book that will keep you guessing and deeply engaged from start to finish. I will definitely be hunting down more books by this author!
I enjoyed this book and it kept my interest. It was easy to figure out how the pieces would come together, but I still wanted to see how it all was revealed. Strong woman characters, paired with action scenes of war and archeological discovery make it a page turner.
Great historical fiction. Told in a dual timeline format, the way the two timelines merge is beautifully written. This tells the story of a RAF pilot in WWII who was actually a woman masquerading as her brother. Everyone thought she was one of the boys and an ace fighter pilot. I love stories with strong determined female characters!
I enjoyed the story and the historical nature of the book but sadly I listened to the audio book which had the most dreadful Australian accent in it that I found it hard to be swept away with the story. I am not deterred though and will in future READ books by this author!
A well written novel where past and present come together. The main character, Bella is headstrong and sometimes ruled by her passion, making for an interesting story.
I love historical fiction and this story was one that kept you turning pages. The plot is believable and the the connections between the characters are heartwarming.
I was completely enthralled with The Memory Keeper. The prologue had me in tears and I couldn't wait to discover what it was referencing. The dual timeline had me on the edge of my seat, waiting,.. just waiting.
Jennifer has a really cool job as an archaeologist. She works for a company that unearths planes downed during WW2. She is on a job and about to give up in a boggy field. Then it happened. Someone found just enough to keep the dig going. The discoveries that follow gave me chills. I wanted to be part of the investigation. I wanted to be there the story exploded. This story was mine until I reached the end. The lack of sleep was worth it.
England is at war. It needs pilots, but only male pilots. Bella has known how to fly for many years because she lived in the Australian Outback. Bella does the next best think and joins the ATA. It just wasn't the same.
She saw an opportunity. She took it. Bella was so brave. Bella was an Ace and an inspiration. But she had a secret. If it ever came out, her life would end as she knew it. I was intrigued with Bella' career. The author used words to show the reader what it was like to be a pilot in the Battle of Britain. I learned of hardships. My heart broke over the loses. My heart radiated for Johnnie and Bella. It was an inspiration, that during the horrors of war, happiness could still be found.
I enjoyed Corin Burnside’s debut novel Her Forgotten Promise. Her new book The Memory Keeper deals with the same themes – the impact of WW2 on the lives of those who lived through it, and the way it has affected their families down the generations. When a young boy sees a Spitfire crash on rough ground in 1940 the image is forever imprinted on his memory. As an old man in 2014 he watches archaeologists excavate the scene of the crash, exposing an astonishing secret about the pilot. The story is told in complex dual narration, which Burnside handles skilfully. Her writing is very descriptive, showing an intimate understanding of day-to-day life in wartime. The love affairs of Bella in 1940 and Jennifer in 2014 are set in different time periods and on opposite sides of the world, but a close relationship between them is gradually revealed. I find this book hard to review because for me, The Memory Keeper was a difficult read. My father’s brother was a WW2 pilot who was shot down and killed at the age of 22. It took me a long time to fully comprehend the effect his death had on his siblings. To me this is not history but an account of a family’s trauma. I recommend Burnside’s well researched and emotional story to fans of historical novels, with a special interest in WW2. Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC.
After reading Corin Burnside’s first novel, Her Forgotten Promise, I was keen to jump into her second and I was not at all disappointed! The Memory Keeper is a wonderful page-turner!
The dual timeline unfolds in such a way to keep you guessing about the lives of the two main characters: Jennifer in present day, dealing with grief while working to recover a WW2 spitfire on a local dig, and the enigmatic Bella beginning in 1940 as she tries desperately to use her hard earned skills for the war effort.
The author is so adept at spinning an exciting and adventurous tale with a couple of fabulous and plucky female leads. I honestly couldn’t put it down. I want so much for Bella’s story to be fact!
A truly suspenseful and exciting novel with a huge emotional heart.
Another highly charged and emotional WW2 novel from Corin Burnside. THE MEMORY KEEPER was everything I would expect from such a talented writer, - well-researched, her ability to develop the scenes so that they are clear in my head, and above all, drawing me into the characters. Her descriptions of the dog fights and life on the RAF bases brought home the excitement and fear of the young airmen, many of who were barely adults. Alongside the WW2 storyline, is the discovery of a long-buried Spitfire, and the archaeological dig to recover the plane and identify the pilot.
I look forward to further novels from Corin Burnside.
This is a rattling good story. It brings to life the experience of a spitfire pilot and lifts some of the mystery concerning an archaeological dig. The premise is simple, an elderly man witnessed a spitfire crash when he was a boy. A dig is set up and the identity of the pilot is uncovered. The most important fact is that the pilot whose body had been preserved in a boggy marsh was a woman. As well as being important, the book makes a statement about female equality. No occupation should be denied a woman merely through gender. The book also makes a timely comment about handling grief a topic we find easy to ignore. All in all a really good read.
Bella lives in Australia and is very much a strong willed woman. She ends up in Edinburgh and goes to Oxford to get her pilots licence as she has been flying planes since she was a teenager. War breaks out and she ends up working at the ATA as a pilot flying the lanes. Aiden her brother des not want to go to War and joins the RAF. Jennifer is an archeologist and ends up finding a spitfire with the body of the pilot inside. Who is this person and how did they end up in the ground.
I enjoyed this story trying to work out who the pilot was and how the story links up altogether. I worked out what was going to happen midway through the book.
I wanted to read on to find out what happened and it certainly did not disappoint.
It was well written and was a wonderful book with sadness and also happiness.
I didn't expect that this one would hit me in the feels as hard as it did. This story follows two women with unlikely connection. One is a present day one who lost her son in an accident and who never got his body back and the other one is found in the body of a plane that crashed during the war. We follow Jennifer as she deals with her own loss and as she uncovers the extraordinary story of a woman who pretended to be a man so she could be a pilot during war when she could only fly cargo planes as a woman but could fly fighter jets as a man. It's an amazing book about history, loss, love, family bonds and grief.