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The Colour of Memory
Lucy Potter is a successful artist but she has done no new work in months. She fears she has lost the creative spark that sustained her and enabled her to express her view of the world. Will she ever regain it?
The chance discovery of an old notebook while on a walk in the woods provides a welcome distraction, raising questions she cannot answer. Who wrote it, why is it in code, what secrets does it hide? And why does it include the address of a house that does not exist?
Partial decoding of the notebook, surely written many years ago, reveals troubling incidents in the life of an unnamed girl. Deeply affected by the girl's plight, Lucy feels impelled to find out who she is or was and what happened to her. Could she still be alive?
Lucy's search for answers has an outcome she could never have anticipated. But will the re-appearance in Lucy's life of fellow artist Rex Monday help or hinder her attempts to re-establish her position in the art world - and provide the stability she needs in her personal life?
As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the world as seen through Lucy's eyes. A world of colour and light, of shape and pattern and texture, inviting us to see it that way too.
"A compelling novel about art, creativity, and the human heart."
Philip Hook, author of Art of the Extreme 1905-1914, a Sunday Times Book of the Year
The chance discovery of an old notebook while on a walk in the woods provides a welcome distraction, raising questions she cannot answer. Who wrote it, why is it in code, what secrets does it hide? And why does it include the address of a house that does not exist?
Partial decoding of the notebook, surely written many years ago, reveals troubling incidents in the life of an unnamed girl. Deeply affected by the girl's plight, Lucy feels impelled to find out who she is or was and what happened to her. Could she still be alive?
Lucy's search for answers has an outcome she could never have anticipated. But will the re-appearance in Lucy's life of fellow artist Rex Monday help or hinder her attempts to re-establish her position in the art world - and provide the stability she needs in her personal life?
As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the world as seen through Lucy's eyes. A world of colour and light, of shape and pattern and texture, inviting us to see it that way too.
"A compelling novel about art, creativity, and the human heart."
Philip Hook, author of Art of the Extreme 1905-1914, a Sunday Times Book of the Year
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 18, 2025
Back in February 2024 I read Mr Magenta by this author.
I'd really enjoyed this read and so when I saw this new release heading our way, I couldn't resist diving in.
This was another pretty quick read which again doesn't give too much away from the title and front cover image, yet packs a lot of story along the way.
Here we step inside Lucy's life as she struggles to find inspiration for her artwork.
Lucy was such an intriguing character and I loved seeing the world through her eyes.
Not being very artistic myself, I feel that this gave me such vivid descriptions that helped me understand all that goes into creating that spark and seeing the beauty in the results.
I loved the mystery element of the storyline and everything to do with the coded notebook.
Lucy's investigations got me thinking about how I'd go about solving the codes and searching for the girl within.
The writing style was totally captivating and I was completely immersed from the start.
Having looked into this author's backlist, I wonder whether the other books are somehow connected to this and am intrigued to learn more.
I'd really enjoyed this read and so when I saw this new release heading our way, I couldn't resist diving in.
This was another pretty quick read which again doesn't give too much away from the title and front cover image, yet packs a lot of story along the way.
Here we step inside Lucy's life as she struggles to find inspiration for her artwork.
Lucy was such an intriguing character and I loved seeing the world through her eyes.
Not being very artistic myself, I feel that this gave me such vivid descriptions that helped me understand all that goes into creating that spark and seeing the beauty in the results.
I loved the mystery element of the storyline and everything to do with the coded notebook.
Lucy's investigations got me thinking about how I'd go about solving the codes and searching for the girl within.
The writing style was totally captivating and I was completely immersed from the start.
Having looked into this author's backlist, I wonder whether the other books are somehow connected to this and am intrigued to learn more.
October 30, 2025
What a little gem! I got to the end and read the blurbs for the other books and now I want them all. They’re all slightly connected I think!
This book is brighter than its cover, it really is a world of colour and light!
The discovery of a coded note book is the premise of the story but it evolves so much around that!
I love the descriptions of windows and the thought of art from the outside and the colours of feelings really appealed to me throughout the book.
It made me smile :-)
This book is brighter than its cover, it really is a world of colour and light!
The discovery of a coded note book is the premise of the story but it evolves so much around that!
I love the descriptions of windows and the thought of art from the outside and the colours of feelings really appealed to me throughout the book.
It made me smile :-)
October 26, 2025
I must admit that I was not quite sure what to expect when I selected this book to read as the cover really does not give much away and I tend to be swayed away from books where I am not sure what I am getting into. Even though I would not typically have picked this book up the intriguing synopsis caught my eye so I thought I would give it a try. I am pleased to report that I am glad that I did as I enjoyed it!!! I was also swayed by the fact that I have read 'Mr Magenta' by Christopher and I really enjoyed it and would also recommend you read that book too after this one!! If this isn't the sort of book you would pick up then don't let that out you off, expand your literature genres and you will not regret it!!! I found 'Mr Magenta' to be a highly entertaining and quick read as I did with this little gem. It is a nice length book with the physical copy being 229 pages and the kindle just 191 pages. From the moment I started reading it Christopher had me completely sucked into the storyline which was like something I have never come across before. This is getting harder for me, to find a unique storyline, as I have read so many books but Christopher managed to give me a new storyline so thank you for this!! The storyline is filled with mystery, intrigue, memories, creativity, light, colour and much more. It is not the type of book that needs to be filled with action and drama as it is just a nice, colourful, easy to read and compelling storyline filled with emotions, art, creativity and beauty. Christopher is an extremely talented writer and his stunning, evocative and emotive descriptions and writing skills really do draw the readers in and immerses them into Lucy's world where they will see everything coming to life around her. While this book has not got any action or drama per say what it lacks in those it makes up in abundance with beauty, entertainment, stunning descriptions and a beautifully paced relaxing read. With realistic personalities and well built character development Christopher truly brings Lucy and the other characters to life at the turn of a page. It is a beautiful and easy to read book and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this very talented author. I was completely engaged and compelled throughout the book and ended up devouring it in just two short sittings. Christopher has very thoughtfully included a list of his previous books at the back with descriptions and each one and every one of them look promising so I will definitely be adding those to my wish list as soon as I have finished typing this up! Thank you Christopher for a wonderful and compelling read!
Overall a beautiful, compelling and wonderfully written page turner.
Overall a beautiful, compelling and wonderfully written page turner.
October 17, 2025
In The Colour of Memory, by Christopher Bowden, we meet Lucy Potter – an established, middle-aged artist who’s felt creatively blocked for some months, and is worried she’ll never repeat, let alone exceed the success of her previous work.
One day, while taking a constitutional in her south London neighbourhood, Lucy discovers a mysterious notebook written in code, sending her in an unexpected direction as, with some help from her friends, she starts to unravel its mysteries and tracks down its owner, who has a surprising proposition for her.
Along the way, she finds inspiration for some promising new compositions and starts a new relationship with fellow artist Rex Monday, who attended art school with her three decades previously. Could it all be coming back together for Lucy?
On the whole, I’d describe The Colour of Memory as a light, comforting read. Everything was very richly-described, reflecting Lucy’s own perceptions of the world around her as well as bringing all the scenes to vivid life.
I really enjoyed all the insights into the life of a successful artist, whether that was learning that Lucy being blocked didn’t mean she wasn’t creating anything at all (she still practises drawing still lifes for an hour every morning); seeing how she found inspiration in the most commonplace of objects; or living through her vicariously as she did her best work, managed the more businesslike side of her job, and talked about art with other artists.
The stakes don’t feel nail-bitingly high at any point – Lucy is no struggling artist, having already exhibited in New York(!) and presumably receiving some level of income from licensing of her existing work. We come to her biggest challenge – her artist’s block – in its later stages, not long before she starts creating in earnest again. It did seem like she could succeed at any form or style of art she turned her hand to, even if she didn’t think so herself!
It was also clear from the outset that the events described in the deciphered opening pages of the notebook were written from the perspective of an adult who had obviously long since survived them, so there was no major sense of urgency about tracking down its owner.
That’s not to say that the memories in the notebook, or the other details its writer eventually shares with Lucy face-to-face, aren’t shocking or heart-rending, though. It’s clear that its author was traumatised by the experiences she had as a child and, as Lucy comes to learn, her suffering didn’t end there. I especially appreciated how the story ended with a couple of questions about the writer left unanswered.
There were a few messages that particularly stayed with me after finishing this book. One is the idea that art is, first and foremost, an expression and offering-up of the world from your unique point of view (and that’s why AI art is an abomination!).
Another is how someone telling you at a young age that you’re not good at something can create a lasting negative belief about yourself and hold you back – ever since getting harsh feedback on a portrait she created in college, Lucy has insisted she ‘doesn’t do people’.
We’re also reminded that life is a marathon, rather than a sprint. When you have a success, you feel great for a while, but time goes on, the feeling of triumph fades, you have to continue working hard to maintain that standard (you’re only as good as your last book/album/film/etc.), and you worry that your best work is already behind you (heck, I feel like this most of the time, and all I’ve done is write a handful of short stories!). So I did feel empathy for Lucy in that respect, even if I didn’t feel her despair to the extent I might have done if I’d met her further back from her creative resurgence.
The Colour of Memory is a light, interesting, and engaging read.
One day, while taking a constitutional in her south London neighbourhood, Lucy discovers a mysterious notebook written in code, sending her in an unexpected direction as, with some help from her friends, she starts to unravel its mysteries and tracks down its owner, who has a surprising proposition for her.
Along the way, she finds inspiration for some promising new compositions and starts a new relationship with fellow artist Rex Monday, who attended art school with her three decades previously. Could it all be coming back together for Lucy?
On the whole, I’d describe The Colour of Memory as a light, comforting read. Everything was very richly-described, reflecting Lucy’s own perceptions of the world around her as well as bringing all the scenes to vivid life.
I really enjoyed all the insights into the life of a successful artist, whether that was learning that Lucy being blocked didn’t mean she wasn’t creating anything at all (she still practises drawing still lifes for an hour every morning); seeing how she found inspiration in the most commonplace of objects; or living through her vicariously as she did her best work, managed the more businesslike side of her job, and talked about art with other artists.
The stakes don’t feel nail-bitingly high at any point – Lucy is no struggling artist, having already exhibited in New York(!) and presumably receiving some level of income from licensing of her existing work. We come to her biggest challenge – her artist’s block – in its later stages, not long before she starts creating in earnest again. It did seem like she could succeed at any form or style of art she turned her hand to, even if she didn’t think so herself!
It was also clear from the outset that the events described in the deciphered opening pages of the notebook were written from the perspective of an adult who had obviously long since survived them, so there was no major sense of urgency about tracking down its owner.
That’s not to say that the memories in the notebook, or the other details its writer eventually shares with Lucy face-to-face, aren’t shocking or heart-rending, though. It’s clear that its author was traumatised by the experiences she had as a child and, as Lucy comes to learn, her suffering didn’t end there. I especially appreciated how the story ended with a couple of questions about the writer left unanswered.
There were a few messages that particularly stayed with me after finishing this book. One is the idea that art is, first and foremost, an expression and offering-up of the world from your unique point of view (and that’s why AI art is an abomination!).
Another is how someone telling you at a young age that you’re not good at something can create a lasting negative belief about yourself and hold you back – ever since getting harsh feedback on a portrait she created in college, Lucy has insisted she ‘doesn’t do people’.
We’re also reminded that life is a marathon, rather than a sprint. When you have a success, you feel great for a while, but time goes on, the feeling of triumph fades, you have to continue working hard to maintain that standard (you’re only as good as your last book/album/film/etc.), and you worry that your best work is already behind you (heck, I feel like this most of the time, and all I’ve done is write a handful of short stories!). So I did feel empathy for Lucy in that respect, even if I didn’t feel her despair to the extent I might have done if I’d met her further back from her creative resurgence.
The Colour of Memory is a light, interesting, and engaging read.
October 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Christopher Bowden has a style of writing that I like with just enough detail to give you what you need without overloading you with minutiae. First of all I was drawn in by the title of the book, and the cover, which doesn’t give any clue as to what lies ahead making the turning of the first page a complete mystery.
The pace of the book and the introduction of different characters and settings has been well thought out to keep the reader captivated and is characteristic of Bowden’s writing.
The idea of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and the theme of “Windows” for Lucy’s art work is captivating and I have found myself , since I read the book, looking at them in a completely different way.
Lucy is a lovely central character who is curious about a coded book she comes across and is eager to learn more about its origins and who wrote it. The different paths it takes her on is intriguing as is the character of Rosemary who becomes an important part as the story progresses.
The Colour of Memory is the second book I have read by Christopher, the first being Mr Magenta which I also thoroughly enjoyed, and it definitely won’t be my last . Christopher Bowden is an author who will be staying on my watch list for the future.
The pace of the book and the introduction of different characters and settings has been well thought out to keep the reader captivated and is characteristic of Bowden’s writing.
The idea of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and the theme of “Windows” for Lucy’s art work is captivating and I have found myself , since I read the book, looking at them in a completely different way.
Lucy is a lovely central character who is curious about a coded book she comes across and is eager to learn more about its origins and who wrote it. The different paths it takes her on is intriguing as is the character of Rosemary who becomes an important part as the story progresses.
The Colour of Memory is the second book I have read by Christopher, the first being Mr Magenta which I also thoroughly enjoyed, and it definitely won’t be my last . Christopher Bowden is an author who will be staying on my watch list for the future.
November 29, 2025
This was such a change from my usual diet of crime fiction, Gothic horror, psychological thrillers and Scandi noir. A very gentle read, character driven, and for those who love art and an intriguing mystery.
Lucy’s career is in a slump. As a successful artist who has exhibited in Paris and New York as well as London, she now can’t find the inspiration for new work. But a reunion of her art college peers reintroduces her to fellow artist Rex Monday and they soon begin a relationship, though they both keep their own homes and studios. And Lucy finds her spark again, though it may or may not have anything to do with Rex.
In the meantime, while out walking, Lucy finds an old notebook, written in code. With the help of a friend of a friend, they manage to decode part of it and what is revealed shows a very unhappy childhood of an unnamed young girl. But is it real? Or is it fiction? There are plenty of clues to lead her to the owner of the notebook, and a separate story unfolds.
I found the story of the notebook owner more interesting than that of Lucy herself to be honest. She had a colourful life with a horrible mother (as documented by her), and an interesting relationship with others including her older husband. If I was Lucy I would also have searched for the truth. A beautifully written book with more than its share of drama, and just enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued.
Lucy’s career is in a slump. As a successful artist who has exhibited in Paris and New York as well as London, she now can’t find the inspiration for new work. But a reunion of her art college peers reintroduces her to fellow artist Rex Monday and they soon begin a relationship, though they both keep their own homes and studios. And Lucy finds her spark again, though it may or may not have anything to do with Rex.
In the meantime, while out walking, Lucy finds an old notebook, written in code. With the help of a friend of a friend, they manage to decode part of it and what is revealed shows a very unhappy childhood of an unnamed young girl. But is it real? Or is it fiction? There are plenty of clues to lead her to the owner of the notebook, and a separate story unfolds.
I found the story of the notebook owner more interesting than that of Lucy herself to be honest. She had a colourful life with a horrible mother (as documented by her), and an interesting relationship with others including her older husband. If I was Lucy I would also have searched for the truth. A beautifully written book with more than its share of drama, and just enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued.
October 10, 2025
Delightful story of an artist, and what inspires her. Emotion, colour and light all merge into how art reflects life and vice versa. Perfect autumnal reading for by the fireside.
November 4, 2025
A refreshing change from my usual reads, I genuinely enjoyed this story and its steady pace. While the narrative occasionally jumped around, leaving me unsure of where we were or who was involved, it didn’t take away too much from the overall experience.
For a relatively short book (just over 190 pages), it packed in a lot. At times, this meant certain topics felt brushed over when I wanted more depth, while some chapters didn’t quite resonate or seem essential. That said, the vivid descriptions of the artwork, surroundings, and Lucy’s creative lens were beautifully done and a joy to imagine.
There were many characters, some I felt were underdeveloped, others I wished I could get to know better. But that’s more about my personal preferences than the writing itself.
Overall, this is a lovely book with multiple storylines running in parallel. I met some wonderful characters along the way and truly enjoyed the journey.
For a relatively short book (just over 190 pages), it packed in a lot. At times, this meant certain topics felt brushed over when I wanted more depth, while some chapters didn’t quite resonate or seem essential. That said, the vivid descriptions of the artwork, surroundings, and Lucy’s creative lens were beautifully done and a joy to imagine.
There were many characters, some I felt were underdeveloped, others I wished I could get to know better. But that’s more about my personal preferences than the writing itself.
Overall, this is a lovely book with multiple storylines running in parallel. I met some wonderful characters along the way and truly enjoyed the journey.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews