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Memory House
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 17:44:51
25 copies available
U.S. only
The never-before-published final novel by cult feminist author Elaine Kraf, exploring what happens when a washed-up writer is sent to a mysterious rehabilitation center for failing artists
Once the darling of the literary world, Marlane Frack is fading into her once-brilliant career seems over, her creativity feels nonexistent, and her demanding husband would prefer she spend her time caring for him instead of struggling to find inspiration. But one day, an enigmatic chauffeur arrives to spirit her away to Memory House, a secluded sanctuary where formerly successful artists of all kinds—writers, painters, musicians, and more—are given the opportunity to revive their faltering careers.
Nestled in a remote, picturesque landscape, the house is a labyrinth of secrets and whispers, where time seems to flow differently and creativity is both a blessing and a curse. There, Marlane finds herself among a diverse group of residents, some of whom she knew in the outside world, all of them fighting with their own artistic demons—and with each other. As the line between reality and imagination blurs, and her past begins to manifest in startling ways, Marlane starts to question what is real and what is merely a figment of the house's influence.
Will Marlane find the redemption she seeks, or will the house consume her creative spirit entirely? In the last book she wrote before her death, which has never been published before, Elaine Kraf explores the challenges of being a female creator, the transformative power of art, and the enduring quest for self-discovery.
Once the darling of the literary world, Marlane Frack is fading into her once-brilliant career seems over, her creativity feels nonexistent, and her demanding husband would prefer she spend her time caring for him instead of struggling to find inspiration. But one day, an enigmatic chauffeur arrives to spirit her away to Memory House, a secluded sanctuary where formerly successful artists of all kinds—writers, painters, musicians, and more—are given the opportunity to revive their faltering careers.
Nestled in a remote, picturesque landscape, the house is a labyrinth of secrets and whispers, where time seems to flow differently and creativity is both a blessing and a curse. There, Marlane finds herself among a diverse group of residents, some of whom she knew in the outside world, all of them fighting with their own artistic demons—and with each other. As the line between reality and imagination blurs, and her past begins to manifest in startling ways, Marlane starts to question what is real and what is merely a figment of the house's influence.
Will Marlane find the redemption she seeks, or will the house consume her creative spirit entirely? In the last book she wrote before her death, which has never been published before, Elaine Kraf explores the challenges of being a female creator, the transformative power of art, and the enduring quest for self-discovery.
- GenresFiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Elaine Kraf
5 books105 followersElaine Kraf is the author of four books: The Princess of 72nd Street, Find Him!, I Am Clarence, and The House of Madelaine.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 23, 2026ARC for review. To be published May 12, 2026.
DNF at 15%
The blurb for this book describes Kraf as a “cult feminist writer” and this is one of her never published works so I thought I would give it, and her, a try.
In the book writer Marlene Frack, once a celebrated author, has lost her spark and her career is all but over. However, she’s been invited to Memory House, a retreat for artists of all sorts suffering from her very problem.
I made it about 75 pages in before it all got to be a bit much, the chauffeur’s plea to Marlene to run away with him and his fury when she declines, the odd relationship between Marlene and her husband. Since I know nothing of Kraf I didn’t feel obliged to read on as I just found myself completely underwhelmed.
DNF at 15%
The blurb for this book describes Kraf as a “cult feminist writer” and this is one of her never published works so I thought I would give it, and her, a try.
In the book writer Marlene Frack, once a celebrated author, has lost her spark and her career is all but over. However, she’s been invited to Memory House, a retreat for artists of all sorts suffering from her very problem.
I made it about 75 pages in before it all got to be a bit much, the chauffeur’s plea to Marlene to run away with him and his fury when she declines, the odd relationship between Marlene and her husband. Since I know nothing of Kraf I didn’t feel obliged to read on as I just found myself completely underwhelmed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A posthumous novel about a writer leaving behind her failed inner self to enter a “commune”of failed artists to re-find her artistic mojo . It’s a surrealist exploration of creativity, sexuality and memory. It has also been described by one reviewer as “magical realism meets metafiction.”
Marlene Frack sets out for Memory House by having to have faked her death and agreed to “no creation.” Upon arrival her chauffeur states she’s arrived to “a state of perpetual lethargy.” She is told by Dr. Amazing that her memory will be rejuvenated during her stay which does reveal some traumatic events from her childhood. There are a cast of rather bizarre characters that are funny and sad at the same time.
As with metafiction, irony abounds in this book. Flashbacks and fantasies appear in italics. Former events, lovers and artistic endeavors come through. It’s kind of a metaphysical journey from death to rebirth in the telling as Marlene seeks renewal of her artistic talents. In researching this book I learned that the author toward the end of her life felt her “literary tastes” were “passé” and this book perhaps has some autobiographical events.
This is a book for lovers of irony, complex storytelling and magical realism with a unique twist.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this ARC
Marlene Frack sets out for Memory House by having to have faked her death and agreed to “no creation.” Upon arrival her chauffeur states she’s arrived to “a state of perpetual lethargy.” She is told by Dr. Amazing that her memory will be rejuvenated during her stay which does reveal some traumatic events from her childhood. There are a cast of rather bizarre characters that are funny and sad at the same time.
As with metafiction, irony abounds in this book. Flashbacks and fantasies appear in italics. Former events, lovers and artistic endeavors come through. It’s kind of a metaphysical journey from death to rebirth in the telling as Marlene seeks renewal of her artistic talents. In researching this book I learned that the author toward the end of her life felt her “literary tastes” were “passé” and this book perhaps has some autobiographical events.
This is a book for lovers of irony, complex storytelling and magical realism with a unique twist.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this ARC
May 9, 2026
Marlene Frack, a famous author, feels like her creativity has vanished and her career is disappearing before her, so she decides to head to Memory House. Memory house is a place for formerly successful artists of all kinds, even dentists and doctors. As she arrives at Memory House, she comes across some members that she has known, but soon the line between reality and imagination blur, and her past comes to life.
This book was awful. Marlene is called Alice at the beginning of the book and this book feels like sinking down the rabbit hole. I was expecting strong feminist fiction and instead I just got a pile of shit. I should have DNF'ed.
Thanks Netgalley for an ARc in exchange for an honest review
Why did I read? sounded interesting. Would I read again? HELL NO
This book was awful. Marlene is called Alice at the beginning of the book and this book feels like sinking down the rabbit hole. I was expecting strong feminist fiction and instead I just got a pile of shit. I should have DNF'ed.
Thanks Netgalley for an ARc in exchange for an honest review
Why did I read? sounded interesting. Would I read again? HELL NO
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews