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Bittersweet Memories: A Novel
What if you could push rewind to relive any memory from your past as vividly and accurately as the day it happened? What times of your life would you choose to revisit?
Retired judge Anne Weller Barnes longs for the close family she sees in her mind’s eye and in the decades-old family movies. But in Anne’s actual family, the shocking circunstances surrounding a long-ago tragedy have created misunderstanding and disengagement.
When her estranged brother dies and leaves her an invention called the Memory Enhancer that allows people to program their dreams to recover old memories as clearly as the day they were made, Anne dives into her past, hoping to find a way to help her family be close again. Instead, family members dispute her newly recovered memories, which leads her to share the device with them, resulting in discoveries and realizations that change their lives forever.
Bittersweet Memories is a moving story that explores yearning for the past, the unreliability of memory, and the powerful impact of family secrets.
Retired judge Anne Weller Barnes longs for the close family she sees in her mind’s eye and in the decades-old family movies. But in Anne’s actual family, the shocking circunstances surrounding a long-ago tragedy have created misunderstanding and disengagement.
When her estranged brother dies and leaves her an invention called the Memory Enhancer that allows people to program their dreams to recover old memories as clearly as the day they were made, Anne dives into her past, hoping to find a way to help her family be close again. Instead, family members dispute her newly recovered memories, which leads her to share the device with them, resulting in discoveries and realizations that change their lives forever.
Bittersweet Memories is a moving story that explores yearning for the past, the unreliability of memory, and the powerful impact of family secrets.
- GenresTime TravelFiction
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2017
38 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Osterkamp
9 books9 followersEver since I learned to read, I've lived much of my life in the land of books. I'm a writer and a reader and a publisher. I'm always in the middle of writing a book and reading several others. I love books!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 19, 2020
(remember to pm author who wants to know how well TT tag fits)
*Finally* reading it Sept/Oct 2020 with Time Travel group: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/.... So far I'm liking it, as an easy comfort read with an interesting premise. I can see why the author wasn't sure it counts as TT but imo it's definitely so closely related as makes no difference (as far as I can tell at about 20%).
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I'm just past 1/3 through and liking it. I have long thought about how our memories are fallible, and have tried to talk to my brothers a bit about whether we remember things from our childhood the same way. So it's really interesting to explore this perspective.
I so find some aspects a bit implausible. For example, I have no idea why Anne uses it so much at first. It seems as if it's immediately addictive; she's not processing her experiences, as I would. Heck, I'd not have used it before developing the cover story and finding a better way to keep Jerry safe while I was on a trip.... It seems out of character for Anne to be so impulsive.
Would you be as ready to dive in as she is?
(fwiw, I'm 57 years old and my family is, like Anne's, not perfect, but not what I'd consider dysfunctional either)
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Done. Still believe TT tag does fit. Very glad I read it. Very glad that it didn't get too intense, too dark or scary. Perfect ending, imo.
I especially appreciate that the author
Definitely Sense of Wonder and What If. Yay!
(The ebook edition that I read could have used a proofreader who specializes in punctuation, but that didn't bother me much as the story was worth reading & engaging.)
*Finally* reading it Sept/Oct 2020 with Time Travel group: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/.... So far I'm liking it, as an easy comfort read with an interesting premise. I can see why the author wasn't sure it counts as TT but imo it's definitely so closely related as makes no difference (as far as I can tell at about 20%).
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I'm just past 1/3 through and liking it. I have long thought about how our memories are fallible, and have tried to talk to my brothers a bit about whether we remember things from our childhood the same way. So it's really interesting to explore this perspective.
I so find some aspects a bit implausible. For example, I have no idea why Anne uses it so much at first. It seems as if it's immediately addictive; she's not processing her experiences, as I would. Heck, I'd not have used it before developing the cover story and finding a better way to keep Jerry safe while I was on a trip.... It seems out of character for Anne to be so impulsive.
Would you be as ready to dive in as she is?
(fwiw, I'm 57 years old and my family is, like Anne's, not perfect, but not what I'd consider dysfunctional either)
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Done. Still believe TT tag does fit. Very glad I read it. Very glad that it didn't get too intense, too dark or scary. Perfect ending, imo.
I especially appreciate that the author
Definitely Sense of Wonder and What If. Yay!
(The ebook edition that I read could have used a proofreader who specializes in punctuation, but that didn't bother me much as the story was worth reading & engaging.)
April 23, 2017
This is, without doubt, the most thought provoking novel I have ever read - and I've read a lot!
It has invaded every waking and sleeping moment since I first got into it, which has made for some very interesting dreams!
I'm not going to give any spoilers, but central to this novel is a family and an unexpected dilemma. I have to confess that by the time I was 80% into the story, I just could not see how it was going to be finished off. However not only was it completed, but ended extremely satisfactorily - which I enjoy in a book. I have considered my childhood family more whilst reading this than ever before with any other book .. I do not think it possible to read this without allowing your mind to wander backwards through the years.
Lynn Osterkamp has created something completely original with this novel, and it is such a terrific read that I recommend you do not miss it! Full five stars - and then some!
It has invaded every waking and sleeping moment since I first got into it, which has made for some very interesting dreams!
I'm not going to give any spoilers, but central to this novel is a family and an unexpected dilemma. I have to confess that by the time I was 80% into the story, I just could not see how it was going to be finished off. However not only was it completed, but ended extremely satisfactorily - which I enjoy in a book. I have considered my childhood family more whilst reading this than ever before with any other book .. I do not think it possible to read this without allowing your mind to wander backwards through the years.
Lynn Osterkamp has created something completely original with this novel, and it is such a terrific read that I recommend you do not miss it! Full five stars - and then some!
June 25, 2017
Bittersweet Memories by Lynn Osterkamp has certainly bit into me on an emotional level.
Having grandparents who are of a certain age, Anne's story of wishing to relive and return to the days of her youth and happiness is something that anyone would wish to have, only that the reasons behind this desire run much deeper than the average mindset.
A terrible accident had separated Anne from her Brother, Ned, and only years later upon his death did she finally see why he had chosen to keep away despite the emotions he held back until it was too late.
Bittersweet Memories does live up to its namesake of a title, the tale of an ageing woman, a device that could resolve her family's enstranged relationships or ultimately drive them all further apart.
Having grandparents who are of a certain age, Anne's story of wishing to relive and return to the days of her youth and happiness is something that anyone would wish to have, only that the reasons behind this desire run much deeper than the average mindset.
A terrible accident had separated Anne from her Brother, Ned, and only years later upon his death did she finally see why he had chosen to keep away despite the emotions he held back until it was too late.
Bittersweet Memories does live up to its namesake of a title, the tale of an ageing woman, a device that could resolve her family's enstranged relationships or ultimately drive them all further apart.
June 17, 2018
Just as the title hints at; it is Bittersweet story with a side extra family drama.
Endearing family characters, lovable sibling rivalry. Definitely resounded in me, even though the sibs were in the same family, they were about as different as each could be. I'm from a Large family, it takes time to see where you stand. As oldest girl, little mom to my kid sisters. It seems to stay in me in life as I continue.
Really Loved how the family changed to let the others do what is best.
Seriously; who else wants to see a new book where we follow this family saga and see how their lives have turned out¿!!?
#IsThereMoreInTheAttic?
Endearing family characters, lovable sibling rivalry. Definitely resounded in me, even though the sibs were in the same family, they were about as different as each could be. I'm from a Large family, it takes time to see where you stand. As oldest girl, little mom to my kid sisters. It seems to stay in me in life as I continue.
Really Loved how the family changed to let the others do what is best.
Seriously; who else wants to see a new book where we follow this family saga and see how their lives have turned out¿!!?
#IsThereMoreInTheAttic?
November 23, 2020
Retired judge Anne is left an invention called a Memory Enhancer by her estranged brother. It enables the user to re-enter experience events and times in their lives through dreams. But with the gift comes responsability. Members of Anne's family use it to come to terms with their past, to feel 're-connected' with lost family, and to gain a clearer understanding of their present. But are there lurking dangers; should the Enhancer be made publicly available?
At the centre of the story are themes around family relationships and the unreliability of memory.
While this is not by any means a great book, it is readable and it does raise interesting questions.
At the centre of the story are themes around family relationships and the unreliability of memory.
While this is not by any means a great book, it is readable and it does raise interesting questions.
May 2, 2018
Definitely bittersweet!
It's a very fascinating read about memory and recall. The creation of the "memory enhancer" brings Anne back to deal with her past memories. I found this story unique and very original. The title promises it will be bittersweet, and it definitely is. Family ties and family drama are the backdrop of this greatly written story. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever gotten lost in memories or dealt with someone who no longer can.
It's a very fascinating read about memory and recall. The creation of the "memory enhancer" brings Anne back to deal with her past memories. I found this story unique and very original. The title promises it will be bittersweet, and it definitely is. Family ties and family drama are the backdrop of this greatly written story. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever gotten lost in memories or dealt with someone who no longer can.
July 12, 2018
Interesting concept
This book certainly held my interest. If only there really was such a thing as a memory machine. I would have given it four stars or maybe even five if it had a better ending. The last chapter was kind of preachy, not religion preachy but like, a lecture. Tell me story and let me draw my own conclusions.
This book certainly held my interest. If only there really was such a thing as a memory machine. I would have given it four stars or maybe even five if it had a better ending. The last chapter was kind of preachy, not religion preachy but like, a lecture. Tell me story and let me draw my own conclusions.
December 14, 2017
Anne is a 73 year old judge retiree caring for her husband Jerry, who has Alzheimer's. A bad accident happened years ago and her brother Ned left home and never came back, but he became a scientist and made a machine that can allow you to tap into memories of long ago.
May 18, 2019
Very interesting concept
I enjoyed this book very much. It's the story of a family, torn apart by tragedy, an invention that can change peoples lives and what the family decides to do with it.
I enjoyed this book very much. It's the story of a family, torn apart by tragedy, an invention that can change peoples lives and what the family decides to do with it.
October 25, 2017
So I knew nothing about this book when I started reading. It was so different from what I expected. It was thought provoking and interesting.
December 25, 2017
What a thought provoking idea from Lynn Osterkamp !!! so tempting to ponder on long after the book is over ! Loved the deeply rooted Family and their values !.... such nice people!
September 11, 2020
Amazing!
Very hard to put down. I loved the mystery, and the journey. I wish it were longer, or had a sequel...
Very hard to put down. I loved the mystery, and the journey. I wish it were longer, or had a sequel...
September 18, 2020
Started well enough, but I didn't like the direction the book took about 2/3rds in, and I found the ending totally under-whelming, as well as the narative becoming very repetitive.
April 21, 2018
Bittersweet Memories could not be more appropriate for the title of this book. This book was a captivating read with an imaginative and completely original premise. I highly recommend reading it. The idea of a machine that can allow you to tap into memories long lost is by far the most intriguing concept I have come across in some time. I can only imagine the pain the main character struggles with as she attempts to keep life normal for her ailing spouse. While it is easy to get lost just like she did, the memories make it easier to deal with the difficulties of day to day.
November 15, 2020
A unique and thought-provoking novel about a family that gets hold of a "memory machine" that helps them relive past experiences.
The last three-fourths of the book were excellent, and I read these pages quickly. But it did take me some time to get into the novel, with the many siblings and children that were included. Once I could differentiate among them, it made reading a lot easier.
Much of the book was quite moving, with family members remembering the past differently, as well seeing the worth of the "memory machine" differently.
The last three-fourths of the book were excellent, and I read these pages quickly. But it did take me some time to get into the novel, with the many siblings and children that were included. Once I could differentiate among them, it made reading a lot easier.
Much of the book was quite moving, with family members remembering the past differently, as well seeing the worth of the "memory machine" differently.
March 27, 2017
When Anne Barnes’ childhood friend, Martha, dies, and shortly afterwards, she learns that her estranged younger brother, Ned, has also died, she’s plagued by family memories; in particular, a family tragedy involving Ned that caused rifts in the family that after 50 years still haven’t healed. As a bequest, Ned has left her his last invention, a Memory Enhancer (ME); a machine that enables the user to plug into past events and remember them in vivid, accurate detail. He’s leaving it to her to decide what to do with it.
As Anne uses the ME to relive moments from her past, she discovers just how unreliable unaided memory can be, and how events from the past, remembered differently by the participants, can have long-lasting impacts on human relationships.
Bittersweet Memories by Lynn Osterkamp is a compelling novel of human relationships and memory that once you start reading you’ll be unable to put down. As Anne struggles with her decision, contending with her own demons, she’s besieged by her family, and by others who, having learned about the ME, want it for their own purposes. The author has created unforgettable characters, and a story that will catch your attention and hold it like a vice. While the ME is a fictional device, the idea that assistance in resolving memory conflicts is a mixed blessing is imminently credible.
As Anne uses the ME to relive moments from her past, she discovers just how unreliable unaided memory can be, and how events from the past, remembered differently by the participants, can have long-lasting impacts on human relationships.
Bittersweet Memories by Lynn Osterkamp is a compelling novel of human relationships and memory that once you start reading you’ll be unable to put down. As Anne struggles with her decision, contending with her own demons, she’s besieged by her family, and by others who, having learned about the ME, want it for their own purposes. The author has created unforgettable characters, and a story that will catch your attention and hold it like a vice. While the ME is a fictional device, the idea that assistance in resolving memory conflicts is a mixed blessing is imminently credible.
March 31, 2017
I was so impressed with the vast knowledge of this author. She delves into matter that another might be afraid to write about. This plot, especially, was quite unique in that it involves a "kind of" time machine. There are more decisions to be made regarding this invention that I would want to have been involved in making.
However, even though this (and family relationships) was the general theme of the story, what I gained from it was Anne's relationship with her Alzheimer patient husband, Jerry. As I'm going through some of the same things, myself, and praying every night for more patience, her attitude helped me a lot to take a closer look at my own. I am grateful for that insight.
I'm, also, relieved to be able to recommend the book to friends and family, it being clean and wholesome.
However, even though this (and family relationships) was the general theme of the story, what I gained from it was Anne's relationship with her Alzheimer patient husband, Jerry. As I'm going through some of the same things, myself, and praying every night for more patience, her attitude helped me a lot to take a closer look at my own. I am grateful for that insight.
I'm, also, relieved to be able to recommend the book to friends and family, it being clean and wholesome.
April 5, 2017
The two most prominent families in Helena, Montana were joined when Anne Weller and Jerry Barnes wed over fifty years ago. Now, at age 73 Anne is a retired judge who devotes her time to care for Jerry who is in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s. Her support system includes two of her siblings and her three children; life is fairly placid. But a call from a man in San Diego identifying himself as Keith – the life partner of estranged brother Ned – turns life upside down for Anne and her extended family when he tells her that Ned has died and left a bequest to Anne. The only condition being that Anne must travel to San Diego alone and meet with Keith for further direction.
Anne chooses to make the trip and in so doing becomes the recipient of Ned’s life-work and the dilemma it poses. As a respected neuroscientist Ned has been on a quest to recall the events that led to his mother’s death and his subsequent self-imposed estrangement from his siblings. But when he is diagnosed with cancer he knows he can entrust his work to Anne who he feels will be fair and impartial; for he has created a software program that will allow a person to relive (recall) a memory while asleep – even a memory the brain has blocked. Ned’s findings, his copious notes, and all of his research lead Anne to try this Memory Enhancer program for herself.
What follows is a story of happiness, sorrow, anger, joy, and ultimately peace; a story that asks the question ‘if you could go back and re-experience certain events in your life, would you’? Would you be prepared to learn that what you think you remember may not be totally accurate? To learn that others who experienced the same event recall it differently? That happy times weren’t perhaps so happy? How would knowing any of this change your current life?
Author Lynn Osterkamp delves into the minds of her finely-drawn characters to show the reader those nuances that make each person unique. A steadily moving storyline filled with hope that builds to a satisfying crescendo before closing on a note of contentment. Highly recommended.
Anne chooses to make the trip and in so doing becomes the recipient of Ned’s life-work and the dilemma it poses. As a respected neuroscientist Ned has been on a quest to recall the events that led to his mother’s death and his subsequent self-imposed estrangement from his siblings. But when he is diagnosed with cancer he knows he can entrust his work to Anne who he feels will be fair and impartial; for he has created a software program that will allow a person to relive (recall) a memory while asleep – even a memory the brain has blocked. Ned’s findings, his copious notes, and all of his research lead Anne to try this Memory Enhancer program for herself.
What follows is a story of happiness, sorrow, anger, joy, and ultimately peace; a story that asks the question ‘if you could go back and re-experience certain events in your life, would you’? Would you be prepared to learn that what you think you remember may not be totally accurate? To learn that others who experienced the same event recall it differently? That happy times weren’t perhaps so happy? How would knowing any of this change your current life?
Author Lynn Osterkamp delves into the minds of her finely-drawn characters to show the reader those nuances that make each person unique. A steadily moving storyline filled with hope that builds to a satisfying crescendo before closing on a note of contentment. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews