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Amnesia
He woke up to discover he had killed the only woman he ever loved. She discovered it was her grandmother. Alastair is a doctor in his eighties, living in a cottage by a loch in Scotland. He wakes up in hospital having fallen and hit his head, inducing almost total amnesia. A young family friend, Clemence, is brought in to help rekindle his memory. In his cottage Clemence finds a manuscript. The first line shocks It was a warm, still night and the cry of a tawny owl swirled through the birch trees by the loch, when I killed the only woman I have ever loved. She reads the short it describes a murder by someone who is clearly the old doctor. The victim is Clemence’s French grandmother, Sophie. Clemence decides to read the book to the old doctor as it describes how he and his friends met Sophie in Paris in 1935. As they read on, there are people closing in on the cottage by the loch who are willing to kill to make sure that the old man’s secrets stay forgotten. Atmospheric, sinuous and elegant, Amnesia demonstrates Ridpath’s special talent. – Daily Mail
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2017
293 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ridpath
66 books311 followersBefore becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing several financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began a crime series featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written five stand-alone thrillers, the latest of which is The Diplomat’s Wife, published in February 2021. He lives in London.
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 22, 2018
I have to keep reminding myself that the stars you 'award' to a book are not about how good or bad a book is but about how much you liked or didn't like it, and I really didn't like this one. I had my suspicions early on when a headache was described as like elephants wearing stiletto heels dancing in his head, and had further suspicions some pages later when the elephants started dancing again. I persevered much beyond what might have been wise but finally gave up when I realized i had had no interest in the characters from page one and the plot was unable to create an interest in them. I am sure there are lots of people who will like this, but for me 'Amnesia' is a memory I would be only too happy to lose.
April 24, 2017
This book starts in the thick of the action, immediately drawing you in and encouraging you to read on. Within the first few chapters the author establishes, very confidently and clearly, the two main characters, Clemence and Alastair who develop a clever and sometimes amusing, relationship.
Trying to regain his memory and piece together his life becomes a novel within a novel as the two read a seemingly autobiographic manuscript they find back at the cottage. The reader is taken back to Alastair's life as a young man at University and the relationships he develops there which result in long reaching consequences. A truly tangled web of deceit is woven involving love lost, money and murder.
At first the plot seems clear, the reader is being told the true story via the novel, but several elements do not quite make sense and Clemence is not convinced things are as straightforward as the book suggests, and indeed they aren't. Thus you are taken on a blind excursion of discovery with the characters to find out just what piece of vital evidence has been taken away and why and by whom, which is when matters start to get a little bit dark ...
The use of the environmental setting, dark and brooding Scotland in winter, is the perfect backdrop for the tone of the novel, as in looks can be deceiving. The beauty of Scotland can draw you in but be lethal if not handled correctly. Well written, structured and paced this novel is gripping and enticing. I had my suspicions about half way through of what may happen at the end and although it did there was also so much I did not see coming! I have to say, the final two pages of the novel were brilliant and I loved what the author has done - it certainly made me smile.
I will most certainly be reading more from Michael Ridpath.
Trying to regain his memory and piece together his life becomes a novel within a novel as the two read a seemingly autobiographic manuscript they find back at the cottage. The reader is taken back to Alastair's life as a young man at University and the relationships he develops there which result in long reaching consequences. A truly tangled web of deceit is woven involving love lost, money and murder.
At first the plot seems clear, the reader is being told the true story via the novel, but several elements do not quite make sense and Clemence is not convinced things are as straightforward as the book suggests, and indeed they aren't. Thus you are taken on a blind excursion of discovery with the characters to find out just what piece of vital evidence has been taken away and why and by whom, which is when matters start to get a little bit dark ...
The use of the environmental setting, dark and brooding Scotland in winter, is the perfect backdrop for the tone of the novel, as in looks can be deceiving. The beauty of Scotland can draw you in but be lethal if not handled correctly. Well written, structured and paced this novel is gripping and enticing. I had my suspicions about half way through of what may happen at the end and although it did there was also so much I did not see coming! I have to say, the final two pages of the novel were brilliant and I loved what the author has done - it certainly made me smile.
I will most certainly be reading more from Michael Ridpath.
June 4, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Sheila McInnes is responsible for renting out a cottage to Alastair Cunningham. She cleaned it for him once a week and popped in to see him almost every day. On a visit to him she found him at the bottom of the stairs. The hospital said Alastair is suffering from retrograde amnesia, which means he has lost the ability to recall events of his past back to his childhood. The rest of his life gone, erased as if it never existed. Alastair was writing a novel, it started of with a murder. Could it have possibly been the truth that Alastair Cunningham was writing?
April 20, 2017
Alistair wakes up in hospital with a head injury and almost total amnesia. He's had a fall and remembers nothing about his life.
Young family friend Clemence is sent to take him home and help jog his memory. Then she finds a book, seemingly a novel but it turns out is more autobiographical...the disturbing thing is that there's a murder. The victim? Clemence's grandmother.
Is Alistair dangerous? She reads the book to him and together they find out who he is, and what her family's secrets are.
This book was a great read. It is told in 2 time frames, the present and in the 1930's to 50's.
Alistair is very vulnerable and you can't help but like him. But is he a threat to Clemence once she's read the whole book? Why are her family so fragmented? And how is Alistair connected to her grandmother and family?
The description of rural Scotland is beautiful. You feel like you're at Loch Glass and can sense the tension build. I couldn't wait to peel back the layers to get to the heart of the story. You won't be disappointed!
I would like to thank Readers First & Bonnier Zaffre for a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Young family friend Clemence is sent to take him home and help jog his memory. Then she finds a book, seemingly a novel but it turns out is more autobiographical...the disturbing thing is that there's a murder. The victim? Clemence's grandmother.
Is Alistair dangerous? She reads the book to him and together they find out who he is, and what her family's secrets are.
This book was a great read. It is told in 2 time frames, the present and in the 1930's to 50's.
Alistair is very vulnerable and you can't help but like him. But is he a threat to Clemence once she's read the whole book? Why are her family so fragmented? And how is Alistair connected to her grandmother and family?
The description of rural Scotland is beautiful. You feel like you're at Loch Glass and can sense the tension build. I couldn't wait to peel back the layers to get to the heart of the story. You won't be disappointed!
I would like to thank Readers First & Bonnier Zaffre for a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
April 4, 2019
Scroll down for the English version.
Storia dall’esito prevedibile, salvata da una trovata alla fine
Ci tengo subito a dire che la trovata finale non ha nulla a che vedere con la trama. Si tratta di un’idea che mescola finzione e realtà, cosa che apprezzo sempre molto nei romanzi. In questo caso è stata in grado di aumentare il mio giudizio di una stellina.
Il romanzo, per i miei gusti, non ne vale più di tre.
Ma andiamo per ordine.
Il libro si svolge tra due linee temporali. Quella presente vede la giovane protagonista Clémence, che si trova a dover accudire l’ultraottantenne Alastair dopo che quest’ultimo a causa di una caduta ha perso la memoria. Quella al passato è il libro che i due leggono insieme e che racconta alcuni eventi della vita dell’uomo quando era giovane, culminanti nella morte dell’amore della sua vita.
La parte al passato è senza dubbio quella migliore di tutto il romanzo. Qui i personaggi prendono vita, anche grazie all’evidente maggiore dimestichezza che l’autore ha nel mostrarli attraverso il punto di vista di un uomo. La storia si dipana tra la Francia, Capri e poi la Scozia, e ogni luogo emerge dalle pagine con tutti i suoi colori, coinvolgendo il lettore e dandogli l’impressione di trovarsi lì.
Di contro, la parte al presente sembra scritta da un autore alle prime armi. Il personaggio di Clémence è bidimensionale. Il suo essere esageratamente ingenua e credulona appare irrealistico. I suoi ragionamenti sono a dir poco tirati per i capelli. Nessuna persona arriverebbe a certe conclusioni, su cui poi si basano le sue decisioni, evidentemente mosse dalla necessità di portare la trama in una certa direzione e non dalla logica. L’ambientazione, poi, e il ristretto numero di personaggi, invece di contribuire all’accrescere della suspense e del senso claustrofobico della narrazione, finiscono per mettere in evidenza la debolezza nella caratterizzazione degli stessi personaggi, che appaiono fin troppo banali.
In quanto al delitto al centro della storia, per quanto l’autore si sforzi per mandarci fuori strada, in maniera così spudoratamente evidente, questo ha ben poco di misterioso. Basta pensarci su per un attimo e ci si rende conto che solo una persona può essere l’assassino: l’unica che avrebbe ottenuto un vantaggio dalla morte di Sophie. Non ho mai avuto alcun dubbio sulla sua identità e ho trovato il fatto che i personaggi, soprattutto Alastair, non ci avessero neppure per un attimo pensato semplicemente impossibile da accettare.
Verso il finale vengono rilevati alcuni dettagli che non erano invece deducibili dal resto e solo per questo motivo devo dire di averlo letto quasi avidamente. La narrazione del precipitare degli eventi fino alla risoluzione, insieme alla trovata finale, salvano il libro, ma solo perché, appunto, si trovano alla fine.
Infine, ho trovato un po’ strano che si parlasse di un romanzo nel romanzo, quando, tenendo conto della lunghezza dei capitoli letti dai personaggi (che a loro detta erano tutto il libro), ne esce fuori al massimo una novelette. Sì, capisco le necessità di spazio, ma allora avrebbero fatto meglio a specificare che alcune parti erano state saltate (lette dai personaggi e non riportate, perché non importanti) o che si trattava semplicemente di un racconto lungo.
Nel complesso è comunque stata una lettura interessante, se non altro perché nel modo in cui il romanzo è stato strutturato presenta una certa originalità. Mi rendo inoltre conto che si tratta probabilmente di un’opera un po’ affrettata, che l’autore si è divertito a scrivere per sviluppare un’idea che gli era venuta, senza alcuna velleità di dare luogo a un prodotto di elevato livello letterario nell’ambito dei thriller. Ma, tutto sommato, il suo ruolo di divertire, nonostante i difetti, lo svolge egregiamente.
Story with a predictable outcome, saved by a smart expedient towards its end
I immediately want to say that the final expedient has nothing to do with the plot. This is an idea that mixes fiction and reality, which I always appreciate a lot in novels. In this case it was able to increase my rating by one star.
The novel, for my taste, is not worth more than three.
But let’s proceed in an orderly fashion.
The book develops in two timelines. The one set in the present sees the young protagonist Clémence, who finds herself having to look after the eighty-three-year-old Alastair after the latter has lost his memory due to a fall. The one in the past is the book that the two of them are reading together and that tells some events of the man’s life when he was young, culminating in the death of the love of his life.
The part in the past is undoubtedly the best part of the whole novel. Here the characters come to life, also thanks to the evident greater familiarity that the author has in showing them through the point of view of a man. The story unfolds between France, Capri and then Scotland, and each place emerges from the pages with all its colours, involving the reader and giving them the impression of being there.
In contrast, the part set in the present (which is actually 1999) seems to be written by a novice author. The character of Clémence is two-dimensional. Her being overly naive and gullible appears unrealistic. Her reasoning seems a bit of a stretch to say the least. No person would arrive at certain conclusions, on which their decisions are then based, evidently driven by the need to bring the plot in a certain direction and not by logic. Moreover, the setting and the small number of characters, instead of contributing to the increase of the suspense and the claustrophobic sense of the narrative, end up highlighting the weakness in the characterisation of the same characters, which appear far too banal.
As for the crime at the core of the story, as much as the author strives to send us astray, in such a shamelessly obvious way, this has very little mystery. Just think about it for a moment and you realise that only one person can be the murderer: the only one who would gain an advantage from the death of Sophie. I never had any doubts about their identity and I found the fact that the other characters, especially Alastair, didn’t even think about it for a moment simply impossible to accept.
Towards the end we find some details that were not deductible from the rest of the plot and only for this reason I must say that I read it almost greedily. The narration of how the events rush to the resolution, together with the above-mentioned final expedient, save the book, but only because, in fact, they are at the end.
Finally, I found it a bit strange that they were talking about a novel in the novel, when, taking into account the length of the chapters read by the characters (which they said were the whole book), you can at most end up with a novelette. Yes, I understand the limited space in the book, but then they would have rather specify that some parts had been skipped (read by the characters and not reported, because not important) or that it was simply a long story.
Overall, however, it was an interesting read, if only because this novel has a certain originality in the way it was structured. I also realise that it is probably a rather hasty work, which the author enjoyed writing to develop an idea that had come to him, without any fancy of giving rise to a product of high literary level in the scope of thrillers. But, all things considered, despite its faults, it plays very well its entertaining purpose.
Storia dall’esito prevedibile, salvata da una trovata alla fine
Ci tengo subito a dire che la trovata finale non ha nulla a che vedere con la trama. Si tratta di un’idea che mescola finzione e realtà, cosa che apprezzo sempre molto nei romanzi. In questo caso è stata in grado di aumentare il mio giudizio di una stellina.
Il romanzo, per i miei gusti, non ne vale più di tre.
Ma andiamo per ordine.
Il libro si svolge tra due linee temporali. Quella presente vede la giovane protagonista Clémence, che si trova a dover accudire l’ultraottantenne Alastair dopo che quest’ultimo a causa di una caduta ha perso la memoria. Quella al passato è il libro che i due leggono insieme e che racconta alcuni eventi della vita dell’uomo quando era giovane, culminanti nella morte dell’amore della sua vita.
La parte al passato è senza dubbio quella migliore di tutto il romanzo. Qui i personaggi prendono vita, anche grazie all’evidente maggiore dimestichezza che l’autore ha nel mostrarli attraverso il punto di vista di un uomo. La storia si dipana tra la Francia, Capri e poi la Scozia, e ogni luogo emerge dalle pagine con tutti i suoi colori, coinvolgendo il lettore e dandogli l’impressione di trovarsi lì.
Di contro, la parte al presente sembra scritta da un autore alle prime armi. Il personaggio di Clémence è bidimensionale. Il suo essere esageratamente ingenua e credulona appare irrealistico. I suoi ragionamenti sono a dir poco tirati per i capelli. Nessuna persona arriverebbe a certe conclusioni, su cui poi si basano le sue decisioni, evidentemente mosse dalla necessità di portare la trama in una certa direzione e non dalla logica. L’ambientazione, poi, e il ristretto numero di personaggi, invece di contribuire all’accrescere della suspense e del senso claustrofobico della narrazione, finiscono per mettere in evidenza la debolezza nella caratterizzazione degli stessi personaggi, che appaiono fin troppo banali.
In quanto al delitto al centro della storia, per quanto l’autore si sforzi per mandarci fuori strada, in maniera così spudoratamente evidente, questo ha ben poco di misterioso. Basta pensarci su per un attimo e ci si rende conto che solo una persona può essere l’assassino: l’unica che avrebbe ottenuto un vantaggio dalla morte di Sophie. Non ho mai avuto alcun dubbio sulla sua identità e ho trovato il fatto che i personaggi, soprattutto Alastair, non ci avessero neppure per un attimo pensato semplicemente impossibile da accettare.
Verso il finale vengono rilevati alcuni dettagli che non erano invece deducibili dal resto e solo per questo motivo devo dire di averlo letto quasi avidamente. La narrazione del precipitare degli eventi fino alla risoluzione, insieme alla trovata finale, salvano il libro, ma solo perché, appunto, si trovano alla fine.
Infine, ho trovato un po’ strano che si parlasse di un romanzo nel romanzo, quando, tenendo conto della lunghezza dei capitoli letti dai personaggi (che a loro detta erano tutto il libro), ne esce fuori al massimo una novelette. Sì, capisco le necessità di spazio, ma allora avrebbero fatto meglio a specificare che alcune parti erano state saltate (lette dai personaggi e non riportate, perché non importanti) o che si trattava semplicemente di un racconto lungo.
Nel complesso è comunque stata una lettura interessante, se non altro perché nel modo in cui il romanzo è stato strutturato presenta una certa originalità. Mi rendo inoltre conto che si tratta probabilmente di un’opera un po’ affrettata, che l’autore si è divertito a scrivere per sviluppare un’idea che gli era venuta, senza alcuna velleità di dare luogo a un prodotto di elevato livello letterario nell’ambito dei thriller. Ma, tutto sommato, il suo ruolo di divertire, nonostante i difetti, lo svolge egregiamente.
Story with a predictable outcome, saved by a smart expedient towards its end
I immediately want to say that the final expedient has nothing to do with the plot. This is an idea that mixes fiction and reality, which I always appreciate a lot in novels. In this case it was able to increase my rating by one star.
The novel, for my taste, is not worth more than three.
But let’s proceed in an orderly fashion.
The book develops in two timelines. The one set in the present sees the young protagonist Clémence, who finds herself having to look after the eighty-three-year-old Alastair after the latter has lost his memory due to a fall. The one in the past is the book that the two of them are reading together and that tells some events of the man’s life when he was young, culminating in the death of the love of his life.
The part in the past is undoubtedly the best part of the whole novel. Here the characters come to life, also thanks to the evident greater familiarity that the author has in showing them through the point of view of a man. The story unfolds between France, Capri and then Scotland, and each place emerges from the pages with all its colours, involving the reader and giving them the impression of being there.
In contrast, the part set in the present (which is actually 1999) seems to be written by a novice author. The character of Clémence is two-dimensional. Her being overly naive and gullible appears unrealistic. Her reasoning seems a bit of a stretch to say the least. No person would arrive at certain conclusions, on which their decisions are then based, evidently driven by the need to bring the plot in a certain direction and not by logic. Moreover, the setting and the small number of characters, instead of contributing to the increase of the suspense and the claustrophobic sense of the narrative, end up highlighting the weakness in the characterisation of the same characters, which appear far too banal.
As for the crime at the core of the story, as much as the author strives to send us astray, in such a shamelessly obvious way, this has very little mystery. Just think about it for a moment and you realise that only one person can be the murderer: the only one who would gain an advantage from the death of Sophie. I never had any doubts about their identity and I found the fact that the other characters, especially Alastair, didn’t even think about it for a moment simply impossible to accept.
Towards the end we find some details that were not deductible from the rest of the plot and only for this reason I must say that I read it almost greedily. The narration of how the events rush to the resolution, together with the above-mentioned final expedient, save the book, but only because, in fact, they are at the end.
Finally, I found it a bit strange that they were talking about a novel in the novel, when, taking into account the length of the chapters read by the characters (which they said were the whole book), you can at most end up with a novelette. Yes, I understand the limited space in the book, but then they would have rather specify that some parts had been skipped (read by the characters and not reported, because not important) or that it was simply a long story.
Overall, however, it was an interesting read, if only because this novel has a certain originality in the way it was structured. I also realise that it is probably a rather hasty work, which the author enjoyed writing to develop an idea that had come to him, without any fancy of giving rise to a product of high literary level in the scope of thrillers. But, all things considered, despite its faults, it plays very well its entertaining purpose.
September 12, 2017
This was incredibly good! The whole novel is excellent, well written, the mysteries are expertly interwoven, the characters are amazing. The narrator of the audiobook also does a terrific job.
I love books with stories within stories and the way they were presented here was so innovative, I loved, loved, loved it!
I specially loved the interaction between Clémence and Alistair. What a lovely pair, and how the characters grow.
And that ending...specifically, the very last sentence. Masterpiece!
I love books with stories within stories and the way they were presented here was so innovative, I loved, loved, loved it!
I specially loved the interaction between Clémence and Alistair. What a lovely pair, and how the characters grow.
And that ending...specifically, the very last sentence. Masterpiece!
July 17, 2021
I found the beginning of this book intriguing as it described the relationship between an elderly gentleman with his young carer extremely well. I don't usually like a novel where the time flicks backwards and forwards between two eras, but this one was so well written that it all fitted in really well. I did find the plot a little complicated and the coincidence of a covered up murder occurring twice in the main character's life rather unbelievable. The descriptions of both characters and the surrounding Scottish landscape were extremely good making them all rather dark. There was a good twist at the end too.
May 18, 2017
This story intrigued me from the start, and held my interest throughout. I enjoyed the way the narrative used a novel, memories and contemporary events to reveal the story.
Clemence seemed wise beyond her years, and the relationship with Alastair was well developed , respectful, to a point, but also showing a young person’s irritation and frustration with the older generation.
The descriptions of Scotland in winter are wonderful, and easily imagined., particularly in some of the later scenes in the book.
There were a few coincidences which stretched credibility a little, but it has many twists, and even though I thought I had guessed the outcome, Michael Ridpath still had a few tricks up his sleeve!
Unsurprisingly, it is a very slick, well written novel and I loved the ending.
Thank you ReadersFirst and Corvus for my ARC
Clemence seemed wise beyond her years, and the relationship with Alastair was well developed , respectful, to a point, but also showing a young person’s irritation and frustration with the older generation.
The descriptions of Scotland in winter are wonderful, and easily imagined., particularly in some of the later scenes in the book.
There were a few coincidences which stretched credibility a little, but it has many twists, and even though I thought I had guessed the outcome, Michael Ridpath still had a few tricks up his sleeve!
Unsurprisingly, it is a very slick, well written novel and I loved the ending.
Thank you ReadersFirst and Corvus for my ARC
September 3, 2017
3.5 stars. I thought it would shape up to being a lot less predictable than this. Also the memory loss plot is getting overdone. Peter May with Coffin Road did a much better job.
June 22, 2017
‘I’ve a grand memory for forgetting’ wrote Robert Louis Stevenson.
Well the central character in this troubling and powerful tale certainly has forgotten – virtually everything. A fall down a steep staircase in a remote rented lodge in Scotland has erased his memory. Although old and badly hurt, Alistair is a tough and resilient man and recovers physically quite quickly, yet he can’t even remember his name. He relies upon others – a terrifying dependency - to tell him something of his past.
Gradually some aspects of his life are recovered. But the most fundamental one remains hazy. Is Alistair a good person who has merely suffered a misfortune or is he burdened by a ghastly past in which he murdered his lover and yet managed to escape justice?
The nub of this intriguing thriller is that it is so difficult to decide what the truth is. We naturally think that the mild-mannered old man couldn’t have committed this crime. However, we see a much darker side to Alistair in his younger days. He was selfish, hot-headed and had a powerful physique – a potentially lethal combination.
Fans of his novels enjoy Michael Ridpath’s fast-moving plots where the initial scene is quickly sketched and the reader is soon being swept through an exciting series of new developments adding to the mystery and building up the tension until the tale’s resolution. ‘Amnesia’ is more structurally complex – with extensive flash-backs presented in the form of a nakedly autobiographical ‘novel’ Alistair published several decades before. This book describes his relationship with a group of far richer, more worldly-wise friends – and their older relatives.
The passages quoted from it conjure up the languid, luxurious, seemingly careless world of ‘Brideshead Revisited’. Alistair is able to enjoy the delights of Paris, Normandy, the French Riviera and Capri. Yet, as in Waugh’s novel, behind the façade of natural and architectural beauty, intellectual sophistication and exquisite pleasures lie decadence, emptiness and corruption.
Shifting between times and places also accentuates the contrast between Alistair’s former life and experiences and his present one. Once the life-loving, optimistic young man and now a confused, saddened old one terrified by what is going to be revealed about his past. While the warm fecundity of the Mediterranean with its extravagant and soft foliage is replaced by a chilly Highland setting which (although beautiful in another way) is harsh, barren and potentially menacing.
In the final part of the novel this reflective, backwards looking tempo is replaced by an increasingly urgent, present threat one. Michael Ridpath hasn’t forgotten how to craft an ‘edge of the seat’ conclusion and the excitement of the chase across the bleak, freezing hills displays his more familiar skills in conjuring up drama.
This is an extremely impressive work with a central theme of how the sins and mistakes of the past imprison us – yet we still have the option (should we have the will and commitment to pursue it) of breaking free from them.
Well the central character in this troubling and powerful tale certainly has forgotten – virtually everything. A fall down a steep staircase in a remote rented lodge in Scotland has erased his memory. Although old and badly hurt, Alistair is a tough and resilient man and recovers physically quite quickly, yet he can’t even remember his name. He relies upon others – a terrifying dependency - to tell him something of his past.
Gradually some aspects of his life are recovered. But the most fundamental one remains hazy. Is Alistair a good person who has merely suffered a misfortune or is he burdened by a ghastly past in which he murdered his lover and yet managed to escape justice?
The nub of this intriguing thriller is that it is so difficult to decide what the truth is. We naturally think that the mild-mannered old man couldn’t have committed this crime. However, we see a much darker side to Alistair in his younger days. He was selfish, hot-headed and had a powerful physique – a potentially lethal combination.
Fans of his novels enjoy Michael Ridpath’s fast-moving plots where the initial scene is quickly sketched and the reader is soon being swept through an exciting series of new developments adding to the mystery and building up the tension until the tale’s resolution. ‘Amnesia’ is more structurally complex – with extensive flash-backs presented in the form of a nakedly autobiographical ‘novel’ Alistair published several decades before. This book describes his relationship with a group of far richer, more worldly-wise friends – and their older relatives.
The passages quoted from it conjure up the languid, luxurious, seemingly careless world of ‘Brideshead Revisited’. Alistair is able to enjoy the delights of Paris, Normandy, the French Riviera and Capri. Yet, as in Waugh’s novel, behind the façade of natural and architectural beauty, intellectual sophistication and exquisite pleasures lie decadence, emptiness and corruption.
Shifting between times and places also accentuates the contrast between Alistair’s former life and experiences and his present one. Once the life-loving, optimistic young man and now a confused, saddened old one terrified by what is going to be revealed about his past. While the warm fecundity of the Mediterranean with its extravagant and soft foliage is replaced by a chilly Highland setting which (although beautiful in another way) is harsh, barren and potentially menacing.
In the final part of the novel this reflective, backwards looking tempo is replaced by an increasingly urgent, present threat one. Michael Ridpath hasn’t forgotten how to craft an ‘edge of the seat’ conclusion and the excitement of the chase across the bleak, freezing hills displays his more familiar skills in conjuring up drama.
This is an extremely impressive work with a central theme of how the sins and mistakes of the past imprison us – yet we still have the option (should we have the will and commitment to pursue it) of breaking free from them.
February 15, 2018
I've always enjoyed Michael Ridpath's novels, and admire his being able to move from his experience as a bond trader in the City early works to some different topics. Amnesia is an example of Ridpath's flexibility, but I felt that I could not rate it as highly as the early work: Trading Reality, Free to Trade and The Market Maker. These novels, set in Ridpath's experience are so authentic, and gripping - I am re-reading them at the moment.
However, turning to Amnesia. The story moves between past and present and this is done rather cleverly through the young woman protagonist, Clemence, reading a novel to the character suffering from amnesia, Alistair. He is an elderly man, and although fit, suffering from the physical injuries of his fall as well as age. It seems that the novel is about Alistair's life and a tragic secret, which Clemence knows from having read the introduction. However, she chooses to unfold it slowly to the listener/writer, Alistair. Threat is all around the elderly man and his young female companion, and this heightens the intensity of the novel. The environment is harsh and cold with lowering skies and mountains; a neighbour is a possible threat; Alistair's amnesia hides...what?Loneliness is a key feature. Clemence has recently begun a possible love affair but is suffering from her divorced parents' lack of love, general rejection and specific rejection of her claim to have been molested by her mother's new lover. Her only loving companions are Callum, her new found friend; the woman who shares her flat and her aunt who has provided the financial resources for Clemence to attend university. Alistair lives alone in the small house on a Scottish estate, visited only by the woman who cleans for him and an occasional neighbour. His amnesia is the result of an apparent fall down the stairs where he has lain undetected throughout the night.
The past and present are woven into a story that at times is compelling, at others a little pedestrian. Throughout the reading, Clemence and Alistair become companionable, always with the secret hovering over the possibility of friendship. Both characters are attractive so the reader is drawn into the difficulties presented by knowing the secret, but warming to the protagonists.
Ridpath may not have served up another financial thriller, but Amnesia is certainly a good read. Even more so, if you are a Ridpath fan. It is well worth adding this novel to your reading.
However, turning to Amnesia. The story moves between past and present and this is done rather cleverly through the young woman protagonist, Clemence, reading a novel to the character suffering from amnesia, Alistair. He is an elderly man, and although fit, suffering from the physical injuries of his fall as well as age. It seems that the novel is about Alistair's life and a tragic secret, which Clemence knows from having read the introduction. However, she chooses to unfold it slowly to the listener/writer, Alistair. Threat is all around the elderly man and his young female companion, and this heightens the intensity of the novel. The environment is harsh and cold with lowering skies and mountains; a neighbour is a possible threat; Alistair's amnesia hides...what?Loneliness is a key feature. Clemence has recently begun a possible love affair but is suffering from her divorced parents' lack of love, general rejection and specific rejection of her claim to have been molested by her mother's new lover. Her only loving companions are Callum, her new found friend; the woman who shares her flat and her aunt who has provided the financial resources for Clemence to attend university. Alistair lives alone in the small house on a Scottish estate, visited only by the woman who cleans for him and an occasional neighbour. His amnesia is the result of an apparent fall down the stairs where he has lain undetected throughout the night.
The past and present are woven into a story that at times is compelling, at others a little pedestrian. Throughout the reading, Clemence and Alistair become companionable, always with the secret hovering over the possibility of friendship. Both characters are attractive so the reader is drawn into the difficulties presented by knowing the secret, but warming to the protagonists.
Ridpath may not have served up another financial thriller, but Amnesia is certainly a good read. Even more so, if you are a Ridpath fan. It is well worth adding this novel to your reading.
March 18, 2025
I must say that the title of the book beckoned me. The protagonist? He was intriguing, however aren't most seniors going to senility path anyhow? But here in this book, there is this 83 year old who fell down and was trying to remember and that he committed a murder? Thus I had to read this book and never regretted it.
The pages flew. I will admit the first few pages wasn't so enticing but the author was setting the scene so all those who are impatient, pls do hang on there.
The whole story takes on a bizarre feel, where one night of revelry ends up in accidental murder and a major cover up. a star struck lovelorn which could be one sided love or not, adultery, suspicions, killer in the midst, then back and forth suspicions, cover ups, a game of cat and mouse and misses, suspicions and finally the greatly reveal which ended in incarceration and future aftermath which ended the book in a nice touch.
Overall - deftly written, expert navigation of the emotions and suspicions of the reader. Compelling. 80 ++ year olds still playing the game of life.
Go read it.
The book is like an onion, mystery upon mystery. Be patient and you will be rewarded..
The pages flew. I will admit the first few pages wasn't so enticing but the author was setting the scene so all those who are impatient, pls do hang on there.
The whole story takes on a bizarre feel, where one night of revelry ends up in accidental murder and a major cover up. a star struck lovelorn which could be one sided love or not, adultery, suspicions, killer in the midst, then back and forth suspicions, cover ups, a game of cat and mouse and misses, suspicions and finally the greatly reveal which ended in incarceration and future aftermath which ended the book in a nice touch.
Overall - deftly written, expert navigation of the emotions and suspicions of the reader. Compelling. 80 ++ year olds still playing the game of life.
Go read it.
The book is like an onion, mystery upon mystery. Be patient and you will be rewarded..
July 25, 2017
Amnesia, Michael Ridpath. July 2017. iBook. 5/5!
Scotland. What a total joy to read a very good book after a few duds! If you ever enjoyed Agatha Christie and the like, this is a very extensive bit of puzzles and mysteries surrounding two murders, cloaked in the unraveling of a very elderly man's memory after he has suffered a bad fall down the stairs! Clemence is sent by her Grandmother to help the old man Alistair/Angus get his memory back while on a break from St Andrews University and all the drama that unravels from the man's youth in the early 1920s through to the here and now is very cleverly pieced together with the use of a novel within a novel. Great descriptions of the raw beautiful nature of Scotland but also the early years in England as the early friends meet in university, then various locations in France, War Years, Capri etc make for very good reading. The mysteries of the murders and now someone trying to shoot them, very GOOD READ!
Scotland. What a total joy to read a very good book after a few duds! If you ever enjoyed Agatha Christie and the like, this is a very extensive bit of puzzles and mysteries surrounding two murders, cloaked in the unraveling of a very elderly man's memory after he has suffered a bad fall down the stairs! Clemence is sent by her Grandmother to help the old man Alistair/Angus get his memory back while on a break from St Andrews University and all the drama that unravels from the man's youth in the early 1920s through to the here and now is very cleverly pieced together with the use of a novel within a novel. Great descriptions of the raw beautiful nature of Scotland but also the early years in England as the early friends meet in university, then various locations in France, War Years, Capri etc make for very good reading. The mysteries of the murders and now someone trying to shoot them, very GOOD READ!
June 10, 2017
To Forget or not to Forget.?
This a new author for me to read and I really liked the style of writing along with the pace of the story. It does flow back and forth through time but it is easy to follow. Clemence and Alastair make quite team solving the Amnesia problem that Alastair has acquired after falling down the stairs. The descriptive parts of the novel add greatly to overall book. I really want to visit Capri now and it was nice to revisit Scotland via this novel. Clemence discovers some of her family history while Alastair gets some of his memory back along with getting rid of a burden. I plan to read more of Michael Ridpath 's work. I was definitely drawn into this story.
This a new author for me to read and I really liked the style of writing along with the pace of the story. It does flow back and forth through time but it is easy to follow. Clemence and Alastair make quite team solving the Amnesia problem that Alastair has acquired after falling down the stairs. The descriptive parts of the novel add greatly to overall book. I really want to visit Capri now and it was nice to revisit Scotland via this novel. Clemence discovers some of her family history while Alastair gets some of his memory back along with getting rid of a burden. I plan to read more of Michael Ridpath 's work. I was definitely drawn into this story.
August 13, 2017
Another outstanding book by Michael Ridpath. There were times that the flashbacks dragged a little (hence the 4 stars rather than 5). But sticking w/ the book was well worth it. The mystery picked up quickly. The action was gripping. The characters had depth (as usual in a Ridpath book). And even though I figured out portions of the mystery, Mr. Ridpath threw in some twists I did not see coming. And there is a delightful spin at the very end. (Again, memorable endings are nothing new w/ Michael Ridpath. He routinely leaves you ruminating w/ a grin as you reflect on the final pages of his books. He is truly a master at making his endings linger with the reader, with a warm satisfaction.) I just wish his books were easier to obtain in the States.
April 21, 2018
Set in the 1990s. Alistair is in his 80s and has apparently fallen down the stairs of his rented cottage in the Highlands of Scotland and has lost his memory. As becomes clear, he has a long history of head injuries and impaired memory, which has affected him at crucial moments in the past. A friend's great-niece comes to help him and discovers an old novel which appears to relate some incidents from his life, so there is a "book within a book" (with handy different fonts). The past includes two mysterious deaths, and it becomes plain that there is danger in the present too. All is eventually unravelled (the ending is a little bit whimsical!) An enjoyable book, taking in pre-war France and Naples/Capri as well as Scotland.
June 23, 2021
Really good book. First couple chapters in I wasn’t sure about it - because the old man has amnesia and they are essentially trying to jog his memory through reading a novel. So it has the “book within a book” thing going. I don’t normally like that. But I think the author did a great job and it gets better and better as the book goes on. It has a little bit of everything: murder, romance, nostalgia, history, family scandal. I felt like the scenes in the past really helped to build a solid story and in fact I looked forward to both dipping into the past and reading the passages in the present. The characters were well-written and the plot was more intricate than I initially took it for. A really enjoyable mystery and actually rather clever.
June 16, 2022
I can't remember
Clemence felt all alone in the world, all but abandoned by her family. Her great aunt asks her to care for an old friend who is being released from hospital after a fall, and who has amnesia. She reluctantly agrees. Thus begins an adventure that involves uncovering terrible secrets involving her grandparents' circle of friends - murders and deaths that may or may not be accidental. As Alistair's memory begins to return, they are pursued by a man with a rifle who intends to kill Alistair. Does the manuscript and book authored by Alistair help him regain his memory, or does it reveal terrible secrets everyone would like to remain buried. Who is really behind the attempts on Alistair's life.
Well developed plot and characters.
Clemence felt all alone in the world, all but abandoned by her family. Her great aunt asks her to care for an old friend who is being released from hospital after a fall, and who has amnesia. She reluctantly agrees. Thus begins an adventure that involves uncovering terrible secrets involving her grandparents' circle of friends - murders and deaths that may or may not be accidental. As Alistair's memory begins to return, they are pursued by a man with a rifle who intends to kill Alistair. Does the manuscript and book authored by Alistair help him regain his memory, or does it reveal terrible secrets everyone would like to remain buried. Who is really behind the attempts on Alistair's life.
Well developed plot and characters.
May 25, 2017
I thought this was excellent. Elderly man who has fallen down the stairs and lost his memory. This leads us to a cast of characters who, over many years and events have lives which have intersected many times.
The story is pieced together, slowly, by the reading of a book-which may or may not be the complete truth- found in the place Alastair is staying and by some eventual recollection by him of key events. Quite complex but well executed and I have to say, I did sort of guess what was likely to have happened in the death of Sophie some 40 years before the events in the present, which is 1999. Very readable indeed.
The story is pieced together, slowly, by the reading of a book-which may or may not be the complete truth- found in the place Alastair is staying and by some eventual recollection by him of key events. Quite complex but well executed and I have to say, I did sort of guess what was likely to have happened in the death of Sophie some 40 years before the events in the present, which is 1999. Very readable indeed.
December 5, 2017
Once again Michael Ridpath has delighted me with a new novel. It has excitement and drama along with unexpected plot twists.
There were moments where I was left shocked at revelations of characters that were well established.
Through out his story he shows the effects that family actions can have on the same characters in the future, as well as their children.
The major theme of this book is the truth. More importantly what is the truth? The book explores how what we think we know as the truth can be wrong. How it can also be manipulated for another person's personal needs.
I cannot wait for Michael Ridpath's next book.
There were moments where I was left shocked at revelations of characters that were well established.
Through out his story he shows the effects that family actions can have on the same characters in the future, as well as their children.
The major theme of this book is the truth. More importantly what is the truth? The book explores how what we think we know as the truth can be wrong. How it can also be manipulated for another person's personal needs.
I cannot wait for Michael Ridpath's next book.
March 9, 2019
Alastair Cunningham wakes up in hospital with almost total amnesia. But he knows that something terrible happened in his past, something that haunts him still. A young family friend, Clémence is called in to help rekindle his memory. Retreating with Alastair to his remote cottage, Clémence finds a peculiar manuscript hidden away from prying eyes. Reading the prologue, she discovers a murder by someone very much like a young Alastair. The victim? Clémence’s grandmother, Sophie. Could this kindly old man truly be a killer? Clémence becomes determined to find out what happened all those years ago, even if she must risk everything to do so… (le
March 15, 2018
I really liked this. I'm one of those who usually guess everything far too quickly, but every time I thought I knew the answer something threw me off course. I did get it right, but it was twisty enough to keep me on my toes! Original too...
I'm glad I found it. I think I'd have been awake all night anyway ( lot of pain from broken bones!) but it did make the night a lot more bearable. I read it in one go. :D
I'm glad I found it. I think I'd have been awake all night anyway ( lot of pain from broken bones!) but it did make the night a lot more bearable. I read it in one go. :D
March 18, 2019
Fact or fiction?
Who really killed Clemence's grandmother, the beautiful Sophia, so long ago? Sophia, an ageless beauty determined to remain married, but not necessarily faithful. The truth will slowly come to the surface as Clemence helps the aging Dr. Cunningham regain his memory after a fall down his stairs. That little twist at the very end will have you wondering......fiction? Or not?
Who really killed Clemence's grandmother, the beautiful Sophia, so long ago? Sophia, an ageless beauty determined to remain married, but not necessarily faithful. The truth will slowly come to the surface as Clemence helps the aging Dr. Cunningham regain his memory after a fall down his stairs. That little twist at the very end will have you wondering......fiction? Or not?
October 1, 2023
Probably a 3.5 star. I liked the lead characters and their relationship leant the novel and old fashioned charm. The story within story was very well done and the last third of the book had a good pace, making me stay up to finish it. My only complaint is that I think it could have done with more editing to cut words. At times it was long winded and this reduced the pace, especially in the first half. I found myself speed reading through sections that felt tedious just to get to the good bits,
June 8, 2017
Excellent story that is nearly impossible to put down. Previously I read one of Mr Ridpath's short stories and was intrigued by his writing style. Well, his ability to weave past with present and create such an engrossing story really shined in Amnesia. I'll be looking forward to borrowing more of his books through Kindle Unlimited.
July 25, 2017
Amnesia: An Unforgetable Novel
This is a great book with vivid characters and a complicated, but logically sound plot. As the plot unfolds, the truth of the story is revealed at the appropriate times. Since I have been to Scotland, I also enjoyed being reminded of the quaintness of the Scottish culture.
This is a great book with vivid characters and a complicated, but logically sound plot. As the plot unfolds, the truth of the story is revealed at the appropriate times. Since I have been to Scotland, I also enjoyed being reminded of the quaintness of the Scottish culture.
October 2, 2017
4.5 stars really, until the very end.
A nice mix of mystery and history, of past events and temporary adventures. I listened to the Audiobook edition where Sean Barett did a great job too. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
A nice mix of mystery and history, of past events and temporary adventures. I listened to the Audiobook edition where Sean Barett did a great job too. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
December 19, 2018
Absolutely incredible. One of the best pieces of work I've ever laid my eyes on, if not, THE BEST.
I loved the little inclusion of the authors name at the end, and how the last few pages made the whole book even more amazing.
I'm certainly going to be reading more of Ridpath's work in the near future. He is amazing!
I loved the little inclusion of the authors name at the end, and how the last few pages made the whole book even more amazing.
I'm certainly going to be reading more of Ridpath's work in the near future. He is amazing!
January 16, 2019
Unforgettable Amnesia
Gripping yarn following the loves, intrigues and some mysterious deaths of a set of summer friends across three generations of convoluted consequences. The characters are as ever brilliantly drawn by Michael Ridpath. The psychology of the sins of the fathers (and mothers) superbly suspenseful. A great read!
Gripping yarn following the loves, intrigues and some mysterious deaths of a set of summer friends across three generations of convoluted consequences. The characters are as ever brilliantly drawn by Michael Ridpath. The psychology of the sins of the fathers (and mothers) superbly suspenseful. A great read!
January 26, 2019
One of the best books so far this year.Murder. A question who killed a beautiful woman?
Friends.Educated. And Angus/Alistair fell down the stairs and hit his head and lost his memory.
She, Clemence was only Twenty but she will take care of him. Martin-Alden-Stephen-Madeliene-
and, Sophie.Characters you will never forget.
Friends.Educated. And Angus/Alistair fell down the stairs and hit his head and lost his memory.
She, Clemence was only Twenty but she will take care of him. Martin-Alden-Stephen-Madeliene-
and, Sophie.Characters you will never forget.
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