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The Weight of Memory
When Paul Elias receives a terminal diagnosis, he leaves his physician's office in a fog. Only one thing is clear to him: if he is going to die, he must find someone to watch over his granddaughter, Pearl, who has been in his charge since her drug-addicted father disappeared. Paul decides to take her back to Nysa--both the place where he grew up and the place where he lost his beloved wife under strange circumstances forty years earlier.
But when he picks up Pearl from school, the little girl already seems to know of his plans, claiming a woman told her.
In Nysa, Paul reconnects with an old friend but is not prepared for the onslaught of memory. And when Pearl starts vanishing at night and returning with increasingly bizarre tales, Paul begins to question her sanity, his own views on death, and the nature of reality itself.
In this suspenseful and introspective story from award-winning author Shawn Smucker, the past and the present mingle like opposing breezes, teasing out the truth about life, death, and sacrifice.
But when he picks up Pearl from school, the little girl already seems to know of his plans, claiming a woman told her.
In Nysa, Paul reconnects with an old friend but is not prepared for the onslaught of memory. And when Pearl starts vanishing at night and returning with increasingly bizarre tales, Paul begins to question her sanity, his own views on death, and the nature of reality itself.
In this suspenseful and introspective story from award-winning author Shawn Smucker, the past and the present mingle like opposing breezes, teasing out the truth about life, death, and sacrifice.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
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4161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 29, 2020
Well, folks, here we go. So far, this is my favorite story that I've written. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
November 4, 2021
Paul Elias, a widower who has been raising his granddaughter Pearl since her drug-addicted father disappeared, receives some devastating news about his health and decides to take Pearl back to visit the place he was raised. The book weaves past and present together and will leave you with tears in your eyes.
I found the way this novel was written really appealing and enjoyed the characters immensely. Not my usual genre of book but I really liked it and would recommend it. As always, I'm impressed by the fact that the author titled each chapter, and the chapters are nice and short as well which made for a pretty quick read. One of the genres this book is classed under is Speculative Fiction and I like that description. There is a spiritual feel to it as well but no matter what your beliefs I think readers will have a hard time putting it down.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway so many thanks to them and to Revell Books for providing a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I found the way this novel was written really appealing and enjoyed the characters immensely. Not my usual genre of book but I really liked it and would recommend it. As always, I'm impressed by the fact that the author titled each chapter, and the chapters are nice and short as well which made for a pretty quick read. One of the genres this book is classed under is Speculative Fiction and I like that description. There is a spiritual feel to it as well but no matter what your beliefs I think readers will have a hard time putting it down.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway so many thanks to them and to Revell Books for providing a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2021
I've read each novel Shawn Smucker has written (so far) and this one (so far) is his best work. Evocative, symbolic, and page turning, this book is one to put on your pre-order list.
August 29, 2021
I should have known after reading one of Shawn Smucker’s books last year: by the time I reach about 30% of the way into his books, his words render my self-control useless. I am physically incapable of reading a Shawn Smucker book and not staying up into the wee hours to finish it. Sleep becomes simply unimportant next to seeing his stories unfold.
The beauty, pacing, and pull of his words in The Weight of Memory glued the book to my hands until I reached the final page, spellbound by the story. Sure, it was a late night, but
I regret nothing.
The beauty, pacing, and pull of his words in The Weight of Memory glued the book to my hands until I reached the final page, spellbound by the story. Sure, it was a late night, but
I regret nothing.
July 23, 2021
In one sense, I never know what to expect from a Shawn Smucker novel, and I actually love that. He bends and blends genres, and his stories require a willing suspension of disbelief. The story twists and goes places I can't predict.
In another sense, I DO know what to expect from Shawn's writing, and that is never more evident than in The Weight of Memory. I read his work slowly, to savor. His characterizations are spare but deep. (How does he do this? Must study.) The writing is lyrical yet concise--poetic without being overwrought. The emotion is pure, raw, and contagious. Good grief, Shawn. Your love for your craft is obvious. Thank you for sharing it with us.
P.S. This particular novel has a really interesting point of view which will remind you of Gilead by Marilynn Robinson if you've ever read that. So well done.
In another sense, I DO know what to expect from Shawn's writing, and that is never more evident than in The Weight of Memory. I read his work slowly, to savor. His characterizations are spare but deep. (How does he do this? Must study.) The writing is lyrical yet concise--poetic without being overwrought. The emotion is pure, raw, and contagious. Good grief, Shawn. Your love for your craft is obvious. Thank you for sharing it with us.
P.S. This particular novel has a really interesting point of view which will remind you of Gilead by Marilynn Robinson if you've ever read that. So well done.
September 22, 2021
First sentence: Her words hover in the air, hummingbirds, and I hold my breath, glance up at the clock above the door, and watch the red second hand twitch its way through a minute.
Paul Elias, our protagonist, has just received shocking, life-changing news. His life expectancy is "anytime to three months." He is the primary caregiver of his granddaughter, Pearl. His only other family being a drug-addict son, John, whom he hasn't seen--or heard from--in four plus years. So what does he do? Well. He decides to pick up his granddaughter from school and go on a road trip back to his hometown of Nysa. He doesn't have family there. He doesn't even know if he has friends there. He hasn't been back to Nysa in forty years; he left soon after his wife's disappearance with his newborn son. I doubt that Paul has even googled his hometown. (Though he should have, in my humble opinion.) Still the pair head off to Nysa despite an increasing number of foreboding experiences on their journey. Hint: If you're heading into town and every person you meet says GO AWAY, THIS TOWN ISN'T SAFE ANYMORE. BAD THINGS HAPPEN HERE. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T GO OUT ANYWHERE NEAR THE LAKE, if you're smart you'd rethink your hasty, reckless, life-changing decision.
So what is Paul's plan? Paul's plan is to find somebody--anybody to raise Pearl. Yes, you heard me. He has driven across country to find a complete and total stranger to give his granddaughter to. And his criterion seems to be so low-key it's almost non existent. Are you breathing? Well, that makes you a possible caregiver for my one and only granddaughter.
There being no hotels in his hometown, he finds an emotionless person to go home with. True, forty years ago, these two knew each other way back when. But still. Despite forty plus red flags that are literally screaming out DANGER, DANGER, DANGER, DANGER, he is thinking Tom is the best choice for Pearl's next caregiver.
What else should you know about The Weight of Memory? It's written in the second person. The "you" being Pearl. The style is...atmospheric, eery, literary. The chapters alternate between the present and flashbacks of the past. Most of the characters, if not all the characters, are SUPER creepy.
Despite being published by a Christian publishing company, there is absolutely nothing Christian about the text. In fact, I'd make the case that the book goes out of its way to be non-Christian in its supernatural-ness. I'm not sure if the right word for this one is supernatural OR magical realism OR perhaps a blending of the two.
I guess what bothers me most is that this book is published by a Christian publisher and yet stands against--or in opposition--to a Christian world view or perspective of death and the afterlife. Like Paul doesn't seem to have any clue whatsoever about what happens when you die, or, more importantly what happens after you die. It's not that he has doubts or questions. He's not even asking the questions. Or thinking about asking the questions. He's not seeking God. He's not seeking peace or assurance. Readers never see him praying, talking to God, thinking about God, nothing, absolutely nothing. And what the book presents instead....is...well disturbing.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
A
H
E
A
D
Throughout the book, there is a mysterious white-haired/silver-haired lady that only a few people can see. Pearl being one of them. Paul's wife, Mary, being another. Throughout the book, Paul stumbles across a few others that have seen her. She is a spooky/scary/haunting/creepy character that is often encouraging characters to do really super dangerous, not at all safe things. Things that will more often than not cause people to die. Yes, die. Hence all the foreboding, obvious warnings saying DON'T LIVE HERE. DON'T STAY HERE. GET AWAY WHILE YOU STILL CAN.
The fact that Pearl is conversing with her almost every single day and listening to her and doing her bidding....well it's just like someone waving a million red flags. Paul is oblivious. Like totally and completely clueless. Like, well, things aren't that bad. Pearl has always had her imaginary friends. Pearl has always like running away. (Which don't get me started on Paul's nonchalant parenting.)
DEEP DEEP DEEP
SPOILERS
Pearl goes on a mission for the mysterious lady (whom we learn is Death), and this has her essentially drown...traveling to the after life...which is an ocean/beach. There's a white house with her grandmother in it. The two have a conversation together...and Mary has a message for Paul that she is waiting and will be waiting for him to join her on the other side. Again, no mention of heaven...or hell...or Jesus...or God...or anything remotely Christian. Just this peaceful beach existence.
But putting ALL OF THAT ASIDE. I still wanted to yell and scream at Paul the entire book. WHY ARE YOU BEING SO STUPID?????? ARE YOU REALLY THINKING OF WHAT IS BEST FOR PEARL???? IF YOU'RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE HER WITH A COMPLETE STRANGER, WHY NOT DO IT IN THE PLACE YOU'RE LIVING NOW?????? DO YOU NOT KNOW ANYONE IN TOWN???? DOES PEARL NOT HAVE FRIENDS????? SURELY AMONG THE TEACHERS, PEARL'S FRIENDS' PARENTS, OTHER RESPONSIBLE HUMAN BEINGS YOU'VE ENCOUNTERED, YOU CAN MAKE A PLAN THAT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE. WHY DO YOU NOT CARE THAT YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER IS RUNNING WILD???? THAT SHE IS SEEING AND HEARING PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT THERE????? THAT HER ACTIONS ARE HAVING HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES???? IS THE TUMOR EFFECTING ALL OF YOUR LOGIC AND REASONING SKILLS????
And don't get me started on the ending of this one. There are a million reasons why the ending is just all kinds of WRONG.
Quotes:
We paddle where we think we want to go, but all along it's the hidden current that takes us.
Grief is hard and good. It is the disease and the medicine, all at once.
Paul Elias, our protagonist, has just received shocking, life-changing news. His life expectancy is "anytime to three months." He is the primary caregiver of his granddaughter, Pearl. His only other family being a drug-addict son, John, whom he hasn't seen--or heard from--in four plus years. So what does he do? Well. He decides to pick up his granddaughter from school and go on a road trip back to his hometown of Nysa. He doesn't have family there. He doesn't even know if he has friends there. He hasn't been back to Nysa in forty years; he left soon after his wife's disappearance with his newborn son. I doubt that Paul has even googled his hometown. (Though he should have, in my humble opinion.) Still the pair head off to Nysa despite an increasing number of foreboding experiences on their journey. Hint: If you're heading into town and every person you meet says GO AWAY, THIS TOWN ISN'T SAFE ANYMORE. BAD THINGS HAPPEN HERE. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T GO OUT ANYWHERE NEAR THE LAKE, if you're smart you'd rethink your hasty, reckless, life-changing decision.
So what is Paul's plan? Paul's plan is to find somebody--anybody to raise Pearl. Yes, you heard me. He has driven across country to find a complete and total stranger to give his granddaughter to. And his criterion seems to be so low-key it's almost non existent. Are you breathing? Well, that makes you a possible caregiver for my one and only granddaughter.
There being no hotels in his hometown, he finds an emotionless person to go home with. True, forty years ago, these two knew each other way back when. But still. Despite forty plus red flags that are literally screaming out DANGER, DANGER, DANGER, DANGER, he is thinking Tom is the best choice for Pearl's next caregiver.
What else should you know about The Weight of Memory? It's written in the second person. The "you" being Pearl. The style is...atmospheric, eery, literary. The chapters alternate between the present and flashbacks of the past. Most of the characters, if not all the characters, are SUPER creepy.
Despite being published by a Christian publishing company, there is absolutely nothing Christian about the text. In fact, I'd make the case that the book goes out of its way to be non-Christian in its supernatural-ness. I'm not sure if the right word for this one is supernatural OR magical realism OR perhaps a blending of the two.
I guess what bothers me most is that this book is published by a Christian publisher and yet stands against--or in opposition--to a Christian world view or perspective of death and the afterlife. Like Paul doesn't seem to have any clue whatsoever about what happens when you die, or, more importantly what happens after you die. It's not that he has doubts or questions. He's not even asking the questions. Or thinking about asking the questions. He's not seeking God. He's not seeking peace or assurance. Readers never see him praying, talking to God, thinking about God, nothing, absolutely nothing. And what the book presents instead....is...well disturbing.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
A
H
E
A
D
Throughout the book, there is a mysterious white-haired/silver-haired lady that only a few people can see. Pearl being one of them. Paul's wife, Mary, being another. Throughout the book, Paul stumbles across a few others that have seen her. She is a spooky/scary/haunting/creepy character that is often encouraging characters to do really super dangerous, not at all safe things. Things that will more often than not cause people to die. Yes, die. Hence all the foreboding, obvious warnings saying DON'T LIVE HERE. DON'T STAY HERE. GET AWAY WHILE YOU STILL CAN.
The fact that Pearl is conversing with her almost every single day and listening to her and doing her bidding....well it's just like someone waving a million red flags. Paul is oblivious. Like totally and completely clueless. Like, well, things aren't that bad. Pearl has always had her imaginary friends. Pearl has always like running away. (Which don't get me started on Paul's nonchalant parenting.)
DEEP DEEP DEEP
SPOILERS
Pearl goes on a mission for the mysterious lady (whom we learn is Death), and this has her essentially drown...traveling to the after life...which is an ocean/beach. There's a white house with her grandmother in it. The two have a conversation together...and Mary has a message for Paul that she is waiting and will be waiting for him to join her on the other side. Again, no mention of heaven...or hell...or Jesus...or God...or anything remotely Christian. Just this peaceful beach existence.
But putting ALL OF THAT ASIDE. I still wanted to yell and scream at Paul the entire book. WHY ARE YOU BEING SO STUPID?????? ARE YOU REALLY THINKING OF WHAT IS BEST FOR PEARL???? IF YOU'RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE HER WITH A COMPLETE STRANGER, WHY NOT DO IT IN THE PLACE YOU'RE LIVING NOW?????? DO YOU NOT KNOW ANYONE IN TOWN???? DOES PEARL NOT HAVE FRIENDS????? SURELY AMONG THE TEACHERS, PEARL'S FRIENDS' PARENTS, OTHER RESPONSIBLE HUMAN BEINGS YOU'VE ENCOUNTERED, YOU CAN MAKE A PLAN THAT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE. WHY DO YOU NOT CARE THAT YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER IS RUNNING WILD???? THAT SHE IS SEEING AND HEARING PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT THERE????? THAT HER ACTIONS ARE HAVING HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES???? IS THE TUMOR EFFECTING ALL OF YOUR LOGIC AND REASONING SKILLS????
And don't get me started on the ending of this one. There are a million reasons why the ending is just all kinds of WRONG.
Quotes:
We paddle where we think we want to go, but all along it's the hidden current that takes us.
Grief is hard and good. It is the disease and the medicine, all at once.
June 5, 2021
Shawn delivers a hauntingly beautiful story that, as the title suggests, lingers in the mind long after it's been read. His prose (as usual) is superb, however the story itself, how the past and present are interwoven seamlessly, are what really stand out. The tension builds slowly at first, but then excels to a rapid pace in the latter half of the novel, leading to an emotional climax.
Mystery unfolds as Paul's memories of the past intertwine and begin to clash with the present as he returns, decades after having left, to his hometown of Nysa. Paul is dying, given "anytime to three months" to live and must find a new home for his granddaughter, Pearl. What unfolds when he bumps into a childhood friend will have readers flying through the pages, the pieces of a life-long puzzle coming together in a deeply satisfying way.
Fans of Shawn's "Light From Distance Stars" will undoubtedly enjoy this novel. The somber yet hopeful tone, the themes of life and death, and the mystical elements, are prevalent in both. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It does well what I look for in great fiction: it tells a compelling, entertaining story, while at the same time is thought-provoking, subtly urging the reader to consider his own views on the themes presented within. Gripping, moving, and captivating, "The Weight of Memory" hits all the right notes, creating a symphony that resonates with the reader.
Mystery unfolds as Paul's memories of the past intertwine and begin to clash with the present as he returns, decades after having left, to his hometown of Nysa. Paul is dying, given "anytime to three months" to live and must find a new home for his granddaughter, Pearl. What unfolds when he bumps into a childhood friend will have readers flying through the pages, the pieces of a life-long puzzle coming together in a deeply satisfying way.
Fans of Shawn's "Light From Distance Stars" will undoubtedly enjoy this novel. The somber yet hopeful tone, the themes of life and death, and the mystical elements, are prevalent in both. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It does well what I look for in great fiction: it tells a compelling, entertaining story, while at the same time is thought-provoking, subtly urging the reader to consider his own views on the themes presented within. Gripping, moving, and captivating, "The Weight of Memory" hits all the right notes, creating a symphony that resonates with the reader.
August 13, 2021
Shawn Smucker has a way of gently leading readers down a path they might not want to go. His books often tackle weighty questions about death, the afterlife, and suffering, and The Weight of Memory is no different.
I love Shawn's writing, and I struggled with this book. I read it slowly (for me) and was often reluctant to pick it up because I wasn't sure I wanted to go where he was leading me with the story. But the characters are compelling and the writing is almost poetic, and I wanted to know what was going to happen to Paul and Pearl.
It's a worthwhile read, but I think I'm missing something. I've never read any George MacDonald, and I wonder if reading some of his works would help me understand what happens in this book. Or maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind for magical realism. I was almost disappointed that Paul's tumor is miraculously healed without explanation. I mean, I wanted him to live and be there for Pearl, but the resolution of that conflict was almost too easy (even though it nearly cost Pearl her life). And the ending made me feel like I'd missed something important earlier in the book.
So, this is an honest mixed review. I have really enjoyed Shawn's previous books. I think this one just wasn't for me. But that doesn't mean other readers won't enjoy it.
I love Shawn's writing, and I struggled with this book. I read it slowly (for me) and was often reluctant to pick it up because I wasn't sure I wanted to go where he was leading me with the story. But the characters are compelling and the writing is almost poetic, and I wanted to know what was going to happen to Paul and Pearl.
It's a worthwhile read, but I think I'm missing something. I've never read any George MacDonald, and I wonder if reading some of his works would help me understand what happens in this book. Or maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind for magical realism. I was almost disappointed that Paul's tumor is miraculously healed without explanation. I mean, I wanted him to live and be there for Pearl, but the resolution of that conflict was almost too easy (even though it nearly cost Pearl her life). And the ending made me feel like I'd missed something important earlier in the book.
So, this is an honest mixed review. I have really enjoyed Shawn's previous books. I think this one just wasn't for me. But that doesn't mean other readers won't enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
I don’t know what to make of this book. I recommend it just so you can feel the unease of it. It’s a shadowy book, murky. Nothing is clear. I think this is a great read for winter, but I read it in summer. The ending is open to interpretation- but honestly everything in the book is open to that. Nothing felt solid, real, pinpointed. In that respect, it was clever and well done. On the other hand, I felt like I was excessively flailing.
July 9, 2021
Shawn Smucker is one of the most evocative writers I’ve read. This story paints a breath-taking picture of the faithfulness of love and weight of our tragic memories . . . especially those we keep hidden away.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.
June 15, 2021
Shawn Smucker has once again written a page turning novel that has left me wanting more. 5-star worthy as entertainment and as thought provoking. Well done!
(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.)
(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.)
June 18, 2021
Wow! I don’t even know how to describe this book! I was totally captivated by this story and couldn’t stop reading! Shawn Smucker’s writing style is like none other. This has to be my favorite of his books! I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
July 6, 2021
What a breathtaking book! I honestly feel like I barely breathed for the last half of the book, over the beauty and the fear and the hope. At the risk of giving away too much, this is a story of truth, memory, imagination, hope, and the places they mingle together...sometimes aligned and other times hauntingly at odds. In The Weight of Memory we find Smucker’s typical quietly beautiful prose, this time delivered in dual timelines (one past tense and one present tense, making the differentiation blessedly clear without the need for dates) across decades. We also find Smucker’s typical quiet calling to the reader to find their own place in the story.
For long-time fans of Smucker’s fiction, you will notice similar themes of death and life to his previous books. The monsters this time might be different from what he’s written in the past, but honestly, Smucker might be at his very best (up until now anyway) here. Readers will be left with lines from the story to ponder and themes to turn over in their minds long after they read the final words.
For long-time fans of Smucker’s fiction, you will notice similar themes of death and life to his previous books. The monsters this time might be different from what he’s written in the past, but honestly, Smucker might be at his very best (up until now anyway) here. Readers will be left with lines from the story to ponder and themes to turn over in their minds long after they read the final words.
May 26, 2021
Wow...I'm not quite sure how to describe this story and that's a compliment! It was a beautifully told story.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher, and author for the ARC.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher, and author for the ARC.
August 8, 2021
I am really annoyed with this book. How could a book that started out really good and, for me, had some glimmers of beauty in the writing slowly turn to be so bad?
I would say more than half of the book I really enjoyed. The beginning started out a tad bit slow, but then it started to pick up and become very intriguing. Then towards the middle it really had me going and wanting to read more and it was difficult to put it down.
THE GOOD:
This book had a lot of good imagery and fair amount of quotes worthy enough to be written down.
Some of the imagery: The author describes a knife as having a "curling, smiling blade." I like this sinister kind of a description.
Another example of the imagery: "...things hidden in the wooded shore, living things, that watch us before slinking away into the late morning shadows." This quote was in part of the book I was very much getting into. In the story, Paul's wife disappeared "under strange circumstances." So there are some ghost-like elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'll just say this: a shadowy lake, a dark forest, a lonely cabin, and someone watching. Who wouldn't think is a recipe for a good read?
THE BAD:
... but then, it started to go downhill for me, and I can almost say exactly when I felt that way. I read a quote something along the lines of "...and then winter came after fall." And it sounded like this was supposed to be a new revelation? Um, why is that even necessary to write? DUH. I have to say that caught me off guard, and it turned me off and made me become a little bit leery as to what the writing would now become.
And I couldn't have been more right. It went completely downhill from there. Soon, I felt as if I read five chapters that could have been easily told in one. Stories began to become redundant and repetitive. It started to become very annoying, but I had already committed time to more than half of this book, so I was holding out hopes that the ending would be worth it and bring me great satisfaction and closure.
And I couldn't have been more wrong. I could not believe how incredibly bad the ending was. I read all of this FOR THAT? That's how it ends??? I felt betrayed and robbed of good ending. Good thing I checked this out from the library because I would have been doubly annoyed that I would have had to spend money on this book.
I would say more than half of the book I really enjoyed. The beginning started out a tad bit slow, but then it started to pick up and become very intriguing. Then towards the middle it really had me going and wanting to read more and it was difficult to put it down.
THE GOOD:
This book had a lot of good imagery and fair amount of quotes worthy enough to be written down.
Some of the imagery: The author describes a knife as having a "curling, smiling blade." I like this sinister kind of a description.
Another example of the imagery: "...things hidden in the wooded shore, living things, that watch us before slinking away into the late morning shadows." This quote was in part of the book I was very much getting into. In the story, Paul's wife disappeared "under strange circumstances." So there are some ghost-like elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'll just say this: a shadowy lake, a dark forest, a lonely cabin, and someone watching. Who wouldn't think is a recipe for a good read?
THE BAD:
... but then, it started to go downhill for me, and I can almost say exactly when I felt that way. I read a quote something along the lines of "...and then winter came after fall." And it sounded like this was supposed to be a new revelation? Um, why is that even necessary to write? DUH. I have to say that caught me off guard, and it turned me off and made me become a little bit leery as to what the writing would now become.
And I couldn't have been more right. It went completely downhill from there. Soon, I felt as if I read five chapters that could have been easily told in one. Stories began to become redundant and repetitive. It started to become very annoying, but I had already committed time to more than half of this book, so I was holding out hopes that the ending would be worth it and bring me great satisfaction and closure.
And I couldn't have been more wrong. I could not believe how incredibly bad the ending was. I read all of this FOR THAT? That's how it ends??? I felt betrayed and robbed of good ending. Good thing I checked this out from the library because I would have been doubly annoyed that I would have had to spend money on this book.
June 23, 2021
Just WOW. This story kept me engaged and guessing from beginning to end, rooting for and empathizing with each character, and effective kept my belief suspended exactly when and where it needed to be to bring home its powerful message about the power of memory, regret, forgiveness, love, and the physical manifestations of our spiritual battles. Highly recommended!
April 26, 2021
This is a lyrical, mystical book that follows the journey of terminally ill Paul and his grand-daughter Pearl back to his hometown. The book alternates between Paul's memories, and present day. Shawn Smucker skillfully blends the two time periods and the memories and unknown secrets that swirl around Paul and Pearl. This book is beautifully written, thought provoking, and full of hope, with characters that I will long remember. I just loved this book! I did receive a complimentary copy, and I am so glad I did.
July 10, 2021
Once again (I've eagerly anticipated and read every Shawn Smucker book) Shawn delivers a hauntingly beautiful book. He weaves together a story of love and loss, regret and hope. The story will draw you in and you won't want to put the book down. The characters will linger with you after you have finished.
February 3, 2022
Clean, suspenseful mystery that goes back and forth between the past and present. The reviewers called it "mesmerizing," which is a good description for the mood this book paints. Not the normal type of book I read, but I still enjoyed it.
March 22, 2023
This is the second book by Shawn Smucker that I have read. The first one was Light from Distant Stars. The Weight of Memory is similar to that one in its easy to read style, good pace, and the fact that the premise the book is sold on is more of a setting off point than a focus. This book was difficult for me to predict, which is something I appreciate about it. The story is a mishmash of the dread of and preparation for death, a regretful reminiscence, a ghost story, and fantasy, and a mystery all while feeling cohesive. Enjoyed every page.
June 20, 2021
I love Shawn’s books. He crafts exquisite stories that keep me guessing from start to finish. The Weight of Memory did not disappoint! It is haunting and intimate, dark and hopeful, all at the same time. I highly recommend it to everyone!
June 15, 2021
When I read books this complex and rich, I try to remember the scene in which I think I have it all figured out. I read it over, more slowly, searching each word and phrase for clues and evidence. Sometimes I’m right – or at least close.
With Shawn’s books? Never. Not one single detail that I so cleverly predicted was accurate.
What a gift to read something so compelling and challenging with an ending so much better than I could have ever imagined… Don’t miss “The Weight of Memory.”
With Shawn’s books? Never. Not one single detail that I so cleverly predicted was accurate.
What a gift to read something so compelling and challenging with an ending so much better than I could have ever imagined… Don’t miss “The Weight of Memory.”
August 12, 2021
I finished this new novel last night. I savored it every step of the way and found it a rich and rewarding read. Smucker is masterful story-teller and writer. I must admit, I was afraid that the ending would be too "neat." It wasn't. That delighted me -- it felt just right!
July 18, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down. From the first page, I was completely hooked, and it wasn’t long before I was invested in the lives of Paul and Pearl. Shawn Smucker has crafted a beautiful and haunting story, with lines and passages I found myself rereading to soak them up. The way he paints loss, grief, and hope had me turning each page wanting more.
May 13, 2021
This review by Librarian Christine Barth first appeared in the May 2021 issue of Library Journal.
Paul Elias has maybe three months, maybe a few days, to live, and he doesn't know what to do with Pearl, his ward and granddaughter who is precocious but a bit of a handful. In a spur-of-the moment decision, Paul takes Pearl out of school, and they drive back to Nysa, a remote (fictitious) peninsula community that Paul hasn't visited since his wife drowned near its shores decades ago.
Upon reaching Nysa, Paul is met with hostility rather than the help he needs. Pearl begins having strange visions of a woman with white hair, who asks her to complete dangerous tasks. Paul is reminded of the summer when he met his wife, when a creepy stranger appeared in Nysa and altered the course of multiple lives. Secrets abound in Nysa, and Paul wonders if Pearl's imagination is actually a window to another realm.
VERDICT: Smucker (These Nameless Things) crafts beautiful sentences and haunting characters that immerse readers in a world where anything is possible but not everything is real. Recommended for fans of Ted Dekker or Tosca Lee.
Paul Elias has maybe three months, maybe a few days, to live, and he doesn't know what to do with Pearl, his ward and granddaughter who is precocious but a bit of a handful. In a spur-of-the moment decision, Paul takes Pearl out of school, and they drive back to Nysa, a remote (fictitious) peninsula community that Paul hasn't visited since his wife drowned near its shores decades ago.
Upon reaching Nysa, Paul is met with hostility rather than the help he needs. Pearl begins having strange visions of a woman with white hair, who asks her to complete dangerous tasks. Paul is reminded of the summer when he met his wife, when a creepy stranger appeared in Nysa and altered the course of multiple lives. Secrets abound in Nysa, and Paul wonders if Pearl's imagination is actually a window to another realm.
VERDICT: Smucker (These Nameless Things) crafts beautiful sentences and haunting characters that immerse readers in a world where anything is possible but not everything is real. Recommended for fans of Ted Dekker or Tosca Lee.
June 14, 2021
The biggest, and the rarest, compliment I can give a book is “I can’t stop reading until the end of this chapter.” Repeat as needed.
This book breaks my heart in every good way. Secrets are so heavy. Kick free and live well.
This book breaks my heart in every good way. Secrets are so heavy. Kick free and live well.
July 8, 2021
I could lay down a bunch of words here that are pithy and ironic and play with your emotions. But I offer instead this: the moment I read page 351, I had to go right back to the beginning and read it all over again. Well, after the book hangover dissipated a bit. You know how it goes.
Scenes kept replaying themselves in my head. I heard each character’s distinct voice. I wanted to stay on that beach with that white sand so desperately. I heard hope in the fear. My mom passed away from cancer just one year ago so I was a bit hesitant with a book where the main character has a terminal diagnosis, but it was so well done. I found his thoughts and questions healing as I wondered if they might have mirrored hers.
Shawn takes your heart and mind for a ride that mirrors a thriller suspense yet is simultaneously gentle and mysterious and causes trains of thought to click together that you didn’t realize could.
(I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and there you have it.)
Scenes kept replaying themselves in my head. I heard each character’s distinct voice. I wanted to stay on that beach with that white sand so desperately. I heard hope in the fear. My mom passed away from cancer just one year ago so I was a bit hesitant with a book where the main character has a terminal diagnosis, but it was so well done. I found his thoughts and questions healing as I wondered if they might have mirrored hers.
Shawn takes your heart and mind for a ride that mirrors a thriller suspense yet is simultaneously gentle and mysterious and causes trains of thought to click together that you didn’t realize could.
(I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and there you have it.)
August 24, 2021
I wanted to like it, but slogging through this dark-tinged tale was not that rewarding. I hoped for more beauty amid the darkness-- I love stories like that-- but this was mostly atmosphere without satisfying resonance in reality. The twist was not revelatory, felt like a tired mystery novel. Does brain cancer really grow as a knot outside of one's head?!? Why didn't Paul make any friends in the 40 years in his new home? You can't plant tomatoes in April in places where it snows regularly. How did Tom develop a prosperous psych practice in an out of the way place like Nysa? Why did Shirley tolerate the secret?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
Smucker’s best story yet!
Paul Elias has just received a terminal diagnosis of cancer and has been given months to live. He can accept that it is his time to die, but he can’t accept that he doesn’t have alternate arrangements for someone to take care of his granddaughter, Pearl. Pearl’s dad, Paul’s son John, is not in the picture and frankly, Paul is not sure where to even start. When he picks up Pearl from school, she seems to have already devised a plan and tells him that they will be taking a trip back to Paul’s hometown of Nysa, where he hasn’t been or spoken about since the drowning death of his wife 40 years ago.
Once in Nysa, Paul gets reacquainted with an old friend and finds that the town is nothing like he remembered. The longer they stay in Nysa, the more Pearl starts to act like her grandmother, causing Paul to question her sanity as well as everything he knows. Perhaps this wasn’t the best place to come.
Having read all of Shawn Smucker’s books, I can easily say that this is the best one! The story is very introspective and will have readers questioning things throughout the entire story. Told from Paul’s point of view, readers pick up when Paul is in his upper 50s and are introduced to Paul’s world as it is today. At the beginning, parts of the story seem disorganized and the flow doesn’t necessarily follow any particular format but hang on because everything will be revealed through memories.
As readers push forward, they will notice many parallels between the past and present, most notably between Pearl and her grandmother, Mary. There is quite a bit of supernatural elements throughout that aren’t necessarily explained, but it makes the story more suspenseful and will keep readers turning the pages. I found it difficult to put down the book after each chapter because I wanted to find out what happens next. The ending is quite subjective and likely some readers won’t enjoy it, but there is ray of sunlight that shines some hope.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Paul Elias has just received a terminal diagnosis of cancer and has been given months to live. He can accept that it is his time to die, but he can’t accept that he doesn’t have alternate arrangements for someone to take care of his granddaughter, Pearl. Pearl’s dad, Paul’s son John, is not in the picture and frankly, Paul is not sure where to even start. When he picks up Pearl from school, she seems to have already devised a plan and tells him that they will be taking a trip back to Paul’s hometown of Nysa, where he hasn’t been or spoken about since the drowning death of his wife 40 years ago.
Once in Nysa, Paul gets reacquainted with an old friend and finds that the town is nothing like he remembered. The longer they stay in Nysa, the more Pearl starts to act like her grandmother, causing Paul to question her sanity as well as everything he knows. Perhaps this wasn’t the best place to come.
Having read all of Shawn Smucker’s books, I can easily say that this is the best one! The story is very introspective and will have readers questioning things throughout the entire story. Told from Paul’s point of view, readers pick up when Paul is in his upper 50s and are introduced to Paul’s world as it is today. At the beginning, parts of the story seem disorganized and the flow doesn’t necessarily follow any particular format but hang on because everything will be revealed through memories.
As readers push forward, they will notice many parallels between the past and present, most notably between Pearl and her grandmother, Mary. There is quite a bit of supernatural elements throughout that aren’t necessarily explained, but it makes the story more suspenseful and will keep readers turning the pages. I found it difficult to put down the book after each chapter because I wanted to find out what happens next. The ending is quite subjective and likely some readers won’t enjoy it, but there is ray of sunlight that shines some hope.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
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