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The Fire On Memory Lane
What would you pay to relive the best days of your life?
Connor Michaels is a broken man. A broken man with a ruined family, a shattered future, and a past he can’t recover from.
Once upon a time he had been well respected, even loved. A former superstar college quarterback, a husband, a loving father, and a man admired by his community. That was before the day things went woefully wrong, and he became known as only one thing: the man responsible for the death of his own son.
Connor is at the end of his rope, and is considering staying there. Hanging there. Until he is offered a cure for his troubles. A cure for all trauma. A miracle medicine that will allow him to block out the bad memories and relive the good ones in real time.
At first it is salvation in a bottle… But the past can be a haunted place. Memories thought to be dead and buried have a way of reaching out of their graves.
And not every trip down Memory Lane is as blissful as it seems.
Connor Michaels is a broken man. A broken man with a ruined family, a shattered future, and a past he can’t recover from.
Once upon a time he had been well respected, even loved. A former superstar college quarterback, a husband, a loving father, and a man admired by his community. That was before the day things went woefully wrong, and he became known as only one thing: the man responsible for the death of his own son.
Connor is at the end of his rope, and is considering staying there. Hanging there. Until he is offered a cure for his troubles. A cure for all trauma. A miracle medicine that will allow him to block out the bad memories and relive the good ones in real time.
At first it is salvation in a bottle… But the past can be a haunted place. Memories thought to be dead and buried have a way of reaching out of their graves.
And not every trip down Memory Lane is as blissful as it seems.
- GenresHorror
143 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2021
3 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Felix I.D. Dimaro
18 books109 followersBorn in Nigeria, raised in Toronto, Felix I.D. Dimaro is an author of allegorical, dark, psychological fiction often centering around morality, mental health, societal conditions, the environment, or the real-life issues he has experienced. He has released eleven books to date, including the eco-thriller, “Black Bloom: A Story of Survival,” the extreme horror novel, “Humane Sacrifice: The Story of the Aztec Killer," and the tale of cat cloning gone wrong, "In the Darkness, Eyes and Teeth.”
When not writing, Dimaro is usually reading, watching professional wrestling, or running even though no one is chasing him.
To find out more about Dimaro and his books, head over to https://www.thingsthatkeepmeupatnight...
When not writing, Dimaro is usually reading, watching professional wrestling, or running even though no one is chasing him.
To find out more about Dimaro and his books, head over to https://www.thingsthatkeepmeupatnight...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 12, 2025
This was a trippy one, folks. Addiction, depression, and trauma are such rich themes for a story to explore. Dimaro took all this to a very unique place, as we follow Connor's plunge into the dark abyss. Sometimes things are just way too painful to admit to oneself, relive, or even attempt to move past, so we stick them deep down in the pit of our stomachs. Hoping that they'll stay there and never see the light of day again. That we'll somehow forget about them and feel better eventually. We then focus on the things that we think made us happy, when all they are is a makeshift barrier, weak as tissue paper. I've done it countless times, and I think to some extent, almost everyone else has to. But as time goes on, the pit in your stomach overflows. It takes on new forms of pain and then festers, lingering and growing, as you feel your body reacting to something that has now begun to spin out of control. And what happens? Do you fight it? Collapse? Cry? Will it erupt into something new and never before experienced? Your thoughts race, you are a prisoner in your own body, and you don't know what's going to happen. You're terrified, upset, angry, overstimulated, and frustrated, all at once. The darkness eats you up, mind, body, and soul, and you just hope that you come out on the other side with as much intact as possible. Sometimes you do, but other times, not so lucky. This is all centered around how Connor is written in this story. It's intense, thought-provoking, and a sadly beautiful experience. Dimaro did a wonderful job of exploring this tragic character's psyche, and taking the reader on a one way ticket to a very distressing place. For anyone who has not suffered with emotional distress at some point, this will be very eye-opening, whereas for others of us who live with it quite often...you'll feel right at home here.
July 9, 2022
'Fantastical memory madness down in the World of Dreams'
This is the story of Connor, a broken man who appears to have lost everything in life after the tragic death of his young son caused by his own careless and disastrous actions. Having elected to simply spiral down and stew in a lonely sphere of despair and misery over the years since this life-changing loss, he is suddenly faced with a chance of following a unique and unknown unearthly path that just might offer him some resemblance of happiness, hope and freedom from the guilt, sadness and trauma that he has heaped upon himself, and on others. But what will ultimately be the costs attached to this new, alternative way of coping with life, and will it really afford him the opportunity of continuing to experience life's past hedonistic indulgences forever?
Quite a brilliant modern day adventure that reads like an adult fairy tale set in a world of personal horror, despair and madness, but which offers a chance to relive the past moments of ecstasy, jubilation and euphoria - but will it all prove to just be too good to be true? Contains an ending which, as the title suggests is 'incineratingly' hot, and which fits the story quite perfectly.
A highly recommended, and thoroughly enjoyable unique tale of mesmerising horror from a talented, and quite brilliant, young author. I intend returning to the worlds of Felix Dimaro very, very soon - and that is guaranteed!
Rating: 4.7 flaming stars of supernatural chicanery - 'Bring on that Pitchman again, I can't wait!'
This is the story of Connor, a broken man who appears to have lost everything in life after the tragic death of his young son caused by his own careless and disastrous actions. Having elected to simply spiral down and stew in a lonely sphere of despair and misery over the years since this life-changing loss, he is suddenly faced with a chance of following a unique and unknown unearthly path that just might offer him some resemblance of happiness, hope and freedom from the guilt, sadness and trauma that he has heaped upon himself, and on others. But what will ultimately be the costs attached to this new, alternative way of coping with life, and will it really afford him the opportunity of continuing to experience life's past hedonistic indulgences forever?
Quite a brilliant modern day adventure that reads like an adult fairy tale set in a world of personal horror, despair and madness, but which offers a chance to relive the past moments of ecstasy, jubilation and euphoria - but will it all prove to just be too good to be true? Contains an ending which, as the title suggests is 'incineratingly' hot, and which fits the story quite perfectly.
A highly recommended, and thoroughly enjoyable unique tale of mesmerising horror from a talented, and quite brilliant, young author. I intend returning to the worlds of Felix Dimaro very, very soon - and that is guaranteed!
Rating: 4.7 flaming stars of supernatural chicanery - 'Bring on that Pitchman again, I can't wait!'
November 12, 2021
This book is an easy to read, but harder to digest, horror novella. The themes are breathtaking, the characters flawed and fully realised, and the story potent. This book teaches us that we must not only never dwell on the past, but must never turn to it for answers, either. Time changes, as do we, and to be present is the only place to be. The protagonist learns this the hard way (pun intended - if you've read it, you'll get it!), in a restaurant restroom, nonetheless. The turn of events are both shocking and horrifying, and the way Dimaro has paced this slice of terror enhances the experience. Dimaro has a cinematic way of writing, which I fully appreciate, and it works well for this tale. Dimaro has a straightforward writing style that is easy on the eye, which at times has an almost fairytale quality to it. The story is devastating, with the perfect finale. All in all, this is a novella that packs a punch - just as a novella should! And is easily one of my favourite books of the year...
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You'll be hooked from beginning to end, and left to ponder your own life - past, present and future, in the process. Read it! 🙌🏼🖤 I'm very excited to read more from this author.
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You'll be hooked from beginning to end, and left to ponder your own life - past, present and future, in the process. Read it! 🙌🏼🖤 I'm very excited to read more from this author.
November 8, 2021
I love every single page of this book. Sad but powerful at the same time. It’s really well written too !
July 19, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
December 6, 2022
“Has it turned out that the present isn't the gift you expected it to be? Future not looking too bright? How about a little time off? A break, a trip down Memory Lane"
This is a story about Connor, a man who is responsible for the accidental death of his son. His wife has left him and he’s alone, drinking himself to where he blacks out every night and he’s contemplating suicide.
He sees an infomercial offering a chance for him to relive his best days, an escape from his hellish existence. He thinks he has nothing to lose and when a bottle of magical eye drops appears on his door step he uses them and begins his trip down memory lane.
Of course there’s a catch. Nothing this good comes without a high price and what happens after that is a spoiler. Let’s just say he has to pay even more than he’d expected to.
I’ve read my share of grief horror and this is up there with the best of them. It’s a bleak, brutal and heartbreaking read. If you can handle the subject matter then I can recommend this one.
This is a story about Connor, a man who is responsible for the accidental death of his son. His wife has left him and he’s alone, drinking himself to where he blacks out every night and he’s contemplating suicide.
He sees an infomercial offering a chance for him to relive his best days, an escape from his hellish existence. He thinks he has nothing to lose and when a bottle of magical eye drops appears on his door step he uses them and begins his trip down memory lane.
Of course there’s a catch. Nothing this good comes without a high price and what happens after that is a spoiler. Let’s just say he has to pay even more than he’d expected to.
I’ve read my share of grief horror and this is up there with the best of them. It’s a bleak, brutal and heartbreaking read. If you can handle the subject matter then I can recommend this one.
Read
September 25, 2023For my records
I definitely want to check out other books by this author - however this one just had too many personal triggers for me to get into the story.
I definitely want to check out other books by this author - however this one just had too many personal triggers for me to get into the story.
December 14, 2021
So I just read this book last night in one go. I'm really enjoying this new wave of independent authors that seems very existential to me. I'm very behind with my reviews but a lot of my indie reads give me existentialism, magical realism vibes and most importantly, they're exploring grief and pain and the horrors that come from the deepest deep of human soul.
Connor is not a good guy even though he's trying so hard to persuade himself that he's not to blame. But he is very much to blame. And his mind knows that very well even though he's reaching for supernatural ways to live his life to his fullest. To live in the past, long before he managed to screw up everything in his life. So when a solution comes to him in his dream he decides to abandon every last bit of a reality, because there are many things far more effective than alcohol that will make the present go away. Like magical eye drops.
Wait what?
Yeah, believe it or not, when you really really dislike the present, just go back to the past. Just really focus on the memories that make you happy. And put few drops right into your eyes. Make the reality go away. It's just eye drops, what could go wrong?
I really liked the character of The Pitchman, that was a really good idea to involve someone like that. And also, well done Felix, for making me feel so sorry for a character that I deeply disliked 🤣
Connor is not a good guy even though he's trying so hard to persuade himself that he's not to blame. But he is very much to blame. And his mind knows that very well even though he's reaching for supernatural ways to live his life to his fullest. To live in the past, long before he managed to screw up everything in his life. So when a solution comes to him in his dream he decides to abandon every last bit of a reality, because there are many things far more effective than alcohol that will make the present go away. Like magical eye drops.
Wait what?
Yeah, believe it or not, when you really really dislike the present, just go back to the past. Just really focus on the memories that make you happy. And put few drops right into your eyes. Make the reality go away. It's just eye drops, what could go wrong?
I really liked the character of The Pitchman, that was a really good idea to involve someone like that. And also, well done Felix, for making me feel so sorry for a character that I deeply disliked 🤣
September 17, 2021
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
BOOK CONTENT WARNING: Suicidal Thoughts • Child Death • Addiction
I can’t recall how long again ago Felix and I connected on Instagram, but I’ve always enjoyed seeing what he’s been getting up to and what he’s working on. I think, I think, I’ve read something from him before but I can’t for the life of me remember which and Goodreads tells me I haven’t. So, maybe it was a short story he posted online?
Either way, I snapped up this novella excited to dive in.
What I liked: Going in, I was aware that this was a truly sad and bleak story. Even that didn’t prepare me for what would occur.
The story follows Connor. His young son has died which results in him and his wife divorcing. His young daughter lives with his ex and no longer wants to be around him. To make matters worse – his ex has now remarried and they’re moving away, taking his daughter, and his son’s ashes with them.
His life has unravelled. He now drinks himself to a blackout each night.
Then, on one fateful night, his TV turns on by itself and an infomercial comes on. It asks Connor what he’d give to relive the good times again?
From here, Dimaro pushes Connor further down his spiral. Everything unwraps and reality distorts. I loved seeing Connor attempt to reconcile how much he used to smile versus how his life was now so sad and sorrow filled.
His brother, Kevin, was a great character, grounding the story even when Connor falls deeper into the grip of the eye drops he receives and transports himself to the good old days.
The ending is perfect and tragic and painfilled and really does a great job of closing Connors story and his heartbreak.
What I didn’t like: For a novella of roughly 100 pages, the first 30% or so felt very repetitive and didn’t move the needle on the story much, if at all.
As well, when Connor falls into the blue drops grip, his remembrance of happier times also felt as though we didn’t need to have as many moments.
Why you should buy this: Dimaro has crafted a truly bleak, heartbreaking story of a man at the very bottom and seeing no way out of the dark. It does a great job of connecting with the reader and the emotional depth within was amazing.
A tough read but a worthwhile experience.
BOOK CONTENT WARNING: Suicidal Thoughts • Child Death • Addiction
I can’t recall how long again ago Felix and I connected on Instagram, but I’ve always enjoyed seeing what he’s been getting up to and what he’s working on. I think, I think, I’ve read something from him before but I can’t for the life of me remember which and Goodreads tells me I haven’t. So, maybe it was a short story he posted online?
Either way, I snapped up this novella excited to dive in.
What I liked: Going in, I was aware that this was a truly sad and bleak story. Even that didn’t prepare me for what would occur.
The story follows Connor. His young son has died which results in him and his wife divorcing. His young daughter lives with his ex and no longer wants to be around him. To make matters worse – his ex has now remarried and they’re moving away, taking his daughter, and his son’s ashes with them.
His life has unravelled. He now drinks himself to a blackout each night.
Then, on one fateful night, his TV turns on by itself and an infomercial comes on. It asks Connor what he’d give to relive the good times again?
From here, Dimaro pushes Connor further down his spiral. Everything unwraps and reality distorts. I loved seeing Connor attempt to reconcile how much he used to smile versus how his life was now so sad and sorrow filled.
His brother, Kevin, was a great character, grounding the story even when Connor falls deeper into the grip of the eye drops he receives and transports himself to the good old days.
The ending is perfect and tragic and painfilled and really does a great job of closing Connors story and his heartbreak.
What I didn’t like: For a novella of roughly 100 pages, the first 30% or so felt very repetitive and didn’t move the needle on the story much, if at all.
As well, when Connor falls into the blue drops grip, his remembrance of happier times also felt as though we didn’t need to have as many moments.
Why you should buy this: Dimaro has crafted a truly bleak, heartbreaking story of a man at the very bottom and seeing no way out of the dark. It does a great job of connecting with the reader and the emotional depth within was amazing.
A tough read but a worthwhile experience.
January 3, 2022
"Has it turned out that the present isn't the gift you expected it to be? Future not looking too bright? How about a little time off? A break, a trip down Memory Lane"
.
Spoilers/ Review for "The Fire on Memory Lane" by @thingsthatkeepmeupatnight 🔥
.
Connor Michaels is in a bad place. His wife's left him and she accused him of the death of their son due to Connor being negligent. We meet Connor when he's in the middle of a furious temper tantrum. He stops however when an advert appears on his TV saying that Connor can relive the good old days. All he has to do is use the Memlain-8 eye drops and Connor is off down Memory Lane. But. What awaits there?...
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Back in November we did a double feature of Felix's works (2222 review to come) over at @theindiehorrorbookclub . Both sounded dead good to me and I was excited to try them!
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You get thrown into this one at the beginning. The flawed character of Connor is there right from the start. His life's falling to pieces and he's not doing well. The mystery of Omni Town, Memlain-8 and the death of River all great strings in this one from Felix. How he keeps you wondering whilst telling this story really works. It keeps the story simple with the slipping into Memory Lane bits. Doesn't try and throw you off or bamboozle you and go "here's a lot of science!". It doesn't get bogged down by details and I for one appreciate it! The theme of addiction is prominent too. How Connor is drawn back to the past and keeps escaping to Memory Lane is brilliantly well done. It both shows you Connor wanting to escape, but also the pitfall of Memory Lane. The ending might not be for everyone but I personally think it's "right" for lack of better term. If you've read it you know exactly what happens and might agree. That and by the end, you have that terrible question in your mind...
.
Overall 5/5 🔥
One of my favourites from 2021!
But how about you guys? What did you think of it?
.
Spoilers/ Review for "The Fire on Memory Lane" by @thingsthatkeepmeupatnight 🔥
.
Connor Michaels is in a bad place. His wife's left him and she accused him of the death of their son due to Connor being negligent. We meet Connor when he's in the middle of a furious temper tantrum. He stops however when an advert appears on his TV saying that Connor can relive the good old days. All he has to do is use the Memlain-8 eye drops and Connor is off down Memory Lane. But. What awaits there?...
.
Back in November we did a double feature of Felix's works (2222 review to come) over at @theindiehorrorbookclub . Both sounded dead good to me and I was excited to try them!
.
You get thrown into this one at the beginning. The flawed character of Connor is there right from the start. His life's falling to pieces and he's not doing well. The mystery of Omni Town, Memlain-8 and the death of River all great strings in this one from Felix. How he keeps you wondering whilst telling this story really works. It keeps the story simple with the slipping into Memory Lane bits. Doesn't try and throw you off or bamboozle you and go "here's a lot of science!". It doesn't get bogged down by details and I for one appreciate it! The theme of addiction is prominent too. How Connor is drawn back to the past and keeps escaping to Memory Lane is brilliantly well done. It both shows you Connor wanting to escape, but also the pitfall of Memory Lane. The ending might not be for everyone but I personally think it's "right" for lack of better term. If you've read it you know exactly what happens and might agree. That and by the end, you have that terrible question in your mind...
.
Overall 5/5 🔥
One of my favourites from 2021!
But how about you guys? What did you think of it?
August 22, 2021
A Tale Of Regret
I’m always drawn to Felix I.D Dimaro’s books because he knows how to write an interesting premise and do it in a writing style that keeps you turning pages. Although his style is to tell the reader what’s happening instead of immersing them in the events through connection and description, it’s still very easy to root for his characters, even when he’s using another hallmark of his works and making them suffer.
In The Fire On Memory Lane, we meet Connor, a former footballer who caused the death of his son and lost the rest of his family as a result. Wallowing in grief, he gives in to an infomercial on TV that promises an eye drop concoction will allow him to relive his glory days whenever he wants.
We get to learn about Connor and the man he was and is when he flashes back to his past with the help of the drops. Like everyone, he’s flawed, and it’s easy to feel bad about how his life turned out. When the final pages of the book reveal Connor’s part in his son’s death, and the shocking truth behind the eye drops, it’s easy to feel worse.
This isn’t a tale of redemption. It’s a sad tale about a sad life and it honestly left me a little flat after reading it.
Although the ending was fitting, it left me wanting something more for Connor because I really was rooting for a better outcome after all he’d been through. Even though I didn’t like the ending, I did like the journey and look forward to the author’s next release. 3.5 Stars.
I’m always drawn to Felix I.D Dimaro’s books because he knows how to write an interesting premise and do it in a writing style that keeps you turning pages. Although his style is to tell the reader what’s happening instead of immersing them in the events through connection and description, it’s still very easy to root for his characters, even when he’s using another hallmark of his works and making them suffer.
In The Fire On Memory Lane, we meet Connor, a former footballer who caused the death of his son and lost the rest of his family as a result. Wallowing in grief, he gives in to an infomercial on TV that promises an eye drop concoction will allow him to relive his glory days whenever he wants.
We get to learn about Connor and the man he was and is when he flashes back to his past with the help of the drops. Like everyone, he’s flawed, and it’s easy to feel bad about how his life turned out. When the final pages of the book reveal Connor’s part in his son’s death, and the shocking truth behind the eye drops, it’s easy to feel worse.
This isn’t a tale of redemption. It’s a sad tale about a sad life and it honestly left me a little flat after reading it.
Although the ending was fitting, it left me wanting something more for Connor because I really was rooting for a better outcome after all he’d been through. Even though I didn’t like the ending, I did like the journey and look forward to the author’s next release. 3.5 Stars.
August 13, 2021
For the second time this summer, I've interrupted my #bookseriessummer challenge to dive into a new novel by my friend @thingsthatkeepmeupatnight. When Dimaro releases a new book, the reader never knows what he's going to get, whether it's time travel, psychosis, or just plain horror. All we are guaranteed is that it will be gripping and we will love reading it. The Fire on Memory Lane definitely qualified on both counts.
⭐
I do not post spoilers, so I will simply state that our MC, Connor, is one of the most empathetic characters yet, amongst a plethora of memorable characters to spring from the imagination of Dimaro. The story, albeit with its supernatural elements, is one that any father can believe and definitely feel for Connor. The supporting cast is as realistic as any I've read, and the storyline itself flows with a pace that makes this book unputdownable.
⭐
At the end of the book, Dimaro speaks about the writing of this tale, and mentions similarities to his previously released novel, 2222 (if you haven't read it yet, GET IT!). I personally was getting more of a Big Spray (another must-read) vibe from this book, with enough differences to ensure that Dimaro isn't just regurgitating the same old plot. TFoML is its own story, and one that will become a definite future re-read for me.
⭐
I do not post spoilers, so I will simply state that our MC, Connor, is one of the most empathetic characters yet, amongst a plethora of memorable characters to spring from the imagination of Dimaro. The story, albeit with its supernatural elements, is one that any father can believe and definitely feel for Connor. The supporting cast is as realistic as any I've read, and the storyline itself flows with a pace that makes this book unputdownable.
⭐
At the end of the book, Dimaro speaks about the writing of this tale, and mentions similarities to his previously released novel, 2222 (if you haven't read it yet, GET IT!). I personally was getting more of a Big Spray (another must-read) vibe from this book, with enough differences to ensure that Dimaro isn't just regurgitating the same old plot. TFoML is its own story, and one that will become a definite future re-read for me.
November 3, 2021
⏳Spoiler Free Novella Review⏳
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 rounded up)
•
What do you do when life becomes too painful? What if I said you could relive the best days from your past? Would you pay for that chance? Is there a cost too high? The Fire on Memory Lane explores the possibilities through one man’s story of grief and addiction.
•
Connor Michaels is a man at the end of his rope, living in a downward spiral where each day is worse than the last. His descent is interrupted by a salesman’s pitch and a tiny vial of eye drops. Has Connor found a lifeline to pull himself out of despair or is it a fast track to self-destruction?
•
Felix Dimaro has an incredible talent of writing flawed characters that can still draw a reader’s empathy. He also tackles serious, sometimes hard-to-read issues, with absolute honesty and a captivating writing style. This is a short novella at just over a hundred pages, but it packs an emotional punch. It’s beautifully heartbreaking and one that will stick with you long after you finish reading.
•
I discovered Dimaro last year. He quickly became an auto-buy author for me and this might be my favorite story to date. His writing isn’t for the faint of heart or those looking for a happy ending, but if you enjoy horror/sci-fi with all the emotions, I encourage you to give his work a try.
•
TW: Death of a child, suicidal thoughts, mental health.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 rounded up)
•
What do you do when life becomes too painful? What if I said you could relive the best days from your past? Would you pay for that chance? Is there a cost too high? The Fire on Memory Lane explores the possibilities through one man’s story of grief and addiction.
•
Connor Michaels is a man at the end of his rope, living in a downward spiral where each day is worse than the last. His descent is interrupted by a salesman’s pitch and a tiny vial of eye drops. Has Connor found a lifeline to pull himself out of despair or is it a fast track to self-destruction?
•
Felix Dimaro has an incredible talent of writing flawed characters that can still draw a reader’s empathy. He also tackles serious, sometimes hard-to-read issues, with absolute honesty and a captivating writing style. This is a short novella at just over a hundred pages, but it packs an emotional punch. It’s beautifully heartbreaking and one that will stick with you long after you finish reading.
•
I discovered Dimaro last year. He quickly became an auto-buy author for me and this might be my favorite story to date. His writing isn’t for the faint of heart or those looking for a happy ending, but if you enjoy horror/sci-fi with all the emotions, I encourage you to give his work a try.
•
TW: Death of a child, suicidal thoughts, mental health.
September 3, 2021
The fire on memory lane
“What would you pay to relive the best days of your life?”
We meet Connor when he’s hit rock bottom. He’s lost his family after the death of his son; his wife remarried and his daughter wanting nothing to do with him. All his good days are behind him now. The only thing keeping him here is the promise he made to his brother to not end his own life.
Connor begins to notice some infomercials advertising an elixir that allows one to relive their best memories. When a bottle of these drops appears on his doorstep, Connor decides he has nothing to lose and he gives them a try.
Connor is a sympathetic and heartbreaking character. Dimaro really brought this guy to life—and then proceeded to put him through the wringer. It’s one of this author’s gifts (for better or worse) to put us into the heads of his creations and then break them. I loved the premise of this book. Who hasn’t looked back and wanted to relive a perfect day? Early on Connor takes a stroll down Memory Lane, each house holding a special memory. That image really stuck with me. The pacing of this story was relentless and I was drawn in from the beginning. I highly recommend this one. TW for references to suicide, explicit language and sex. Thank you so much to the author for sending me his book for review.
“What would you pay to relive the best days of your life?”
We meet Connor when he’s hit rock bottom. He’s lost his family after the death of his son; his wife remarried and his daughter wanting nothing to do with him. All his good days are behind him now. The only thing keeping him here is the promise he made to his brother to not end his own life.
Connor begins to notice some infomercials advertising an elixir that allows one to relive their best memories. When a bottle of these drops appears on his doorstep, Connor decides he has nothing to lose and he gives them a try.
Connor is a sympathetic and heartbreaking character. Dimaro really brought this guy to life—and then proceeded to put him through the wringer. It’s one of this author’s gifts (for better or worse) to put us into the heads of his creations and then break them. I loved the premise of this book. Who hasn’t looked back and wanted to relive a perfect day? Early on Connor takes a stroll down Memory Lane, each house holding a special memory. That image really stuck with me. The pacing of this story was relentless and I was drawn in from the beginning. I highly recommend this one. TW for references to suicide, explicit language and sex. Thank you so much to the author for sending me his book for review.
April 23, 2022
After losing everything in his life that he ever cared about and finally hitting rock bottom, Connor is given an opportunity to relive his favorite memories as if he was there again. What starts out as a harmless trial soon turns into something even more tragic.
Dimaro describes grief quite well. It was very easy to feel the anger and despair the main character felt, the desperation he had to feel something other than regret. This story explores how far someone will go to relive the happy moments of their past, instead of trying to make the most of their future.
There were elements to this story that resonated with me, and the writing throughout was solid. The parts I didn't like were really just a matter of preference, but it all goes together to paint the picture of the type of man the MC really is.
If you like grief horror, you should consider giving this one a try.
Dimaro describes grief quite well. It was very easy to feel the anger and despair the main character felt, the desperation he had to feel something other than regret. This story explores how far someone will go to relive the happy moments of their past, instead of trying to make the most of their future.
There were elements to this story that resonated with me, and the writing throughout was solid. The parts I didn't like were really just a matter of preference, but it all goes together to paint the picture of the type of man the MC really is.
If you like grief horror, you should consider giving this one a try.
July 18, 2023
I hate when this happens. I pick indie writers and lesser known authors in the hope to find a gem, something to tell people about and treasure myself. I don't want to tear it apart. I mean if I rip a big writer's newest novel to pieces it doesn't matter, it's just a drip in the ocean of reviews and attention. But with these smaller published book every voice out there can have an impact. Keep in mind, only one voice, overall this book is doing great when you look at the average rating. But I did not like this at all.
For one, it's labeled as a Horror but is it though? I am myself very flexible and stretchy on what I put under that banner. But I was constantly waiting for this to start getting Horror-y and it barely does. I was actually thinking instead of letting a deal with the literal devil kind of character appear to be behind things, this should have been rather a speculative novel with some Black Mirror style technology. I mean, the concept, the idea is really good, it was why I wanted to read this. The idea of being able to relive all your happy memories and the almost inevitable pitfall of reality avoidance this could incorporate is so good. This execution though? Did not tickle my pickle.
As a lover of unlikeable characters, antiheroes and even assholes, I personally draw the line at neglectful dads. But for real, the book waits till the last chapter to reveal the accident that causes the death of his son. I feel like it would have been better to know the details sooner because yes it was an accident, yes it was also his fault: still there was power in the truth that could have been used for character building of Connor. Instead I hear him say his ex-wife poisons his surviving daughter against him and that's why his daughter is scared of him, she herself is tricked away by the new husband, the social worker is wrong when suggesting he (and his alcoholism) limit visits to his daughter: as a neglected daughter myself I am tired of coming up with sympathy for these guys. Especially when once given the chance to relive happier times he choses about 5 min with his family and then moves to dwell on all his past sexual adventures. I neither wanted to see this guy going through his redemption arc nor see him land on his face. I wanted nothing from him but out. And there were ways to make him either more interesting or more nuanced: one idea I had would be to bring his brother's perspective in. That guy loves him and could provide another layer, but Dimaro decides to tell us 75% from the single POV of and then in the end switch back and forth between Connor and his brother. For me, too late to make that change. At this point it's a lazy choice and not well thought through.
The writing itself didn't do it for me either. Dimaro overexplains and repeats himself, it almost felt as if he was bloating up the word count. Example: we have already established that the woman called Rebecca is his ex-wife, yet a few pages after an encounter with her I read lines like "his college sweetheart and now ex -wife, Rebecca". I already know all of that! With things like this I thought the writing had a stilted flow.
Now my biggest thing. The emphasis on sex. Yes, this novella starts with the warning for mature content incl. explicit sex. I don't mind there being sex in the story, I mind that it seemed to take over the not just the mind of Connor but the trajectory of this interesting premise. It's not even that graphic, it's more the implication that this is the most important thing for Connor when given the chance to go back on memory lane. That is what is being done with this premise? And I am additionally given an illustration of Connor grabbing the breasts of a woman? Argh, I really would have preferred a Horror story or a SciFi take. I did not want a recounting of all the great sex this guy had in his life, some of it while cheating on his wife. The trick with unlikable characters is to give something: a flaw that we can actually relate to, another side beneath the surface, see through their facade. I think Dimaro fails to do any of that. I mean, tell me this guy didn't deserve his ending. Maybe you need to be a sex obsessed dude who thinks cheating is fine because you kinda deserve it, and then there is more to Connor.
But as is the story fails to dive into the complicated grief vs guilt situation that he should be in over the responsibility of his son's death, instead he remains in denial all the way through. It fails to engage properly with the false hope of how much better the past was since Connor never has a woke moment about his obsession with it. His brother can't learn anything about the situation because he doesn't know what the drops were for, the story ends too early (should this have been a novel?). I know one could make an interesting case for the memory drug and the Pitchman being imaginary and what that says about coping with grief and guilt but it's not explored enough and for it doesn't save Connor from being straight up despicable. By the end I couldn't take anything from this other than a wasted concept. But hey, look at the rating. It seems to work for others.
For one, it's labeled as a Horror but is it though? I am myself very flexible and stretchy on what I put under that banner. But I was constantly waiting for this to start getting Horror-y and it barely does. I was actually thinking instead of letting a deal with the literal devil kind of character appear to be behind things, this should have been rather a speculative novel with some Black Mirror style technology. I mean, the concept, the idea is really good, it was why I wanted to read this. The idea of being able to relive all your happy memories and the almost inevitable pitfall of reality avoidance this could incorporate is so good. This execution though? Did not tickle my pickle.
As a lover of unlikeable characters, antiheroes and even assholes, I personally draw the line at neglectful dads. But for real, the book waits till the last chapter to reveal the accident that causes the death of his son. I feel like it would have been better to know the details sooner because yes it was an accident, yes it was also his fault: still there was power in the truth that could have been used for character building of Connor. Instead I hear him say his ex-wife poisons his surviving daughter against him and that's why his daughter is scared of him, she herself is tricked away by the new husband, the social worker is wrong when suggesting he (and his alcoholism) limit visits to his daughter: as a neglected daughter myself I am tired of coming up with sympathy for these guys. Especially when once given the chance to relive happier times he choses about 5 min with his family and then moves to dwell on all his past sexual adventures. I neither wanted to see this guy going through his redemption arc nor see him land on his face. I wanted nothing from him but out. And there were ways to make him either more interesting or more nuanced: one idea I had would be to bring his brother's perspective in. That guy loves him and could provide another layer, but Dimaro decides to tell us 75% from the single POV of and then in the end switch back and forth between Connor and his brother. For me, too late to make that change. At this point it's a lazy choice and not well thought through.
The writing itself didn't do it for me either. Dimaro overexplains and repeats himself, it almost felt as if he was bloating up the word count. Example: we have already established that the woman called Rebecca is his ex-wife, yet a few pages after an encounter with her I read lines like "his college sweetheart and now ex -wife, Rebecca". I already know all of that! With things like this I thought the writing had a stilted flow.
Now my biggest thing. The emphasis on sex. Yes, this novella starts with the warning for mature content incl. explicit sex. I don't mind there being sex in the story, I mind that it seemed to take over the not just the mind of Connor but the trajectory of this interesting premise. It's not even that graphic, it's more the implication that this is the most important thing for Connor when given the chance to go back on memory lane. That is what is being done with this premise? And I am additionally given an illustration of Connor grabbing the breasts of a woman? Argh, I really would have preferred a Horror story or a SciFi take. I did not want a recounting of all the great sex this guy had in his life, some of it while cheating on his wife. The trick with unlikable characters is to give something: a flaw that we can actually relate to, another side beneath the surface, see through their facade. I think Dimaro fails to do any of that. I mean, tell me this guy didn't deserve his ending. Maybe you need to be a sex obsessed dude who thinks cheating is fine because you kinda deserve it, and then there is more to Connor.
But as is the story fails to dive into the complicated grief vs guilt situation that he should be in over the responsibility of his son's death, instead he remains in denial all the way through. It fails to engage properly with the false hope of how much better the past was since Connor never has a woke moment about his obsession with it. His brother can't learn anything about the situation because he doesn't know what the drops were for, the story ends too early (should this have been a novel?). I know one could make an interesting case for the memory drug and the Pitchman being imaginary and what that says about coping with grief and guilt but it's not explored enough and for it doesn't save Connor from being straight up despicable. By the end I couldn't take anything from this other than a wasted concept. But hey, look at the rating. It seems to work for others.
May 29, 2023
“𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕? 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇𝒇? 𝑨 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌, 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆. 𝑨 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔.” - That’s the line The Pitchman delivered through Connor’s television as he contemplated suicide. After the death of his son, everything has gone down hill for him and he wants nothing more than to go back to how things use to be. When a mysterious figure offers him the choice to relive his best memories all over again at a cost, he takes it. But while this escape from reality offers the happiness he’s been after, it’s only a temporary solution for the price he’s about to pay…
This is my first time reading this author and let me just say - I LOVED it so much. It’s wonderfully written with fleshed out characters that feel like real people and made my reading experience all the more immersive. I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride the whole time as I felt Connor’s pain and his families anger and worry. This could have been an amazing episode of “The Twilight Zone”, the idea of someone offering the choice to live some of your fondest memories all over again is a fascinating premise. And the ease with which the deal is made should have been a warning to Connor but he didn’t think twice about it. You get to know Connor more through his memories and at the end it makes you contemplate wether he deserved what was coming to him or not. It’s certainly worth a read because it’s very thought-provoking and a story I will remember for a very long time.
I highly urge you to read this novella if you’re looking for a dark and unsettling horror tale that features a supernatural being and centers around family and the times that were lost through time. It’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year and I’ve already started on another book by this author because he’s THAT GOOD.
This is my first time reading this author and let me just say - I LOVED it so much. It’s wonderfully written with fleshed out characters that feel like real people and made my reading experience all the more immersive. I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride the whole time as I felt Connor’s pain and his families anger and worry. This could have been an amazing episode of “The Twilight Zone”, the idea of someone offering the choice to live some of your fondest memories all over again is a fascinating premise. And the ease with which the deal is made should have been a warning to Connor but he didn’t think twice about it. You get to know Connor more through his memories and at the end it makes you contemplate wether he deserved what was coming to him or not. It’s certainly worth a read because it’s very thought-provoking and a story I will remember for a very long time.
I highly urge you to read this novella if you’re looking for a dark and unsettling horror tale that features a supernatural being and centers around family and the times that were lost through time. It’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year and I’ve already started on another book by this author because he’s THAT GOOD.
August 15, 2022
For everyone who has had to live with regret. And for those who were unable to do so.
“If only I could turn back time.” – Everyone Everywhere Ever
Just the dedications of this book let me know what I was in for. It’s going to be deep, and it could hurt. Mentally prepped and hopefully ready, I dove into the self-loathing, a place I was familiar with.
Connor’s mistake cost him everything. An arrogant man that took everything for granted until one day, his world was tragically flipped.
What would you pay to relive the best days of your life?
This story is going to stick around. Connor is so tragically real. I want to take him out for a beer or to a ballgame. I want to be like his brother Kevin and make sure he knows that someone cares about him and that he is not alone. Honestly, I don’t want to think about him again, but that isn’t going to be possible. There is too much to think about which is actually the opposite message of the book. Memories are great to have but don’t forget to make new ones. Hold on, someone is knocking on my door… I think my delivery just came in, I have to go put in my eye drops. Read and figure out what I’m talking about.
I finished this story at lunch today. I tried to go back to work but my mind was racing. I had to get my thoughts down or my afternoon was going to be lost
“If only I could turn back time.” – Everyone Everywhere Ever
Just the dedications of this book let me know what I was in for. It’s going to be deep, and it could hurt. Mentally prepped and hopefully ready, I dove into the self-loathing, a place I was familiar with.
Connor’s mistake cost him everything. An arrogant man that took everything for granted until one day, his world was tragically flipped.
What would you pay to relive the best days of your life?
This story is going to stick around. Connor is so tragically real. I want to take him out for a beer or to a ballgame. I want to be like his brother Kevin and make sure he knows that someone cares about him and that he is not alone. Honestly, I don’t want to think about him again, but that isn’t going to be possible. There is too much to think about which is actually the opposite message of the book. Memories are great to have but don’t forget to make new ones. Hold on, someone is knocking on my door… I think my delivery just came in, I have to go put in my eye drops. Read and figure out what I’m talking about.
I finished this story at lunch today. I tried to go back to work but my mind was racing. I had to get my thoughts down or my afternoon was going to be lost
August 7, 2021
If you could relive your happiest memories in real time, would you?
This story follows a broken man, Connor, who’s mourning the death of his son and his ex wife moving across the country with their daughter and her new husband. He’s offered a chance to take a new elixir that will allow him to stroll down memory lane in seemingly real time, but at what cost?
This was really good, as I expected. I haven’t read a book by Felix that I haven’t loved. The writing flows smoothly and always draws me in right away and holds my attention until the last word. I always seem to relate to the characters he writes in one way or another, even when they’re not the best of people (not sure what that says about me lol). His stories are usually pretty sad but also really heartwarming at the same time and this was no exception.
The idea of reliving happy memories is something I think everyone would be intrigued by. I mean who doesn’t want to escape from reality, especially if your reality is shitty. Following Connor as he delves into these memories was a lot of fun.
If you haven’t read any of Felix Dimaro’s work, get on it! You won’t be disappointed.
This story follows a broken man, Connor, who’s mourning the death of his son and his ex wife moving across the country with their daughter and her new husband. He’s offered a chance to take a new elixir that will allow him to stroll down memory lane in seemingly real time, but at what cost?
This was really good, as I expected. I haven’t read a book by Felix that I haven’t loved. The writing flows smoothly and always draws me in right away and holds my attention until the last word. I always seem to relate to the characters he writes in one way or another, even when they’re not the best of people (not sure what that says about me lol). His stories are usually pretty sad but also really heartwarming at the same time and this was no exception.
The idea of reliving happy memories is something I think everyone would be intrigued by. I mean who doesn’t want to escape from reality, especially if your reality is shitty. Following Connor as he delves into these memories was a lot of fun.
If you haven’t read any of Felix Dimaro’s work, get on it! You won’t be disappointed.
September 17, 2023
The premise of the book poses an interesting question: if you could relive the best moments of your life with no sadness or regrets, would you do it?
This is a story of obsession, grief, and all around poor decisions. I first felt very sorry for Conner, but something told me he might not deserve that sympathy - and it was right. I love that the blue serum from 2222 made a reappearance here in a whole new way, but with consistent side effects. That consistency makes my heart happy. Again, a well told, well written, intriguing read. Between this and 2222, The Fire on Memory Lane may be my favorite, only because I don't *love love* dystopian stories. And the horror in this one is subtle yet very very effective.
This is a story of obsession, grief, and all around poor decisions. I first felt very sorry for Conner, but something told me he might not deserve that sympathy - and it was right. I love that the blue serum from 2222 made a reappearance here in a whole new way, but with consistent side effects. That consistency makes my heart happy. Again, a well told, well written, intriguing read. Between this and 2222, The Fire on Memory Lane may be my favorite, only because I don't *love love* dystopian stories. And the horror in this one is subtle yet very very effective.
December 7, 2022
A well written hard punching and serious story, and still Dimaro manages to write with a humourous borderlining satirical vibe, which makes you laugh and cringe at the same time...maybe cry a bit depending on how easy to tears you are.
The story reminds me incredible much of the movie Babadook, which is among my favorite movies. Unfortunately I can't write any details for this, as it would be spoiling the fun ;)
It's hard to be human, feelings can be a blessing, but equally a burden. But they all have their place in making us humans. If you don't deal with all the emotions, good and bad, if you repress one part, remove it, you remove your humanity.
The story reminds me incredible much of the movie Babadook, which is among my favorite movies. Unfortunately I can't write any details for this, as it would be spoiling the fun ;)
It's hard to be human, feelings can be a blessing, but equally a burden. But they all have their place in making us humans. If you don't deal with all the emotions, good and bad, if you repress one part, remove it, you remove your humanity.
August 12, 2021
Connor is at his absolute rock bottom. Deceased son, ex wife who is moving across the country with his daughter that wants nothing to do with him. Then he receives a unique offer, relive all of his best memories, guilt free. This story packs a punch! Right to the gut. It is heart breaking and I say this as someone who regularly questions if they have a heart. Felix I.D. Dimaro gives the reader a raw, stark look into mental health and grief. ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳/5 rapidly depleting hourglasses
November 19, 2021
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑒 by Felix I D Dimaro - bookreview
💧
Connor is a troubled man, especially since his wife left him after they experienced a traumatic event in which they lost their son. Before he had it all, now he’s contemplating leaving it all behind him. But then comes a certain add, promising eternal bliss, in the form of a vial with blue liquid. That liquid brings memories back to live, only you’re living them again! At first Connor is wary but when he’s offered a tryout, he’s hooked! As broken as he was after his life changed completely, as destructive he becomes now, addicted to his past life!
🔥🔥
❗️mild spoilers ‼️
This is part of a read along hosted by @theindiehorrorbookclub - I wasn’t sure I would finish it this month (it has been a weird month, I was in a rather special mood) but I did and I’m glad I did! This book was confronting, eye-opening, funny even and that ending just left me slack-jawed! Connor is a very destructive toxic person and you hate to feel sorry for him, but you can’t not feel sorry! He’s to pity! And the only one still believing in him and his redemption, is his own brother. All others have given up with his behaviour! At the end you might want to ponder the question: is it justice what happens to him?
And what made me realise as well, reading this, is how much time I (and probably a lot of others) am spending on thinking of what has been… I dare wonder in my mind and think of those days… when I was running around as a kid, my first loves, my first party… would I be able to resist Memlain-8? Or would I succumb?
! one last note ! I loved the drawings in this book! (That feather 👏)
So yeah: 4/5⭐️
💧
Connor is a troubled man, especially since his wife left him after they experienced a traumatic event in which they lost their son. Before he had it all, now he’s contemplating leaving it all behind him. But then comes a certain add, promising eternal bliss, in the form of a vial with blue liquid. That liquid brings memories back to live, only you’re living them again! At first Connor is wary but when he’s offered a tryout, he’s hooked! As broken as he was after his life changed completely, as destructive he becomes now, addicted to his past life!
🔥🔥
❗️mild spoilers ‼️
This is part of a read along hosted by @theindiehorrorbookclub - I wasn’t sure I would finish it this month (it has been a weird month, I was in a rather special mood) but I did and I’m glad I did! This book was confronting, eye-opening, funny even and that ending just left me slack-jawed! Connor is a very destructive toxic person and you hate to feel sorry for him, but you can’t not feel sorry! He’s to pity! And the only one still believing in him and his redemption, is his own brother. All others have given up with his behaviour! At the end you might want to ponder the question: is it justice what happens to him?
And what made me realise as well, reading this, is how much time I (and probably a lot of others) am spending on thinking of what has been… I dare wonder in my mind and think of those days… when I was running around as a kid, my first loves, my first party… would I be able to resist Memlain-8? Or would I succumb?
! one last note ! I loved the drawings in this book! (That feather 👏)
So yeah: 4/5⭐️
August 15, 2021
Felix I. D. Dimaro is such a lungful of fresh air: you never know where his stories will get you, which in a world full of old, tired tropes is definitely refreshing. So is the professionalism with wich he edits/format his books, which is how it should be done.
The premise is one of those premises that are so universal that you will ask yourself how it is so original at the same time, but it is. In this quick read, Dimaro takes the reader literally down to Memory Lane in the shoes of a protagonist that is living with one of the worst guilt one could experience and defining more and more what I would call Dimaro's shared universe. That said, this story is definitely a stand-alone.
The main protagonist is very well define and so are the secondary ones, considering how (again) this is a quick read.
Behind the horror and the fiction, there is a very scary mirror held up against our faces, showing us how, once adulthood started, one of the main things pushing us on are the memories we created growing up - alway shinier that it was the real deal - more than the one we're creating now.
One of the most techical writers on the indie scene, definitely give him a chance.
The premise is one of those premises that are so universal that you will ask yourself how it is so original at the same time, but it is. In this quick read, Dimaro takes the reader literally down to Memory Lane in the shoes of a protagonist that is living with one of the worst guilt one could experience and defining more and more what I would call Dimaro's shared universe. That said, this story is definitely a stand-alone.
The main protagonist is very well define and so are the secondary ones, considering how (again) this is a quick read.
Behind the horror and the fiction, there is a very scary mirror held up against our faces, showing us how, once adulthood started, one of the main things pushing us on are the memories we created growing up - alway shinier that it was the real deal - more than the one we're creating now.
One of the most techical writers on the indie scene, definitely give him a chance.
September 5, 2021
Holy hell, this book was amazing. The short of it is this: a broken, loser of a man wants to relive the amazing (to him, anyway) life he used to have. His current life is one of misery, sorrow, rage, and alcohol. After the accidental death of his son and the dissolution of his family as a result, Connor lives alone amidst bad memories and bouts of destruction. When he mysteriously finds himself in possession of a product (that he first sees advertised on TV and hears on the radio) that allows him to relive memories in real time, he uses it. It's a really neat, interesting conceit and one I don't think I've seen done elsewhere. Let's just say that if it's too good to be true (and "free") it definitely is. I don't want to spoil anything, but we do learn more about Connor and his family, and what happened to his son, and how Connor lived his life in general. This story is captivating and makes you think about memory. Is it worth always living in the past? What even is the present but the past not yet made past yet? If you're looking for a quick novella that's bleak, depressing, but also has heart, soul, and a brain, I'd highly suggest this one!
Read
April 27, 2023A man in the pits of depression after the death of his son and his marriage stumbles upon a substance that allows him to revisit the memories of his choosing as if he is living them in the flesh once again. Whew. I gotta say, I really empathize with Connor, our protagonist, on this one. In my own darkest moments, what would I do for some MEMLAIN-8?
There's such a great sense of longing in these pages - the feeling of being giddy with memory, of remembering details and moments of loves and frivolities long past. Memory Lane does, also, graphically and jarringly remind the reader of the dangers of living in the past, in strictly re-living and not living, as well as in indulging crippling self-doubt in the face of grief. Memory Lane touched me, both in these reminders of nostalgia's good and bad sides - and also just aging and growing old and remembering things differently from how they actually were.
This bleak, trippy story about grief stuck with me in a sort of hollow way (which I assume was the author's intention). Ultimately The Fire on Memory Lane was very thought-provoking and I'm so glad I picked it up.
There's such a great sense of longing in these pages - the feeling of being giddy with memory, of remembering details and moments of loves and frivolities long past. Memory Lane does, also, graphically and jarringly remind the reader of the dangers of living in the past, in strictly re-living and not living, as well as in indulging crippling self-doubt in the face of grief. Memory Lane touched me, both in these reminders of nostalgia's good and bad sides - and also just aging and growing old and remembering things differently from how they actually were.
This bleak, trippy story about grief stuck with me in a sort of hollow way (which I assume was the author's intention). Ultimately The Fire on Memory Lane was very thought-provoking and I'm so glad I picked it up.
November 22, 2023
The only reason I didn't give this five stars is because I have enjoyed some of his books even more and rated them as such.
This is the second of Felix I.D. Dimaro's books that I have read (I'm currently working on my seventh!). It amazes me how different his writing style can be from book to book, all whilst keeping the (very) flawed characters grounded in grim reality, despite the supernatural/sci-fi/real life elements manipulating them or causing chaos around them.
Mr. Dimaro writes books about many things: Madness. Abuse. Sexual predation. Self harm. Manipulation. But this book is an analogy for addiction and drug use, and it's an analogy done well! As someone who has never had a problem with addictive substances, this actually helped me understand how it works and why people can be so effected.
I am, as always, floored by Dimaro's ability to write characters you can sympathize with, even as those characters are doing some of the most harmful, vile things possible to themselves those around them.
If you've ever wanted to re-live the best times of your life while at your life's lowest point, this is the book for you!
This is the second of Felix I.D. Dimaro's books that I have read (I'm currently working on my seventh!). It amazes me how different his writing style can be from book to book, all whilst keeping the (very) flawed characters grounded in grim reality, despite the supernatural/sci-fi/real life elements manipulating them or causing chaos around them.
Mr. Dimaro writes books about many things: Madness. Abuse. Sexual predation. Self harm. Manipulation. But this book is an analogy for addiction and drug use, and it's an analogy done well! As someone who has never had a problem with addictive substances, this actually helped me understand how it works and why people can be so effected.
I am, as always, floored by Dimaro's ability to write characters you can sympathize with, even as those characters are doing some of the most harmful, vile things possible to themselves those around them.
If you've ever wanted to re-live the best times of your life while at your life's lowest point, this is the book for you!
August 26, 2021
"The Fire on Memory Lane" is a story that has many layers to peel back. It will absolutely stick in your mind for a while as your subconscious continues to dissect it.
Following Connor Michaels after horrible event after horrible event has left him feeling at the lowest of lows, he takes a chance on a unique product that allows him to relive his best memories. However, like all things that seem too good to be true, there are consequences to this. But while Connor has this thought, he goes ahead anyway - what could he possibly lose?
This short story unpacks all that, slowly and yet quickly weaves through the events that build up. Readers are able to sympathize with all the characters in the story, and understand each point of view. I think we can see ourselves in the shoes of each character presented, which is not an easy task, but Dimaro has skillfully managed it.
I felt the sinking despair alongside Connor, and then with Kevin.
Though this book took me a bit to get into at the beginning, the last quarter I couldn't put the book down.
Following Connor Michaels after horrible event after horrible event has left him feeling at the lowest of lows, he takes a chance on a unique product that allows him to relive his best memories. However, like all things that seem too good to be true, there are consequences to this. But while Connor has this thought, he goes ahead anyway - what could he possibly lose?
This short story unpacks all that, slowly and yet quickly weaves through the events that build up. Readers are able to sympathize with all the characters in the story, and understand each point of view. I think we can see ourselves in the shoes of each character presented, which is not an easy task, but Dimaro has skillfully managed it.
I felt the sinking despair alongside Connor, and then with Kevin.
Though this book took me a bit to get into at the beginning, the last quarter I couldn't put the book down.
September 3, 2021
Connor Michaels' life crumbled following the death of his son. His wife and daughter left, his once promising sporting career disappeared and he views an increasingly suicidal life through the bottom of a bottle.
That is until a chance advert delivers an opportunity of reliving happier memories through blue eye drops. But the past is never that simple and there's always a price to pay.
Mental illness, grief and loss of hope at first endeared Connor to this reader, who also struggles with disappointment. But just as Connor's jaunts down memory lane spiral out of control, the reader gets dragged down a less and less sympathetic route as the realisation sets in that Connor's life was a wreck before the appalling event that shattered it.
Fabulous drama with shades of supernatural horror, and more than a touch of faustian hell, I found the story compelling, if not remotely comforting. Prepare for a walk on the dark side.
That is until a chance advert delivers an opportunity of reliving happier memories through blue eye drops. But the past is never that simple and there's always a price to pay.
Mental illness, grief and loss of hope at first endeared Connor to this reader, who also struggles with disappointment. But just as Connor's jaunts down memory lane spiral out of control, the reader gets dragged down a less and less sympathetic route as the realisation sets in that Connor's life was a wreck before the appalling event that shattered it.
Fabulous drama with shades of supernatural horror, and more than a touch of faustian hell, I found the story compelling, if not remotely comforting. Prepare for a walk on the dark side.
December 9, 2021
- Book Review -
The Fire On Memory Lane by Felix I.D Dimaro (@thingsthatkeepmeupatnight )
Synopsis: A man hits rock bottom and is offered a chance of a lifetime; to escape reality and relive past experiences.
My thoughts: This story is dark, heartbreaking and intriguing. Connor the main character has lost a child, recently divorced and has let his anger get the best of him. He wanted his life to be so much more than what it turned out to be so he decides to escape his reality. He becomes obsessed with reliving his past life experiences that brought him happiness.
This story felt like an episode of The Twilight Zone. I was left wondering if what Connor was experiencing was real or a psychotic break. With the way the tragic ending unfolded I felt as though mental illness was the culprit here.
Triggers: Death of a child, suicidal thoughts, addiction and house fire.
The Fire On Memory Lane by Felix I.D Dimaro (@thingsthatkeepmeupatnight )
Synopsis: A man hits rock bottom and is offered a chance of a lifetime; to escape reality and relive past experiences.
My thoughts: This story is dark, heartbreaking and intriguing. Connor the main character has lost a child, recently divorced and has let his anger get the best of him. He wanted his life to be so much more than what it turned out to be so he decides to escape his reality. He becomes obsessed with reliving his past life experiences that brought him happiness.
This story felt like an episode of The Twilight Zone. I was left wondering if what Connor was experiencing was real or a psychotic break. With the way the tragic ending unfolded I felt as though mental illness was the culprit here.
Triggers: Death of a child, suicidal thoughts, addiction and house fire.
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