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The Memory Cage
Alex's grandfather keeps forgetting things. Desperate to help him remember, Alex starts collecting old photographs. But as Alex digs into his grandfather's past, he stumbles across secrets that have been buried since World War II. Uncovering the truth could save Grandad... but it might also tear Alex apart.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 8, 2023
Heart touching. A Grandad, A Young boy. Bad blood. They both uncover the truth of their pasts, of the war as the blue reveals itself. All the blue in their lives. Buth the truth of William's past is neccessary for him to fight his fears, fight his Alzheimer's, fight off Sunflower Care Home. And he fights. He fights with his comrade Alex. But bringing out the blue in Grandad's life also brings out the blue in Alex's. But will his will fight it through the end of the week? For, truth can be devastating.
January 1, 2021
An adopted boy from an orphanage in Bosnia, uncovering family secrets that could hold the key to stop his family from being torn apart. A sensitive approach to discussing Alzheimer's - beautiful ideas around scrapbooking and helping people remember their most treasured memories. A child battling their own demons to try and help others.
Before using this with a class, be mindful of the experiences that the class has already had. Covers topics like adoption and bereavement in a sensitive way. Could be used to help a child that us grieving the loss of a loved one.
Receptive context - hang reels of photography film down from parts of the ceiling, allow children time to explore them, and create a dark room for 'old style' photography in part of the classroom.
History - Using the book yo form a timeline of events throughout, or creating a timeline of events within the children in your class history.
Art - Create a scrapbook of class memories throughout the year including a range of different media, or allowing a child to take a scrapbook home each week of the year and place a memory of the weekend inside using words, pictures, or objects (e.g. leaves).
Before using this with a class, be mindful of the experiences that the class has already had. Covers topics like adoption and bereavement in a sensitive way. Could be used to help a child that us grieving the loss of a loved one.
Receptive context - hang reels of photography film down from parts of the ceiling, allow children time to explore them, and create a dark room for 'old style' photography in part of the classroom.
History - Using the book yo form a timeline of events throughout, or creating a timeline of events within the children in your class history.
Art - Create a scrapbook of class memories throughout the year including a range of different media, or allowing a child to take a scrapbook home each week of the year and place a memory of the weekend inside using words, pictures, or objects (e.g. leaves).
October 7, 2018
Absolutely fantastic book. Studied teaching ideas on this book for a few months.
Great for introducing sensitive topics such as adoption into the class. Being adopted myself I feel as though this would be a great discussion point with the children.
Also great for introducing the topic of refugees, too.
Great for introducing sensitive topics such as adoption into the class. Being adopted myself I feel as though this would be a great discussion point with the children.
Also great for introducing the topic of refugees, too.
January 24, 2011
'The Memory Cage' is a debut novel by British author Ruth Eastham, who has been compared to Michael Morpurgo. That's high-praise indeed but it's also well-deserved. It's a powerful and emotional story, dealing with universal themes such as family and war.
Alex was adopted from Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars. He's formed a close bond with his new Grandad, who rescued him and brought him to England. Alex loves his Grandad immensely but his grandfather's memory is failing and he's in danger of being taken away. Alex determines to stop this from happening by helping him remember the events of his life. This however, leads to a number of long-buried secrets being revealed and painful memories resurfacing of his time during the Second World War. As Alex's Grandad begins to deal with the events of his past, Alex too has to face his own history before he can begin to move forward.
This book deals with a number of difficult and serious subjects such as adoption and alzheimer's disease, in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. I found myself being caught up in the lives of the characters and becoming engrossed in the story. I'll also admit to crying a fair bit near the end!
This is a beautiful debut novel and I look forward to future books by a talented first-time author.
Alex was adopted from Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars. He's formed a close bond with his new Grandad, who rescued him and brought him to England. Alex loves his Grandad immensely but his grandfather's memory is failing and he's in danger of being taken away. Alex determines to stop this from happening by helping him remember the events of his life. This however, leads to a number of long-buried secrets being revealed and painful memories resurfacing of his time during the Second World War. As Alex's Grandad begins to deal with the events of his past, Alex too has to face his own history before he can begin to move forward.
This book deals with a number of difficult and serious subjects such as adoption and alzheimer's disease, in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. I found myself being caught up in the lives of the characters and becoming engrossed in the story. I'll also admit to crying a fair bit near the end!
This is a beautiful debut novel and I look forward to future books by a talented first-time author.
October 5, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date: Eastham, R. (2011). The Memory Cage. London, UK: Scholastic Children's Books.
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Plot summary: When Alex flips through family picture albums, he never sees any baby pictures. That’s because Alex was adopted at age 7 by his American parents after losing his family in the Bosnian war. Alex is scarred by the fact that he had promised his little brother he would protect him, but in the chaos of the conflict, Alex was unable to save his young brother. Now, Alex is faced with a new dilemma. He overhears his adoptive parents discussing putting his grandfather in a home as he begins to succumb to Alzheimer’s. His grandfather begs Alex to promise to help keep him out of a nursing facility. Alex tries to help his grandfather hold onto his memories, but as he digs into the past he comes face to face with his beloved grandfathers experiences in World War II. This book touches on a lot of heavy subjects; war, Alzheimer’s, adoption, and loss, but is written in such a caring manner, the story carries itself.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Adoption, war, death, and Alzheimer's disease.
Review citation: Norfolk, Pam. (2011). The Memory Cage. [Book Review]. Pendle Today.
Section source used to find the material: Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 10 and up
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Plot summary: When Alex flips through family picture albums, he never sees any baby pictures. That’s because Alex was adopted at age 7 by his American parents after losing his family in the Bosnian war. Alex is scarred by the fact that he had promised his little brother he would protect him, but in the chaos of the conflict, Alex was unable to save his young brother. Now, Alex is faced with a new dilemma. He overhears his adoptive parents discussing putting his grandfather in a home as he begins to succumb to Alzheimer’s. His grandfather begs Alex to promise to help keep him out of a nursing facility. Alex tries to help his grandfather hold onto his memories, but as he digs into the past he comes face to face with his beloved grandfathers experiences in World War II. This book touches on a lot of heavy subjects; war, Alzheimer’s, adoption, and loss, but is written in such a caring manner, the story carries itself.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Adoption, war, death, and Alzheimer's disease.
Review citation: Norfolk, Pam. (2011). The Memory Cage. [Book Review]. Pendle Today.
Section source used to find the material: Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 10 and up
January 24, 2011
Alex is from Bosnia and was adopted by his family after the War. He lives with his Mum, Dad, brother and two sisters and also his Grandfather who he loves very much.
Grandad is acting strangly, he has Alzheimer's Disease and his memory is failing, sometimes he does not recognise Alex, or he gets angry, or he puts the rest of the family in danger.
It's only a matter of time before Alex's parents will send Grandfather to live at the Sunflower Home and Alex is devastated at the thought of losing his ally and best friend.
There has always been tension between Grandad and his son - Alex's adoptive Father. There are also people in the village who whisper about Grandad and call him terrible names. Alex knows that this has something to do with the War and the death of Tommie - Grandad's brother.
It is down to Alex to find out the truth.
This is a beautifully written debut novel for Young Adults that explores the effects of Alzheimer's Disease on a family, along with issues around adoption and how older siblings treat their new brother. The effect that the war has had on Alex is also cleverly explored, slowly revealing the horrors that he experienced and linking them to his current problems.
This is a story that keeps the reader entranced, a fast paced plot and engaging characters.
Grandad is acting strangly, he has Alzheimer's Disease and his memory is failing, sometimes he does not recognise Alex, or he gets angry, or he puts the rest of the family in danger.
It's only a matter of time before Alex's parents will send Grandfather to live at the Sunflower Home and Alex is devastated at the thought of losing his ally and best friend.
There has always been tension between Grandad and his son - Alex's adoptive Father. There are also people in the village who whisper about Grandad and call him terrible names. Alex knows that this has something to do with the War and the death of Tommie - Grandad's brother.
It is down to Alex to find out the truth.
This is a beautifully written debut novel for Young Adults that explores the effects of Alzheimer's Disease on a family, along with issues around adoption and how older siblings treat their new brother. The effect that the war has had on Alex is also cleverly explored, slowly revealing the horrors that he experienced and linking them to his current problems.
This is a story that keeps the reader entranced, a fast paced plot and engaging characters.
August 17, 2021
Alex, a boy from an orphanage in Bosnia is on a mission to uncover secrets that have been keeping his family apart for many years. Faced with a brother who hates him, a distant father and a grandad whose pain holds him back, will Alex find out what’s needed to save his grandad in time?
This book was written in a beautiful way which raises the subject of Alzheimer’s in a sensitive way. This book discusses ideas such as scrapbooking to help people battling this disease remember and connect with loved ones.
I would use this book in a history class to discuss timelines, as well as to study life during World War One. You could also use this in an English class as you could get the children to pretend they are a ww2 soldier and write letters/diaries as if they were on the beaches of Dunkirk.
I might also use this in an art lesson as you could discuss with the children different media eg darkroom photography as used by grandad and Alex in the story. You could also get the children to create their own scrapbooks of things important to them in their own lives.
However I feel that before I use this book with a class I would make my self aware of any issues that come up in the text that could be difficult for some students such as bereavement, adoption and Alzheimer’s.
July 25, 2021
Alex is close to his grandfather but when he starts forgetting things, the family decide he’d be safer living in a care home. Alex is horrified at this idea, more so because he is an adopted refugee from Bosnia. If his family can get rid of granddad then one day they might decide to get rid of him too. He is aware that there are some secrets in the family so he decides to find out the truth and make a scrapbook to jog grandad’s memory.
I liked the way granddad’s past was pieced together but I was disappointed to not hear more about Alex’s experience in Bosnia, which the blurb implied would be part of the story. There are some parallels between Grandad’s experience during the war and his relationship with his brother which mirror Alex’s experiences which is a clever way of dealing with Alex’s pain but I felt that Alex’s recent experiences were glossed over when compared to grandad’s WW2 experiences.
I liked the way granddad’s past was pieced together but I was disappointed to not hear more about Alex’s experience in Bosnia, which the blurb implied would be part of the story. There are some parallels between Grandad’s experience during the war and his relationship with his brother which mirror Alex’s experiences which is a clever way of dealing with Alex’s pain but I felt that Alex’s recent experiences were glossed over when compared to grandad’s WW2 experiences.
August 10, 2021
This book delves straight into action following the life of Alex, who lives with his family and shares a close bond with his Granddad. The book follows a personal battle against memories Alex would rather forget while also following his Granddad's life back in the 1940s, during the war.
For a short novel, it certainly did not disappoint and I quickly got through it. It is definitely a raw novel and doesn't hide away from discussing some pressing topics and definitely tugs onto some emotional strings as the author draws you into the mind of Alex.
The language within it was rich, but not too advanced that children may struggle to keep up with it and I felt it was paced well. I recommend this for students of Upper KS2.
For a short novel, it certainly did not disappoint and I quickly got through it. It is definitely a raw novel and doesn't hide away from discussing some pressing topics and definitely tugs onto some emotional strings as the author draws you into the mind of Alex.
The language within it was rich, but not too advanced that children may struggle to keep up with it and I felt it was paced well. I recommend this for students of Upper KS2.
July 2, 2022
The memory cage is Ruth Estham’s first novel, and it is a good one. Alex’s grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease, And Alex seeks to help him through creating a scrapbook of memories for him. In the process of making it, however, he uncovers much more about his grandfather, and their family than he anticipated. Meanwhile, Alex has his own battles to fight, and his own memories to deal with.
The book is well written, with a great little family mystery, intertwined with memories of Dunkirk and other wars. There are some good characterisations and some gripping moments. Definitely a good read.
There were maybe a couple of places where things were very slightly clunky, but easily forgiven in what was an excellent debut novel.
The book is well written, with a great little family mystery, intertwined with memories of Dunkirk and other wars. There are some good characterisations and some gripping moments. Definitely a good read.
There were maybe a couple of places where things were very slightly clunky, but easily forgiven in what was an excellent debut novel.
November 13, 2016
Slow start to the book - maybe because too many unanswered questions makes it a bit tedious and dull. Once story starts unravelling from Part 2 it is very emotive, thought-provoking and engaging due to the mystery-solving required by the reader.
For use in Ks2 - could fit in with a WW2 topic - use as a receptive context.
Could create own class memory box.
Use as a framework for writing diary entries, letters, recounts.
Addresses complex and emotive issues through the narrative: adoption, family health, death, secrets.
For use in Ks2 - could fit in with a WW2 topic - use as a receptive context.
Could create own class memory box.
Use as a framework for writing diary entries, letters, recounts.
Addresses complex and emotive issues through the narrative: adoption, family health, death, secrets.
September 5, 2020
I’m not sure how this got into my book pile as it’s a children’s book but I didn’t twig until I was quite a few pages in and well and truly hooked. It is an excellent book based around the two main characters Alex a Bosnian refugee and his adoptive grandfather William who was a conscientious objector in WW11. William was/is a photographer who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Alex decides to put together a scrapbook of his life to help keep his grandfathers brain active but what he uncovers is heart wrenching.
January 8, 2021
When I first read the back of the book, I didn't know what I was getting myself into because I don't read historical fiction but I enjoyed this book. Alex lives in England with his adoptive parents from Bosnia, he became very close to his grandfather who he has Alzheimers disease. Also Alex's grandfather was also in the war which killed his brother Tommie. To be honest I really enjoyed the book and it was well written with sensitive topics in the book. Overall it's 4 stars
October 8, 2017
The Memory Cage is a heartfelt book which contains two topics that are beneficial to children.
1) It contains throwbacks to a war town era which can be used to coincide with a history topic
2) It centers around a by caring for another family member, a scenario which many children face. Furthermore, the eldery family member has Alzheimer's, another scenario which children may have to witness.
1) It contains throwbacks to a war town era which can be used to coincide with a history topic
2) It centers around a by caring for another family member, a scenario which many children face. Furthermore, the eldery family member has Alzheimer's, another scenario which children may have to witness.
October 31, 2017
Read at university as part of our English course.
This book would be good for older children- preferably Year 5 or 6 due to more adult content which requires understanding and a certain consideration for topics.
The story contains adult topics such as Alzheimer's and historical topics therefore would need discussions with the children about these particular issues and a consideration for any children would may have family members with this disease.
The book would be good for guided reading as there is a place for questioning and understanding which would be good for assessment.
It could also be used as a class book and drama strategies such as hot seating and thought questioning would be very helpful and insightful. There would also be links to History and PSHE, making the book cross curricular.
This book would be good for older children- preferably Year 5 or 6 due to more adult content which requires understanding and a certain consideration for topics.
The story contains adult topics such as Alzheimer's and historical topics therefore would need discussions with the children about these particular issues and a consideration for any children would may have family members with this disease.
The book would be good for guided reading as there is a place for questioning and understanding which would be good for assessment.
It could also be used as a class book and drama strategies such as hot seating and thought questioning would be very helpful and insightful. There would also be links to History and PSHE, making the book cross curricular.
July 15, 2020
An interesting book with a well planned out plot, giving you just the right amount of detail regarding the main storyline as it progresses. However, I wanted more detail on the narrator's background, as this is alluded to throughout then only briefly explained at the end
October 29, 2017
Alex is a boy from Bosnia who is adopted by a family. He has a great relationship with his adoptive grandfather who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Alex has promised his granddad he won’t let him go into a home. However, he over hears his parents discussing that they will move granddad in a week. Alex starts to hear a lot of bad things about his granddad from people in the village which upsets him. In a bid to clear granddads name and help save him from the care home Alex decides to create a scrap book of his granddads life. Alex finds out secrets about his father, grandmother and great uncle to help show everyone that his granddad was a great man who fought hard in the war.
This is a great book which could be used in many contexts. There are many themes such as family, mystery, loneliness, bravery and love. This would be a great book to cross curricular with history. Children could have a go at practicing writing diary entrees for granddad during the war period; about how he felt and what he saw. It would also be a great story to read for suspense writing as the secrets and suspense build up the whole way through. Children in upper key stage 2 could have a go at writing their own stories which build up to a large reveal. Finally children could have a creative project where they create a scrap book of their own. This could be of their own life or of a relative who has lived far longer.
This is a great book which could be used in many contexts. There are many themes such as family, mystery, loneliness, bravery and love. This would be a great book to cross curricular with history. Children could have a go at practicing writing diary entrees for granddad during the war period; about how he felt and what he saw. It would also be a great story to read for suspense writing as the secrets and suspense build up the whole way through. Children in upper key stage 2 could have a go at writing their own stories which build up to a large reveal. Finally children could have a creative project where they create a scrap book of their own. This could be of their own life or of a relative who has lived far longer.
November 28, 2018
The boy called Alex who's Grandfather keeps forgetting things. He has memories from WW1. There are lots of exciting parts to keep the reader interested
December 3, 2020
Read as part of the school curriculum.
March 10, 2021
A thoughtful and sad book highlighting both the impact of dementia on a person and their family and the impact of war across the generations.
July 11, 2024
I don’t know where to start but this book was AMAZING. It was emotional, mysterious and informative about the cruel sides of the world. I can’t recommend enough of this book
July 31, 2025
almost bawled my eyes out but I couldn’t because I was in school reading this
October 10, 2017
This has to be my favourite children's novel. I loved the mystery and detective element the main character Alex has throughout the story, as he discovers the true story of his Grandad.
Alex is a great role model for children as he has a very caring nature with his Grandad, and also shows good morals about not believing everything you hear and not to judge people (PSHE).
Alex's Grandad has Alzheimer's disease so this book would have to be used with older children year 5/6, but would be excellent for children who know someone with this disease and are perhaps struggling to understand it.
The book features flashbacks of Alex's time in Bosnia which adds something extra and educational to the story and could be used to introduce children to war (history link).
Alex is also vulnerable in the story and scarred from a past event which really adds something to the story.
In ICT children could also create an algorithm to help Alex develop his photos.
Alex is a great role model for children as he has a very caring nature with his Grandad, and also shows good morals about not believing everything you hear and not to judge people (PSHE).
Alex's Grandad has Alzheimer's disease so this book would have to be used with older children year 5/6, but would be excellent for children who know someone with this disease and are perhaps struggling to understand it.
The book features flashbacks of Alex's time in Bosnia which adds something extra and educational to the story and could be used to introduce children to war (history link).
Alex is also vulnerable in the story and scarred from a past event which really adds something to the story.
In ICT children could also create an algorithm to help Alex develop his photos.
January 31, 2011
The Memory Cage is a story about a granddad who fears loosing his memories over an illness and his grandson who cannot forget his past, although it’s the only thing he wishes for.
This novel is told from Alex’ point of view, an ordinary teenager from the outside, that appears to be a troubled child on the inside. Being subject to terrifying memories of his past and psychical games in the present, he still appears very mature and like a grown- up, especially when it comes to protecting his grandad. Alex is very sensitive, caring and responsible always trying to help him.
I do not read many Middle Grade novels, because I always tend miss a connection to the main protagonist, that is much younger than I am, but Alex made me immediately like him. He’s the underdog and I care for him.
Alex and his grandfather share a very intimate relationship. And when his parents want to put grandpa in an old peoples’ home because his Alzheimer’s is getting worse each day, Alex is determined to find a way to scatter their plans and bring back his grandfather’s memory not knowing what hidden secrets he might come across.
On their journey, willing or unwilling, to the past Alex and his grandfather ,William Smith have their funny and sad moments. Their relationship warms my heart, because it never appears constructed, but always very realistic. Grandad has his secrets and just as Alex I couldn’t wait to reveal them.
I hadn’t imagined William’s Alzheimer’s to be too hard to read about, as I haven’t come in contact with such an illness before, but at some point when he keeps forgetting major things and even big parts of his daily life I became extremely sad, unterstanding the terrible impact of such an illness.
Alzheimer’s is presented in an informative way, giving for MG appropriate and understandable basic information about the illness.
In addition it also addresses the topic of war, making it accessible with a certain example, discussions and conflict potential within the Smith family.
This novel is such a precious debut because it deals with most important and high sensitive topics that must affect one. The Memory Cage encourages young teens to think about what’s important in life, to be an active part in political debates and generational exchanges.
THE VERDICT
The Memory Cage- A meaningful debut about the delicate balancing act between present and past, fear and courage, loosing or finding oneself!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Memory Cage, it made me smile and frown, hope and fear and on some pages I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down my face.
This novel has feeling and personality and is not only a recommendable read for Middle Grade students, but for all age groups.
May 15, 2021
Engrossing and dramatic
February 3, 2011
In this, Ruth Eastham’s very impressive debut novel for children/young teenagers, she takes on a variety of “big” themes, all of which revolve around suppressed memories and the risks involved in unravelling them.
Our narrator is young Alex (Alexandru) who was adopted by an English family, 6 years previously, having been orphaned during the Bosnian War. It is clear that Alex has not come to terms with the trauma which preceeded his adoption and that this is hindered by his older sibling, Leonard who take great pleasure in bullying him, calling him “Bosnia Boy”" and “Charity Case”. In the midst of all this, Alex and Leonard’s grandfather keeps on forgetting things and Alex has overheard his parents discussing putting William, the grandfather, into a home. Alex takes on the mission of helping William to remember the past, especially events which took place during World War II, in the hope that, by remembering, William will avoid being taken away from the family.
As the story unfolds, we gradually come closer and closer to the truth, both for William and Alex, and such revelations are destined to come at a high emotional cost for all the family members and indeed for friends and neighbours too. I thought the characterisation was spot on. Alex is a sensitive, young chap, who, on the surface, seems unscathed by past events. The family dynamic is also portrayed very well with an array of siblings, all with their own distinct personalities and busy parents who are trying to hold everything together despite William’s obvious deterioration. Alex assigns himself the daunting task of trying to “fix” things and, in so doing, uncovers a veritable nest of vipers but it quickly becomes evident that, in order to “heal”, the hurts of the past must be confronted. Perhaps his investigations are part of a displacement technique to avoid confronting his own demons, but his heart is most definitely in the right place.
I was extremely impressed by this debut novel which is on a par with Michael Morpurgo’s best work, high praise indeed in a market where many try to emulate the “master” but inevitably fail miserably. I will be passing on my copy to my children and will highly recommend it to librarians and our local primary and secondary schools. This is most definitely a classic in the making and I will be keen to see what Ruth comes up with next!
Our narrator is young Alex (Alexandru) who was adopted by an English family, 6 years previously, having been orphaned during the Bosnian War. It is clear that Alex has not come to terms with the trauma which preceeded his adoption and that this is hindered by his older sibling, Leonard who take great pleasure in bullying him, calling him “Bosnia Boy”" and “Charity Case”. In the midst of all this, Alex and Leonard’s grandfather keeps on forgetting things and Alex has overheard his parents discussing putting William, the grandfather, into a home. Alex takes on the mission of helping William to remember the past, especially events which took place during World War II, in the hope that, by remembering, William will avoid being taken away from the family.
As the story unfolds, we gradually come closer and closer to the truth, both for William and Alex, and such revelations are destined to come at a high emotional cost for all the family members and indeed for friends and neighbours too. I thought the characterisation was spot on. Alex is a sensitive, young chap, who, on the surface, seems unscathed by past events. The family dynamic is also portrayed very well with an array of siblings, all with their own distinct personalities and busy parents who are trying to hold everything together despite William’s obvious deterioration. Alex assigns himself the daunting task of trying to “fix” things and, in so doing, uncovers a veritable nest of vipers but it quickly becomes evident that, in order to “heal”, the hurts of the past must be confronted. Perhaps his investigations are part of a displacement technique to avoid confronting his own demons, but his heart is most definitely in the right place.
I was extremely impressed by this debut novel which is on a par with Michael Morpurgo’s best work, high praise indeed in a market where many try to emulate the “master” but inevitably fail miserably. I will be passing on my copy to my children and will highly recommend it to librarians and our local primary and secondary schools. This is most definitely a classic in the making and I will be keen to see what Ruth comes up with next!
March 16, 2011
This is such a sensitively written story for children aged 10 or over focussing on the Smith family and secrets that affect it’s foundations.
Part 1 opens with the family at breakfast. We are shown how protective Alex is of his grandfather Richard. We know there is something Alex is trying to hide in connection with Richard and willing him to remember to eat. This is our first introduction to Alzheimers and straight away we are involved with the emotions that engenders. At the same time, we are made to think how children may see an adopted child (Alex) as an intrusive element into a family unit with the resultant verbal bullying (and later physical as well). I must admit, even though I could understand Leonard and his actions, I really didn’t like his character – but I did have a change of heart later in the story!
I loved the relationship Alex had with his grandfather. Despite the Alzheimers and Richard scaring him a few times, there was still a feeling of these two belonging together. I felt the symptoms of Alzheimers were true-to-life. I had tears a few times when empathising with how the Smith family, including granddad, were affected.
The story flips backwards in time to when Alex was being hunted as a result of the Yugoslavian wars. This is quite central to understanding Alex and how he reacts in certain situations. These flashbacks are written at just the right time, weaving around the secrets that are being uncovered.
The way Ruth Eastham wrote the clues for solving the secrets were brilliantly timed and certainly made me think and try to guess where the story was taking me.
Despite the many threads to this story it is so well written that at no point are you feeling ‘lost’ as the skill of Ruth Eastham has woven them into a whole.
The story for me was not only about a family uncovering its secrets and becoming whole because of the revelations but also of a ‘lost’ child finding himself ……………. and also becoming whole.
I love the way the story finished as it opened bringing us full circle but this time with a different thought, a different outcome. What’s your earliest memory?
At the end of the story in my copy of the book, there are websites mentioning Alzheimers, adoption and the Yugoslavic conflict, all child friendly of course – what a brilliant idea!
Part 1 opens with the family at breakfast. We are shown how protective Alex is of his grandfather Richard. We know there is something Alex is trying to hide in connection with Richard and willing him to remember to eat. This is our first introduction to Alzheimers and straight away we are involved with the emotions that engenders. At the same time, we are made to think how children may see an adopted child (Alex) as an intrusive element into a family unit with the resultant verbal bullying (and later physical as well). I must admit, even though I could understand Leonard and his actions, I really didn’t like his character – but I did have a change of heart later in the story!
I loved the relationship Alex had with his grandfather. Despite the Alzheimers and Richard scaring him a few times, there was still a feeling of these two belonging together. I felt the symptoms of Alzheimers were true-to-life. I had tears a few times when empathising with how the Smith family, including granddad, were affected.
The story flips backwards in time to when Alex was being hunted as a result of the Yugoslavian wars. This is quite central to understanding Alex and how he reacts in certain situations. These flashbacks are written at just the right time, weaving around the secrets that are being uncovered.
The way Ruth Eastham wrote the clues for solving the secrets were brilliantly timed and certainly made me think and try to guess where the story was taking me.
Despite the many threads to this story it is so well written that at no point are you feeling ‘lost’ as the skill of Ruth Eastham has woven them into a whole.
The story for me was not only about a family uncovering its secrets and becoming whole because of the revelations but also of a ‘lost’ child finding himself ……………. and also becoming whole.
I love the way the story finished as it opened bringing us full circle but this time with a different thought, a different outcome. What’s your earliest memory?
At the end of the story in my copy of the book, there are websites mentioning Alzheimers, adoption and the Yugoslavic conflict, all child friendly of course – what a brilliant idea!
January 23, 2013
Star parts: The main characters are lovingly crafted and created. Alex tells the story in first person. Through the key scenes he describes we gain an understanding of the Grandfather's bewilderment and pain. Richard (the Dad) is developed concisely. Leonard is a truly evil antagonist, but you are still given room to understand why he might feel that way and the ending allows him to experience growth. There is no showing in this story. It is the dialogue and action that allows the story and the reader's understanding of the characters.
Another strength of the writing is that clues are littered throughout the story, so that like Alex, the reader is beginning to piece things together. The reader and Alex all gain understanding at the same time, which gives us the reader a very strong emotional link. At the end when Alex realises he also must face the past, I was bawling my eyes out. I won't say anything more about the end, but I felt entirely satisfied (if a little damp) by the resolution.
Black clouds: I had to re-read the first two pages, as seven characters were introduced and I found that a little overwhelming. By the end I still wasn't entirely sure whether Victoria had a place in the book, she didn't do much and didn't move the plot along, but I was willing to put up with her.
I have to admit that I quite like action, so I found the first part of the book a little slow.
Do I recommend it: Yes. When I read children's or YA fiction for personal enjoyment I read fantasy or action, so this was stepping out of my comfort zone, but once the story really kicked in I couldn't stop reading.
With my teacher head on it's a great read for dealing with issues such as Alzheimer's disease, adoption and the concept of peace and conflict. I would recommend it to individual readers who showed interest in any of these subjects and will defintely be lending it to the stronger readers in my class.
Having said that, I'm very aware that Ruth Eastham is a debut writer, and on the strength of the end of the book, this is an author to look out for. I personally, can't wait to see what comes next.
Another strength of the writing is that clues are littered throughout the story, so that like Alex, the reader is beginning to piece things together. The reader and Alex all gain understanding at the same time, which gives us the reader a very strong emotional link. At the end when Alex realises he also must face the past, I was bawling my eyes out. I won't say anything more about the end, but I felt entirely satisfied (if a little damp) by the resolution.
Black clouds: I had to re-read the first two pages, as seven characters were introduced and I found that a little overwhelming. By the end I still wasn't entirely sure whether Victoria had a place in the book, she didn't do much and didn't move the plot along, but I was willing to put up with her.
I have to admit that I quite like action, so I found the first part of the book a little slow.
Do I recommend it: Yes. When I read children's or YA fiction for personal enjoyment I read fantasy or action, so this was stepping out of my comfort zone, but once the story really kicked in I couldn't stop reading.
With my teacher head on it's a great read for dealing with issues such as Alzheimer's disease, adoption and the concept of peace and conflict. I would recommend it to individual readers who showed interest in any of these subjects and will defintely be lending it to the stronger readers in my class.
Having said that, I'm very aware that Ruth Eastham is a debut writer, and on the strength of the end of the book, this is an author to look out for. I personally, can't wait to see what comes next.
January 27, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect when I received this book but I was drawn to it initially because it was compared to Michael Morpurgo's work in its style. While it's wise on some occasions to take such comparsions with a pinch of salt in this particular case it was totally justified. The story is both beautiful and multi-faceted.
What I liked about this book is that even though it is aimed a a younger teenade audience it deals with a few issues in an accessible way. The first issue it deals with is adoption and how a child who has been introduced to a family might cope with such a situation. I can't say I've seen this done in any other title. I liked that the boy in question wasn't a nightmare tearaway nor was he perfect and I thought the portayal was realistic and heartfelt. The book hinted on issues sounding refugees and the impact of the reasonably recent atrocities in Bosnia giving the readers in insight to what happened from a personal perspective. I liked that it was highlighted as it is an event in our more modern history that is overlooked. The story also dealt with the impact of alzheimers on both the suffer and their family which was done in a sensitive way. Finally the author brought in ideas about the nature and morality of warfare and the impact participating in conflict had on the people involved, focusing in particular on the events surrounding Dunkirk.
Not only did the author address all these issues and do so in a sensitive way the story that held it all together was wonderful. I loved the relationship between Alex, the main character, and his grandfather and was totally absorbed in Alex's quest to help his grandfather with his memory and play detective and piece together his family's history. I loved how to story flowed and how the author weaved all the threads together.
An awesome read from a UK debut author and well worth a look especially if you have previously enjoyed the work of Murpurgo.
What I liked about this book is that even though it is aimed a a younger teenade audience it deals with a few issues in an accessible way. The first issue it deals with is adoption and how a child who has been introduced to a family might cope with such a situation. I can't say I've seen this done in any other title. I liked that the boy in question wasn't a nightmare tearaway nor was he perfect and I thought the portayal was realistic and heartfelt. The book hinted on issues sounding refugees and the impact of the reasonably recent atrocities in Bosnia giving the readers in insight to what happened from a personal perspective. I liked that it was highlighted as it is an event in our more modern history that is overlooked. The story also dealt with the impact of alzheimers on both the suffer and their family which was done in a sensitive way. Finally the author brought in ideas about the nature and morality of warfare and the impact participating in conflict had on the people involved, focusing in particular on the events surrounding Dunkirk.
Not only did the author address all these issues and do so in a sensitive way the story that held it all together was wonderful. I loved the relationship between Alex, the main character, and his grandfather and was totally absorbed in Alex's quest to help his grandfather with his memory and play detective and piece together his family's history. I loved how to story flowed and how the author weaved all the threads together.
An awesome read from a UK debut author and well worth a look especially if you have previously enjoyed the work of Murpurgo.
February 26, 2011
The Memory Cage is a hugely impressive debut that reminded me of the work of Michael Morpurgo (one of my favourite children's authors). Eastham has combined successfully difficult and challenging themes as diverse as war, adoption, Alzheimer's disease and disability. It shouldn't really work but it just does, superbly. It's not too hard to read but the themes do make you think hard and at times the book is rather upsetting.
One of the book's strongest elements is the characters. The protagonist, Alex, is digging up his grandfather's past in a bid to keep a promise. He doesn't want to lose his grandfather and he sees the pursuit of his grandfather's old memories as his only option. His determination and evident love for his older counterpart makes the story touching and heart-warming but most importantly believable. You trust Alex and his simply undeniable faithfulness.
For me, The Memory Cage was like what any lesson should be. Through Eastham's story I learned so much and I was inspired to learn even more about every issue and topic incorporated into the tale. This was particularly the case with 'The Yugoslav Wars' which before reading this book I knew nothing about. From the snippets of Alex's past, which continued right through the book, I realised that the conflicts are something that we all should know about but too few do.
Although I knew about the Battle of Dunkirk, the coverage of it in this book has in the same way made me want to find out more. I hope that this is the case with other people who have read the story. In my opinion the best books are the ones that keep you thinking after the last page has turned and this one certainly did that for me.
I hope that many young people and older people alike get the opportunity to read this book. It's a story of true friendship, the best kind. Ruth Eastham has written one of the best debut children's books I have read in a long time. She is most definitely an author to watch.
One of the book's strongest elements is the characters. The protagonist, Alex, is digging up his grandfather's past in a bid to keep a promise. He doesn't want to lose his grandfather and he sees the pursuit of his grandfather's old memories as his only option. His determination and evident love for his older counterpart makes the story touching and heart-warming but most importantly believable. You trust Alex and his simply undeniable faithfulness.
For me, The Memory Cage was like what any lesson should be. Through Eastham's story I learned so much and I was inspired to learn even more about every issue and topic incorporated into the tale. This was particularly the case with 'The Yugoslav Wars' which before reading this book I knew nothing about. From the snippets of Alex's past, which continued right through the book, I realised that the conflicts are something that we all should know about but too few do.
Although I knew about the Battle of Dunkirk, the coverage of it in this book has in the same way made me want to find out more. I hope that this is the case with other people who have read the story. In my opinion the best books are the ones that keep you thinking after the last page has turned and this one certainly did that for me.
I hope that many young people and older people alike get the opportunity to read this book. It's a story of true friendship, the best kind. Ruth Eastham has written one of the best debut children's books I have read in a long time. She is most definitely an author to watch.
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