Title: The Memory Painter
Author: Gwendolyn Womack
Copyright: April 28, 2015
Genre: fantasy, fiction
Format: book Pages: 336
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Two lovers who have traveled across time. A team of scientists at the cutting edge of memory research. A miracle drug that unlocks an ancient mystery.
Bryan Pierce is an internationally famous artist whose paintings have dazzled the world. But there’s a secret to his success: Every canvas is inspired by an unusually vivid dream. When Bryan awakes, he possesses extraordinary new skills…like the ability to speak obscure languages and an inexplicable genius for chess. All his life, he has wondered if his dreams are recollections, if he is re-experiencing other people’s lives.
Linz Jacobs is a brilliant neurogeneticist, absorbed in decoding the genes that help the brain make memories, until she is confronted with an exact rendering of a recurring nightmare at one of Bryan’s shows. She tracks down the elusive artist, and their meeting triggers Bryan’s most powerful dream yet: visions of a team of scientists who, on the verge of discovering a cure for Alzheimer’s, died in a lab explosion decades ago.
My thoughts:
I first heard about this book on the Book Riot’s YouTube channel and the description sounded interesting so I wrote it down on my list. A few weeks ago, I was at the library with the boys and while they were busy I decided to go check out the stacks. I was quiet surprised to see not only did they have it but it was available. Wow! I quickly checked it out and started reading it.
It was very to easy to get into and the fact that the characters were based in Boston made it a delight to read. The pacing of this book was great especially with all of the glimpses back in time. I enjoyed the variety of places this book took you. The book had so many historical stories that were entwined with the story that carried you on an unbelievably fun journey. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book and think they were all well developed. I am being purposefully vague about this story so not to present any spoilers.
I read each night before bed and continued devouring it at “pick-ups” while waiting for the boys to get out of school. I really would lose myself in this story at times and the last third of the book, I had to fight myself to put it down. That’s how engrossing it was. This is Womack’s first book and what a start! It is a stand alone but I definitely think she could make a sequel.
I am giving this book a strong 4 1/2 butterflies and highly recommend it!
Happy reading!
Belinda