Memory Stones, The
Brothers, CarolineLittle do the Ferraro family realise that the gathering at their beach house will be their last. It is 1976, and in the blink of an eye - with the arrival of the military junta - they are dispersed: Osvaldo the father exiled to Europe, Julieta the eldest daughter to the safety of Miami while Yolanda remains in Buenos Aires, to begin the long search for their teenage daughter, Graciela. In the years that follow, the empty trail they share with many other relatives of 'the Disappeared' is agonising, even more so with the possibility of a grandchild to trace as well.
From its lyrical writing and memorable characters to its basis in Argentinian history, this is an inspiring story of a family never giving up hope in the face of a nation behaving deplorably.
Pages
448
448
Year
2016
2016
Reviews
23-01-2024
Overall we enjoyed this book, although we all found it difficult to get into. None of us knew anything about the history of Argentina, and while it was difficult to read about at the time, it was important to hear about.
26-09-2023
Best book yet! We enjoyed the story - it was very well-written with beautiful language. A joy to read, despite the cruelty of the military junta.
04-08-2023
We felt the author's writing was overworked with too much imagery and repetitive use of metaphors. Shocking to learn about the history of Argentina, especially when this dirty war happened in recent times. It's clever how the author writes about the story of Persephone, relating it to Ana's life.
07-06-2023
The entire group really enjoyed this read. Thought provoking for them and everyone learnt so much!
16-03-2023
Although we enjoyed the story of the missing granddaughter, we felt there was a lot of unnecessary padding and the book could have been 100 pages shorter. We found the writing style overly descriptive.
02-05-2022
A great read - clever plot and use of language.
28-03-2022
Really in depth study of Argentina during this time. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.
19-11-2021
Beautifully written. A sad and tragic story but you didn't want to put the book down. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the book.
05-11-2021
Most of us enjoyed this although we found it a little slow and confusing to begin with. Interesteing to read of an aspect of history of which we were not (or only vaguely) aware.
27-10-2021
Our favourite read this year!
27-09-2021
Everyone in the group enjoyed reading this book, and felt they learnt a lot from it. Thought it was very well-written.
10-09-2021
Everyone enjoyed this book though some felt it over-long. A period of recent history that a few knew nothing about. We felt the book introduced the reader to events that happened in our lifetime, and were mostly hidden from the outside world, in an inquiring and interesting way.
23-08-2021
Another piece of history we had little knowledge of. The main characters, Yolanda and Osvaldo, are well portrayed. Interesting to learn about the grandmothers of Argentina. Sad, but extremely well-written - a book not easy to put down. Memorable.
02-08-2021
The majority of our group rated this book highly for content, characterisation, and 'form'. Most of us knew something about the activity of the Junta, but learned heaps from the book. We enjoyed an informed discussion about the book, and what had happened in Argentina and other similar fascist regimes within our recalled lifetimes. We agreed that Caroline Brothers is an outstanding writer.
02-08-2021
Our group really enjoyed this book - although a few thought it got a bit long winded in parts. But overall, a big tick for historical fiction. Some never knew about the Junta in Argentina, nor did they know of the happenings in the 1970s - and the precursor to the Falklands War. It has inspired several to investigate Argentinian history more closely. And - a read that covers several generations that held the readers' interest.
26-05-2021
Some of our group had difficulty with the start of the book, but we all found it an engrossing read. Its vivid, descriptive writing carries the reader through the fear, love, horror and hope of the family in its efforts to trace their missing daughter. A very good read, though some regretted the lack of a satisfying conclusion. Very good discussion - good questions.
03-03-2021
We thought it was a compelling, well-researched novel. Caroline Brothers excels at describing human emotions as she tells the story of a family coming to terms with loss while trying to remain hopeful.
19-11-2020
We thought it was one of the best books we have read this year - very descriptive and told us things we didn't know about Argentina.
28-08-2020
A much admired book for style, language and character. Historical setting graphically evoked in imagery. Engendered much discussion.
29-07-2020
A wonderful read, enjoyed by all our members. A gripping story, lyrical description about a very interesting country and its history.
04-05-2020
'The Memory Stones' was very well received by our group.
09-03-2020
Enjoyed by all. Considered too good to put down. Opened a window to events not widely known.
26-02-2020
Most of us felt conflicted because some themes and characterisation were very good, but other parts we felt were irrelevant and detracted from the flow of the story. Use of imagery was creative in parts, and irritating in others. It stimulated a good discussion.
24-02-2020
Many members were not aware of the war torn period of Argentina. The book prompted much discussion on the rights of those 'adopted' without their knowledge.
12-12-2019
Our group was split as to whether they "enjoyed" the book. Some found the shifting to different times confusing, while others thought the father's "voice" was not very authentic!
12-12-2019
Most of the group really loved the book and the writing style, although some felt it was an uncomfortable insight into a terrible regime.
12-12-2019
Harrowing, but a beautifully written book.