The One Memory of Flora Banks

Prepare to meet Flora Banks: you don't have to be brave - but she does and as you enter her world your curiosity will develop as you get to grips with exactly just how courageous she must be and why she must have the message 'Flora be brave' permanently inked on her arm. Flora may be an unreliable narrator but as a protagonist she is engaging, charming, and intriguing. You feel for her; spurring her on in her quest, cheering when she succeeds, and shouting at those hindering her. From an accomplished adult author this first foray into teenage/young adult fiction is a brilliantly disturbing and engaging read, written with a sensitive but dark hand. What could have been formulaic and repetitive is anything but: for a story about amnesia, this is distinctly memorable. Flora Banks is 17 but in her mind she is 10, for that is how old she was when she became ill and developed anterograde amnesia. She can remember her life up to this age; her parents, her best friend, her home in Penzance, Cornwall; but she cannot form and keep memories for any length of time after this age. She manages her life by reading the notes in her notebook written by herself and her mother, relying upon her parents and best friend, and reading what is written on her hands and arms. Then things change. One night she kisses her best friend's boyfriend, and surprisingly, she remembers the event the next day. She can remember what was said, how she felt, and that he was leaving to go to Svalbard in Norway. She begins to think of this boy, Drake, as being the solution, a magic remedy, to her memory loss and so she takes advantage of her parents' absence and follows him to this arctic wilderness. Barr's writing style alters as Flora's memory comes and goes and her mind becomes more settled or unsettled (depending on how you look at it). The pace and repetition reflect Flora's state of mind, depending on her clarity or confusion, and the sense of danger and foreboding grows. As Flora begins to become more aware and long-held secrets are uncovered, you really understand how vulnerable she is. The claustrophobia and confusion of what it is like to be Flora spills of the page; and her tenacity, naivety, energy, and spirit make her a fascinating and quite unusual character. Flor's obsession with Drake borders on sinister stalking behaviour and so when we finally meet him it is very difficult to know whom to believe. Twists, lies, and Flora's confusion make this such a labyrinthine plot, that sometimes you feel like you need to keep a notebook of events just as Flora does and this is another reason why Barr's use of repetition is so clever. Flora relates the story so far; 'I kissed Drake' over and over again, but it doesn't feel tiresome. The book is not perfect, it has some jarring problems and aspects that just do not sit right, which in themselves make interesting talking points for the class or reading group who discuss and study the novel. Flora is so vulnerable, so dependent, on the people around her being decent and kind, but how realistic is this expectation? Would it have added to the story for her to be taken advantage of at times? How realistic is it that the parents would be absent, considering Flora's history, for so long with little contact and back up put in place? Additionally, why do we find out the truth about Flora and Drake's relationship secondhand, through a character's (that has only been noticeable by their absence) throwaway lines? Flora's feelings for Drake are intoxicating and drive her actions throughout, but unfortunately, the truth about Drake felt rushed, a loose end that needed to be tied, and so is done in a very casual manner. Flora is such a strong character that it is intriguing how Barr has managed to let others shine through despite them having little presence in the book, for the actions of Flora's parents, brother and best friend have such an impact on her life that it is this rather than their personalities that makes them interesting. This is a brilliant read full of nice little details such as Flora's sympathy for the elderly neighbour suffering from dementia. On occasion it reminded me of the films Big, Memento, and 50 First Dates, and it really makes you consider how much you take your memory for granted. I really like how Barr appears to be taking you along the road of the fairytale magical prince who can cure Flora's disability with his true love kiss but actually does a complete about turn without you really noticing. The ending was quite abrupt but there are plenty of loose ends remaining meaning sequels are possible. This was captivating, haunting, intriguing, different, and yes, one that you will remember. 302 pages / Ages 13+ / Reviewed by Natalie Plimmer, librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+