Five stars from me for the originality of this debut novel (this is my second Jo Harker read after The Pretender). I am huge fan of David Mitchell, Andrew Miller and Claire North and it is refreshing to find another author who brings something different to the table than formulaic adherence to genre (not a murder in sight here), combined with a great story telling ability and understanding or the human condition. I’m impressed that she had produced two engaging novels in such different settings - contemporary alternative reality and Medieval, both with a diverse cast of interesting characters . Definitely an author to watch for the future and doubt whether Jo will remain shackled to any specific literary tradition or period.

I enjoyed this novel a lot, partly because of the beautifully spare and crisp writing and partly because of the slow and careful way the characters were developed.

The premise was good too - if you had a deeply distressing memory would you want it removed. And if you were later offered it back, would you want that? This novel suggests ways in which people might be affected and how it might be handled by a tech corporation which leads to a degree of suspense - after all you don't expect companies making money from new and suddenly suspect technology to be squeaky clean do you?

A subtle and fresh approach to sci fi with wonderfully human characters and, amazingly and delightfully, not a cliche in sight. Brilliant.

Had a new year resolution to ensure I read at least a book a month. Read 2 a month from Jan to Mar. Started reading this in March and still could not finish the book in May.

I love the dystopian genre and the storyline sounded really interesting. Agree with another comment that this would make a great hour episode for Black Mirror. However the book dragged out too long and characters were not engaging. I have given up and moved on.

Could someone tell me the ending?

Really enjoyed this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from an ethical and philosophical point of view. The characters like stories somehow connect to one another.

If you could delete a traumatic memory, would you? Then later on, would you want it back? That is the question raised here amongst some different people who either did it, or who worked with the people that did. Very disjointed, jumps from different stories to philosophically discussing everything, so it doesn't flow so well

Rilliamt!

Very enjoyable read , It created a lot of personal reflection and self analysis on how past experiences can dramatically affect the person you are today.

I read this in a curiosity that I'd get a better explanation than the story held. I didn't understand the connection to each character until I had hit the 70% mark. The fact it took that long has me baffled and I wonder: was it me and it went over my head or did those story have poor explanation.

I've had this book on my list for MONTHS. I started it after Christmas I believe and just..managed to finish now. It was hard to stay interested and I did feel like giving up.and letting it go but I was determined to see it through as there were two characters that I was curious about. I was not happy with Noor and Louise's characters. I felt like a lot of noor's narration was just filling a gap. Maybe it's just me, and this is not my type of book. I'm content in letting this one go.

The SF set-up is a way into a beautifully plotted exploration of memory, it's accuracy and what having it available in any form might mean.

I loved the premise of this book from the start. The writing is excellent. But the story drags at the 50% mark and does not regain steam. And in addition, a few of the many characters you have to follow don’t end up being relevant in the end.

Harkin takes on a high level challenge with this book. Multiple timelines, multiple viewpoints, a science fiction scenario filled with philosophical musings, real world references, and a question at the heart of it all: If you could give up your most painful memories, would you? And if you did, would you still be the same person?

I was hooked from the opening pages, as a cast of well written characters, each with their own flaws, beliefs, and traumas, search for the answers hidden in their pasts.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought provoking story that will leave you with a new perspective on memory, pain, and the human psyche.

The potential was there for this book and I was really excited for kt. Just felt the author got bored