I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read & the characters were all very likable, which is a must in any book I read. That plot was great with the perfect amount of magical-realism. Well done!

A moody and creative debut novel about the power of touch and how it's both healing and destructive.
Both mystery and a little magical realism, this book and the gorgeous cover draws you in.

Thanks to NetGalley for an e-arc of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I requested this book on a whim. The concept and cover both seemed intriguing, but as the release date came up, I lost interest. This was not a major release, and I've had other arcs I've been interested in. This month, I've been reading more than I planned, and so I decided to pick up an arc. I went with this one specifically because it didn't seem to be getting a lot of attention (good or bad).

My first impressions were pretty good. I liked the writing, the narrator, and the tone. I was expecting an overly happy kind of book, but it turned out to be more depressing which I, oddly enough, liked. The story is about a young woman who can feel the emotions of people on objects they once had. The idea is intriguing, but it's really just a take on hauntings of sorts, as the items are spoken of having a sort of spirit (not always good).

At first, I was intrigued because I thought it might go down the path of is it real or in her head because regardless of it was real, the effect on her mental health was the same. However, it is very explicitly real. The basic idea is this girl and her sister lost their parents because one of them got infested with the hate of an item. Then the main plot basically explores that more and the mythos. Sadly, that is where things stop working for me.

At some point I just stopped caring. I'm thankful I didn't register that feeling until right at the end because at least I finished it for this review. The book is fine. Everything about the book feels like it's set up to be a good book, but in the end, the story was just meh for me. Its middle of the road for me. Usually, a book that starts strong (which this does) is able to keep me invested throughout. That just wasn't the case. I needed more.

3-3.5 / 5 stars

I tried to read this twice, and for some reason I just could not connect with this story. My apologies for not having a better review for you. Best of luck!

I loved this quiet introspective mystery. The characters were all unique and flawed and tangible, the sensory piece of the story involving memories and objects was fresh and exciting. For a small cast of characters with a fairly humble plot, I had a blast and couldn't get enough of my time with them.

The dual timelines added a thrilling layer to the suspense, and created a looming sense of dread as the story evolved. Both Ev and Harriet have deep traumas and secrets that inform their beliefs and actions. I felt like they could both really exist, and found myself wondering if there really could be people out there with "gifts" like they have.

The message of finding meaning and emotion in everyday life struck a chord with me. In each object that Ev and Harriet curate lives a specific priceless feeling, no matter how mundane the object may appear on the outside. This made me think about how small moments and memories can leave a lasting impact on a person's life, for better or for worse, and what the consequences of "hoarding" those memories could lead to.

The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville creates the image of a dark, desolate environment. The story itself, however, is set in current day Vancouver. The story is at times dark, at times magical, and at times family drama. This book makes me care about the characters - the sign of a good read. Considering that The Memory Collectors is a debut novel, I look forward to seeing what Kim Neville writes next.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/12/the-memory-collectors.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

This book very much so reminder me.of The Keeper of Lost Things. However, that book executed the premise much better than The Memory Collectors did. While this book delver deeper into the the stained/bright items, and deeper into human emotions and.memory attached to them, it felt like there wasn't enough going on and it dragged out too long. Ev is almost like a medium by the end the book, and I don't really like events and things with the characters really tied in together. It all felt separate and detached. I never liked Noemi, and even her bit in the mess just felt unresolved. Maybe if it was shorter it would have flowed better, I'm not sure. It wasn't bad, just underwhelming.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. And honestly? I am so glad I requested this one. I didn't really read what it was about as the cover alone gave me a feeling that I might enjoy this one. I knew within the first few pages that I made a good choice and it kept me interested the entire way through. The story is about how a few people can get feelings (or stains) from inanimate objects and which way they chose to move through life based on those feelings. Harriet is a keeper/hoarder of such things and Evie chose to run away from her gift to the best of her ability...some how some way they come together in life-the only two people that they know of with such an ability. Throw in a connected history that they each knew nothing about and you have an amazing story. This is a book that I would really like to see a movie made out of.

This story was very slow moving and because of that I found it difficult start. The writing was very moody and descriptive and the overall idea of all this history in each item was fantastic. Unfortunately I couldn’t seem to totally buy into it (they sorta seem too much like hoarders…). Sadly it was a miss for me but still very well written and incredible idea with a touching relationship between the main characters which I did like.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

Thank you Net Galley for a copy of The Memory Collectors. What a hidden gem this one was. It starts out slow but becomes engrossing. This is a story like I've never read before and I loved it.

Vey clever book that describes possessions and emotions. I enjoyed the women and the steting. Well written and enthralling.

It’s the memories that are behind this story. There are two women who have memories of what happened when they were little kids. And there are two women who can feel the memories of others on objects. This story is about what happens after their lives intersect and what happens as they deal with their pasts.

The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville was an enchanting and compelling book. I will definitely check out more by this author!

Inspiration for Kim Neville's debut novel came from her fantastical short story in which the character of Harriet is a witch who hoards magical objects and gets into trouble when she steals a neighbor’s dragon. Neville wanted to further develop the story and ground it in the real world. "I began thinking about how we as humans relate to physical objects, and what makes an object 'magical.' We ascribe meaning to things based on our interactions with them, and our stories about them. I found it so interesting that inanimate objects can hold such power over us. The memories associated with a cherished piece of jewelry or a favorite mug can be so vivid and emotional, that it’s as though the object itself has taken on those emotions."

That led her to contemplate what life would be like for a person with an acute sensitivity to the impressions left behind on objects, which is the case with her lead character, Ev. In her life, only three people knew about what she thinks of as her sickness -- "the way objects speak to her." Of those three, the only survivor is her sister, Noemi, who disappears for long stretches of time. As the story opens, Noemi has been gone for six months and Ev misses talking with her. With her friend Owen Riley, who works as a bike courier, Ev scavenges through dumpsters and garbage cans in search of items she can sell. Objects have a "stain" on them. Sometimes sweet, sometimes not. Sometimes the stains overpower her senses and cause her to feel ill because she senses the emotions left behind on the objects.

One day Owen shows her the button collection he found in an alley behind an apartment building. There are other treasures there, as well -- three boxes full -- some of which Owen, an artist, can use to create sculptures and mixed media pieces. In fact, there might be enough items that Ev can use the money she makes to get her through the winter without having to sell at the local flea market.

Soon Ev and Owen encounter Harriet, the owner of the boxes. Ev recognizes her as a stain hoarder. And Harriet immediately realizes that she and Ev have the same gift. But Ev's sensitivity is much stronger than Harriet's. And unlike Ev, who never takes stained items into her apartment, Harriet lives in an apartment literally bursting with them. Ev cannot understand how Harriet can possibly stand the contamination. And Harriet knows that her collection of "bright things" that have made their way into her life is out of control. She is aging and worried that she will not be able to continue keeping people out of her apartment. That she'll be deemed unable to care for herself and will lose control of her life and her belongings. When Owen marvels at all of the things she has gathered over the years, terming it a "museum of memory," an idea is born. Harriet has always wanted to create a space where people can gravitate to objects that hold the emotions they need and be healed by the experience.

And so Ev, Owen, and Harriet team up to empty out Harriet's apartment and create a space where her collection can be seen and appreciated. The museum about which she has dreamed. A place where Owen's art can be on display and people can leave feeling better than when they entered it. But Ev has to finally come to terms with what happened to her and Noemi when they were children, which Neville gradually reveals through deftly-timed flashes of memory. Those events made Ev into the loner she is, always keeping her distance from others and never allowing herself to become close to people. She is always vigilant, protecting herself from the stains lest she be transformed into a monster because the emotions attached to the objects she encounters overtake her. Noemi doesn't remember what happened when they were children so, unlike Ev, she doesn't have to worry that the same kind of monster might be lurking inside her. Harriet too experienced childhood trauma that caused her to live the way she has for more than six decades after, as a teenager, she began collecting objects just as her mother had.

The Memory Collectors is a unique, heartbreaking story imbued with rich imagery and a compelling exploration of her characters' inner lives. Ev is a young woman who does not know how to unburden herself so that she can be free to pursue the kind of relationships that other people take for granted. She knows she is different from others and Neville compassionately portrays her struggle to survive and the courage it takes for her to slowly permit herself to be just a bit vulnerable. Her relationship with Noemi is tense and complicated, as are most sibling relationships, and their bond is threatened by the revelation of long-buried secrets. The mysterious Harriet is revealed by Neville to hold the key to Ev's future.

Nevile employs magical realism to tell a riveting story that is, at its core, about overcoming childhood trauma and learning to accept one's past in order to create a life from which one can draw happiness and peace. Her characters are empathetic and Neville's affection for them is apparent throughout. Each of the three strong female characters -- Ev, Harriet, and Noemi -- has had to invent mechanisms to cope with the past and keep it from destroying them. But when they come together, they find themselves at a crossroads and they must resist the darkness that threatens to overtake and destroy all of them. Along with Owen, a gentle spirit who cares deeply about Ev and wants to help Harriet, they have an opportunity to reconcile and make peace with the past, and accept their unusual gift. And perhaps find the courage to pursue the dreams that, until now, they've barely dared to dream.

The Memory Collectors is eloquently crafted and emotionally satisfying, showcasing the depth of Neville's talent. It will leave readers hungry for more from Neville.

A beautiful and poignant title.. Reminds me of Keller's "Luster of Lost Things" and is just as touching and heart-felt. I loved Harriet and Ev. I've been guilty of seeing only what I wanted to see and quickly discarding memories. I still wish for sophomore year love-letters I threw away in a fit of anger. To anyone who loves a beautiful story and has space in their heart and memories for treasures, this is the book for you.

What a beautiful book! I'm not surprised I loved this as it's similar to my favorite styles, but it was wonderful and refreshing regardless. Will recommend to friends.

I love the premise of objects having stories to tell. This was a solid debut novel! Ev and Harriet were great characters, and I enjoyed that the novel was told through their perspectives. There was a great amount of detail given, sometimes too much, but I really enjoyed the writing throughout the book.

I was sold on The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville when I saw it compared to The Scent Keeper. Then, after reading the book, I was floored that this was a debut novel.

We get a dose of magical realism and a look into the power of memory and our attachment to objects - what's of value and why?

A door was left open for a sequel, and I would love to see it.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to the publisher for my widget. All opinions are my own.

This is a tough one to break down and put into words as to why it did not work for me. I'm going to try. Know that this is my opinion based on what my magical realism expectations are.

Whether or not it was a good idea, I went into this novel thinking it was going to be like The Scent Keeper....or even a Sarah Addison Allen. Sadly, that was not the case. The only way I can describe my feelings is...this novel did not sparkle. I was expecting light and magic. I had a very dark, heavy feeling while reading.

The novel itself was written well. I finished it. I do however think that the author had one expectation in mind with how the novel would present itself and it did not follow through for me. I was expecting to love this. I did not. I will not say I would never read this author again. I will say that I will go in with very low expectations and see where that takes me!

The Memory Collector was a good book, not as deep as I was wishing the story to be but it was entertaining, I love the subject of energy as it is my line of work so that is why I picked this book because it shows many of the things that really happened but usually we don't pay attention to it or we don't really believe in it.. we have lost many of our sensitivity in a world full of stress but The memory collect gives you that free feeling that you're in a world where magic still surrounds us and is just a matter of being open to it to be able to feel it again.

This was a good entertaining story with hints of magic and energy that will creep and lurk all around us especially around the places and things we touch and treasure the most imprinting many of our emotions and thoughts...