The Memory Collectors was a story set in Canada, which I love, but also a story of family, abilities/gifts that feel like a curse and new beginnings. Ev has a mysterious ability, where she can feel the emotions people leave behind on objects and believes that most of them need to be handled extremely carefully, and/or destroyed. She sells the harmless ones at Vancouver’s Chinatown Night Market to scrape together a living, stores the other ones where she can. In another part of town, Harriet hoards thousands of these treasures and is starting to make her neighbors sick as the overabundance of heightened emotions start seeping through her apartment walls. When Ev and her stumble upon each other, a partnership is formed. Harriet hires Ev to organize her treasures into a museum of memory that not only feels warm and inviting but can heal the emotional wounds many people unknowingly carry around. But Harriet also has secrets she is keeping from Ev that might be their downfall.

Ev has led a sad life. She has lost both her parents and her younger sister disappears for long periods of time. She has a friend, Owen, that works with her on the museum, someone who could be more than a friend. He is also an artist and creates things from found items, including Harriet;s treasures. There is evil in some of the objects and they have to fight that to bring some order to the items, but is is difficult. There are secrets involving Ev's family and her past that Harriet is keeping from her. Memories can often take over our lives, things we cannot change, but can overwhelm us. This story brings that to life in a sad, but wonderful story. The characters are interesting with mystery around them, and although not very likable at the beginning, become people I am wishing the best for. With magical realism, hope, and growth in the characters, this was a very interesting and enjoyable story. If you enjoy a book about memories, family relationships, and friendships, one with magical realism and lots of atmosphere, I recommend you pick up The Memory Collectors in whichever format you prefer.

I had no idea what to expect with this book as it's not my usual genre but the synopsis was too intro to ignore! I read it in two days! The mystery of the MC's past as well as the present story kept me turning the pages until reaching the fiery ending.

I was impressed by Neville’s writing, and it appeared as if it would get the hype it deserved because I was immediately intrigued by this story and by Ev. However, as the story progressed I found myself getting bored over the lack of anything happening. It started off so strong, and then by about 40%, I lost interest.

I wanted to love this book, it had a lot of promise and potential, but I was let down - I felt as if something was missing. Maybe this was the case of the right book at the wrong time, which seems to be a frequent occurrence in my reading.

This story did have a unique magical realism element to it, but I think the author relied too heavily on that and didn’t develop the plot or the characters well enough for it to fully work.

Wow, such an innovative and unexpected addition to my fall reading! Based in Vancouver, Ev finds herself drawn to certain objects, feeling the emotions left behind by previous owners and she handles them carefully. Meeting Harriet, a hoarder, leads Ev to work with Harriet and discover things about herself she had never realized.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Memory Collectors is an urban fantasy novel set in present-day Vancouver. The story explores the premise that we leave behind feelings on the objects that belong to us, feelings that can be felt long after the objects leave our possession. Evelyn Marchand and her sister Noemi were orphaned when her father murdered her mother and committed suicide. Evelyn has always regarded her ability to sense the memories that objects hold more like a curse than a blessing, and she has arranged her life in order to protect herself from the stains, as she calls them. Harriet has taken the opposite approach and has filled every inch of her apartment with her treasures. She searches out everything she can find with memories good, bad and even some evil. The objects have taken over her life, and the collection she has created has begun to permeate the building where she lives to the point where those feelings are affecting the others that live in the building. She hires Ev to help her sort through her belongings and perhaps create a museum from the objects. I found this a fascinating story, both chilling and heartwarming and enjoyed reading it very much. Publishing Date: March 16, 2021. #TheMemoryCollectors #KimNeville #UrbanFantasyNovel #SimonAndSchusterCanada #NetGalley #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer

THE MEMORY COLLECTORS is a delightful atmospheric debut with a unique concept and dark secrets that will instantly hook readers. The story builds slowly, while the characters’ past interlaces with the present, turning the suspense nicely. Ev and Harriet are both unusual characters -both troubled with the rarest of gifts and the most overwhelming history. They both had difficulty trusting others and building relationships, too. Still, it’s amazing how these people, who perceive things differently, are willing to sacrifice and help others.

This book is highly recommended for readers who love stories of strangers becoming a family with a touch of magical realism and thrilling mystery. The unabridged audio is narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.

As someone who often feels overwhelmed with emotions and influenced by other people's emotions, this story of two women who feel people's emotions through the objects they've touched is fascinating. The writing was strong and the ending was satisfying. It also takes place in Canada, which is awesome. I'm always looking for new and creative concepts and this certainly caught my attention

The start of this novel was slow in my opinion but I was intrigued by the story and kept pushing through, it definitely did not disappoint! The ending took me by complete surprise and I was not expecting it! What a wonderful book!

I really enjoyed the idea of items holding special feelings and gives me a whole new perspective on everyday items in my home!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!

Everything has a story, good, bad, or indifferent. Everyone has items that will invoke some sort of memory. What if a person had the ability to "feel" the good, bad, and indifference in every item they every encountered or in every place they go? This story focuses on two such women and how this ability affects them and their lives and how they each deal with it. It was a fascinating look at people, their memories, and abilities. I loved the fact that the characters didn't always have it easy. There were ups and downs, growth and decline, and lots of learning and needing for acceptance.

I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada, Atria Books and Netgallery for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This novel was published on March 16, 2021 and is available now!

Brief Synopsis:
Ev has the ability to feel the emotions that people have left behind on objects. She believes that they must be handled carefully or destroyed if the emotion is too strong. Then she meets Harriet, another individual who can feel the emotions/memories, however Harriet hoards them and wants to turn a collection of these items into a museum of memory. Can they work together to control their abilities? What happens if both of their past has some secrets that they want to stay buried?

Thoughts/Opinions:
This one was very different for me. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into it at first, as the development of the characters and plot line seemed a little slow. Once we got to know them a bit more though, the story picked up a little bit. It was a bit heavier and darker than I originally thought it would be as well!
I loved the idea that it was based around the memories & emotions of objects. I definitely have several random items in my house that have sentimental value to me, which someone else may find odd when they look at them.

The novel was a debut from a Canadian author and we got to explore a little bit of Vancouver with the location, which I always find interesting!

Overall, I would give it a 3.5 rating. I thought it was a good debut but it didn't stand out too much for me. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I feel...neutral about it, if that makes sense??

3.5 The Memory Collectors is Kim Neville's debut novel.

From Atria Books: "Perfect for fans of The Scent Keeper and The Keeper of Lost Things, an atmospheric and enchanting debut novel about two women haunted by buried secrets but bound by a shared gift and the power the past holds over our lives."

Ev makes her living dumpster diving. She sells her wares at a night market in Vancouver. But she is particular about what she touches and sells. You see, she can feel the emotion attached to a found object. She has labeled those objects as 'stained'. Harriet also collects found items - she's older and has been at it for many years. And yes, the term hoarder could be used with Harriet. She too can feel the emotions, but refers to her objects as treasures. It seems inevitable that the two will meet.

I must admit to (clears throat) having collected a few treasures of my own. I am fascinated with found bits and pieces. Who loved this object? What were they like? Was the item lost or discarded? But I love the pieces I have inherited from my grandmothers. The idea of being able to feel the history - memories and emotions - was thought provoking.

In The Memory Collectors, emotions can be felt, but not recognized by those who pick them up. Now, not every emotion is a positive one, is it? As the book progresses, Ev and Harriet's 'powers' change, strengthen and become more than a little frightening.

The Memory Collectors is told through two points of view - Ev and Harriet. We slowly come to know more about their pasts. And how it might be influencing and changing the present. There are two supporting players - Owen, a friend of Ev's that is calm, thoughtful and caring. Loved him. And then there's Ev's sister Noemi - I have to say that I heartily disliked her. But she is the perfect antagonist. It is Noemi that awakens the past and sends all four lives into a...a battle I would say.

The Memory Collectors was an interesting, unique mixture of magical realism, suspense, family dynamics, emotions and how the past shapes the present. I'm not one hundred percent sold on the epilogue, but it fits.

Neville is a talented writer and this was an impressive debut. PS - That cover is gorgeous.

And I leave you with this quote: "Retail stores disturb her, rows and rows of empty objects. Products with no soul, no energy, people buying and discarding them before they have the chance to take on any kind of life, the world growing more cluttered and at the same time more barren every day."

The beautiful cover caught my attention. Then the unusual and unique story synopsis peaked my interest. I started reading and Ev and Harriet pulled me in. This story does start slow, but I think it needs to take its time at the beginning so you get the background on the main characters. I just loved this story and the fact that it brought together two broken people, one young, one old, and both keeping secrets.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic read! Magical realism done right. What a beautiful book this was. Neville is a TALENT in this genre and I can’t wait to see what she reads next.
I did not expect the dark turn this book took near the end and it was handled so perfectly. I don’t like a book where everything is tied in a neat bow. And while this story didn’t end darkly it certainly left some for a reader’s interpretation, and I really loved that.
HUGE bonus points that it takes place in Vancouver, which is an hour away from me, and the imagery was spot on.
Loved the characters, loved the setting and loved the healing power of change. Great great job!

The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville

What would it be like if you could feel memories when you touch objects? Ev has this ability. It’s a daily struggle but helps her make money to survive. She ends up running into Harriet who can help her learn how to deal with her ability in a safer, calmer manner . Harriet has her own demons to extinguish and together they navigate this strange way of living.

It’s actually a very hard book to describe.

This is a fantasy/ mystery that had a very different idea to it. I liked it but I didn’t love it. I loved how different it was. I loved that it took place in Vancouver. I didn’t love the characters though. Maybe Owen ( supportive male friend) . I struggled a bit.

This book will be released for sale on March 16, 2021.

Thank you @simonschusterca and @netgalley for my e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book sucked me in from the very beginning. I started reading it because I saw that it’s set in Vancouver, which I love, but the story took over from there. I really wanted to know more about this special gift Ev has. Then when Harriet was introduced, and Ev realized she has the gift too, I was curious to see what the two of them were going to get up to. Owen and Noemi are fantastic supporting characters, each in their own way. Neville’s use of mystery and suspense was fantastic and I loved the addition of mind-bending as well. Not only does this book shed light on the hold objects can sometimes have on us, but it really made me think about hoarding in a whole new light. Loved it!

Do objects really hold the emotions of the people attached to them? Ev calls them stains, those emotions attached to objects. Harriet calls them bright and the objects that hold them treasures. Harriet has collected these treasures all her life but this comes with a price. When she gets evicted from her apartment for hoarding she purchases an old building and hires Ev to help her establish a museum of memories. Things twist and turn as Ev's sister Noemi moves back and forces Ev to remember their shared past and the tragedy that affected their lives.
I was a bit skeptical of the premise when I began but the story and characters suck you in and won't let go. You need to keep reading to find out what happens. Well written and engaging, this book is a must read for those who believe in just a little magic. And isn't that what we all need right now?
#NetGalley#The MemoryCollectors

The Memory Collectors is a beautiful story of love, painful memories and secrets and the ability of a person to become stronger as they try to overcome these hurdles. The two main characters are Harriet and Ev who possess the ability to feel the emotions that the former owners of objects have left on the objects. A small toy or a large piano, all objects are “stained” and touching, holding or even being in the vicinity of them can affect how you feel. Most people don’t realize that these emotions are affecting them but Ev and Harriet can.

People have sentimental feelings about some objects and therefore keep them nearby and this book gives a different spin on these feelings. Maybe it is magic or maybe it is something psychic, nobody knows. The author does an amazing job of making this story feel realistic and true. Her characters are wonderfully created, showing depth and emotions that make them likeable. She paints a picture of the locations in her book that allowed me to easily see the Museum and Harriet’s house. I found I was drawn into the story and I felt the claustrophobia of being in the house.

Working together the try to create a place where people can go and feel happy but while doing this they are forced to face their pasts and the pain and terror that they have tried to forget. Each of the women, along with their friend Owen hold secrets that they can’t share with others. It is the secrets that can rip relationships apart but with love, patience and understanding they are able to face these secrets. The personal strength that Ev possesses is hidden until she is forced to unleash it.

The book started at a slow pace but it picked up and I found I couldn’t put it down. The author weaves a tale that contains mystery and intrigue along with a touch of suspense. It’s more than just magic, it’s a story of acceptance and love.

I thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book.

The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville

This debut novel is about the emotional weight of objects, the burdens of the past, and our connections to things. Following Ev, a young woman with the unique ability to feel the emotions people leave behind on objects, this ability (or curse?), hangs over her and prevents her from living her life to the fullest. She meets Harriet, an older woman who has a wildly large collection of “bright” things, things she similarly senses have emotion tied to them. The sheer amount of objects seems hoarder-like. In a completely different way than Ev, Harriet is also limited by the power of objects and the past. They meet, and begin curating a sort of emotions museum, to try to help people by surrounding them with positive emotions.

This book is really unique and I don’t want to ruin the magic by describing the story too much. I love the premise and the magical quality objects take on. The characters were interesting and had shockingly dark and sinister secrets. The main characters felt very well developed; supporting characters Owen & Noemi felt somewhat less so.

The story caught my attention right away but was a slower start; by the halfway mark I absolutely could not put it down and stayed up way too late finishing it. There was a mysterious thriller plot line that surprised me as the suspense started building up around halfway through the novel. For me, the second half was really strong - such atmosphere and tension!

Overall, I think this is a really creative debut and I raced through it! It’s a story with magical realism elements and a darker thriller twist. 4⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for free access to an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the author, Atria Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book.

Ev and Harriet are two very different people, but they share a similar gift. Both women are able to feel emotions left behind in objects, the good and the bad. Ev sees this ability as a curse, and uses it only to sell items in Vancouver’s night market. Harriet sees this ability as something more, and she hoards especially powerful items in her apartment, much to the detriment of her neighbours. Harriet has an idea to transform her treasures into a museum that everyone can enjoy, but Ev isn’t so sure this is a good plan. She knows more than anyone that items with negative emotions can do harm, and they can even rip families apart.

I really enjoyed this concept of emotionally imbued objects. Kim Neville took the idea of items carrying sentimental or emotional value and it made it into something magical and thoroughly entertaining. The writing style is inviting, like a favourite blanket, and it pulls you into the story right from the beginning. Kim Neville was able to covey feelings of loneliness, longing, anticipation and claustrophobia wonderfully, so the reader is completely immersed in the story.

Evelyn and Harriet as main characters are two interesting perspectives on a unique ability. It was a bit like having an optimist and a pessimist as narrators, which brought another layer of depth to the story. The side characters were equally well developed. I thought everyone had a very interesting and layered storyline, and they were all flawed in unique and colourful ways. I appreciate well done character development, even if it is negative development.

I think the Memory Collectors is a great debut novel to add to 2021 reading lists. It is full of engaging characters, the plot contains unexpected twists that keep you interested, and as a fun bonus it’s set in Vancouver, Canada! It’s a good choice for anyone looking for an exciting and yet comforting read, as well as fans of magical realism. Pre-order or purchase on March 16th, 2021.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to preview this book. I enjoyed it, although sometimes sorting out the past from the present was a little challenging. Worthwhile and recommended.