Memory

View other editions of Memory.
View books by Lois McMaster Bujold.

Possibly her best! - Rated
In terms of plot and character development Memory is the book which for me best sums up Miles Vorkosigan. Written in the wry and often very amusing style which has become Bujold’s hallmark, ‘Memory’ unfolds at a tremendous pace, starting in one direction and taking an abrupt turn which, if possible, seems even more satisfying than the first. For the almost the first time we see Miles make a mistake, one from which not even his hyperactive imagination can save him. ‘Memory’ brings Miles back to his planet of birth, almost a homecoming, and Bujold brings out new aspects of her characters that we’ve not seen before.

In many ways I felt that Memory marks the point at which Miles Naismith Vorkosigan begins to grow up, we finally find out what the adult Miles’ is like, and satisfying though the younger Miles’ was the adult is even better, this has been well worth the wait. This is possibly the best story she has written, it is difficult to stop reading, even on th 10th re-read!

While technically this is a stand alone volume in the Barrayar series there is so much development done in earlier works that readers won’t get the full benefit without reading those books. That’s just not a problem! Bujold writes real stories, with real characters and plots which are enjoyable.

Miles makes a change of direction - Rated
After Miles' death and reanimation, he's left with a few holes in his memory and a depressing tendency to throw fits. Unfortunately he'd not told subordinates or, even more unfortunately, his bosses. When his cover up was uncovered, he found himself out of a job and nothing to do. Not a natural position for Miles to be in.
When I first read this book, I was about the same age that Miles is in this so I had a greater degree of fellow feeling with him than is usual. This book also marks a change in Ms Bujold's exploration of the Vorkosiganverse. Miles is no longer a soldier leading his people into action as in the earlier books but is becoming a detective, though one who is more, ah, hands on than someone like Sherlock Holmes.

Bujold at her best - Rated
Bujold is my favourite author for characterisation and this is Bujold at her best. Miles's character is fully rounded and in this book he complete's his journey to knowing and being comfortable with himself.

Bujold once said she came up with her plots by asking herself 'what is the worst thing I can do to Miles now' and you can really see this premise at work here.

BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT. It is a definate 'keeper' and 'rereader'.

Miles grows up - Rated
Following his death in 'Mirror Dance', Miles finds that there are complications to his recovery - complications that lead to near-disaster on a Dendarii mission. Rather than revealing all to Simon Illyan, Miles attempts a cover up. Found out, he is released from military service. The 'little admiral' must now cease to exist.

It is time for Lord Vorkosigan to come into his own, as a crisis develops over the life of Simon Illyan, as Simon's memory chip appears to go into meltdown. Miles is forced to take drastic action, with the aid of the Emperor, action which ultimately leads to his redemption. And finally Lord Vorkosigan gets a little of the respect that is due to him for his service.

Much less action in this book than previously in the series, the main point of interest aside from trying to work out who if anyone is the baddie here, is the internalisation of Mile's struggle to integrate Admiral Naismmith and Lord Vorkosigan into 'Miles'. The battle is internal and at one hilarious point also external. It is something very different from the previous books in the series, and clearly key to the next phase in Miles' life. He really comes into his own here, and the conflict is ultimately resolved peacefully, if not without losses.

A fantastic addition to the series, if a little slower paced and with less external action than usual. It's about time Miles matured - it will be interesting to see where he goes next.

Brilliant - what a story! - Rated
I am usually a die-hard Star Trek book reader but being as there were none in my local library I picked this book up as a trial - I was not disappointed.

What an imagination this guy has - first you get an overview of what Miles has done etc then there are many sub-plots within I could not put the book down! I think I read the book everytime I had a minute, on the train to work, during my lunch hour, going home etc.

A brilliant masterpiece - I am going to try all the others leading up to this. Great reading.