Interesting book, about an amnesiac, due to taking pills that inhibit memory, who was told was an allergy pill but forgot what he was even allergic too.... keeping diaries of his past to help him remember he cannot find the key to a box (a safe) containing a diary of three years of his life, pretending to be a detective he investigates a mystery case that ended in Ian Dayton's death (committed suicide), which he suspiciously assumes based on the reports in the media that it was more of a murder than a suicide... little does he know until the end that he is the killer of Ian Dayton. I would classify this book under mystery romance. Although this book is a bit predictable (not really suspenseful). It’s a while since I read a book as baffling as this. The back cover barely hints at its ambition and complexity. There were moments early on where the point of view seemed to slip away from the standard third person into omniscience, which appeared at the time to be a bit amateurish, and yet it was deliberate, as quickly became clear. This is a very clever author.I can’t claim to grasp all of its meaning – reaching the end was like completing a jigsaw puzzle in which all the bits are in place and there are no gaps, but there are a few pieces left which don’t appear to fit anywhere. It didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book – the journey it takes the reader on was enough for me. I was always glad to have a few minutes free to pick up this book and be baffled further.As well as a lot of comment on the nature of memory there is a lot of general philosophy to be found within this book. A section I found particularly astute was the one dealing with the protagonist’s brief stint working in a bar, where he lamented the fact that he was the only one not supposed to be having a good time: “This strikes me now as a pretty good definition of hell: to be alone without the consolations of solitude; to be surrounded by other people without the consolations of company”. I rather liked that one.
What do You think about Amnesiac (2008)?
I have no idea what happened in this book. Yet I couldn't put it down. And it terrified me.
—kris
It started off well enough, but then it got confusing and just dragged on forever.
—Dave
Really great for about the first three quarters. Ending was a little flat.
—ian
Started out with promise, engaging build-up, disappointing climax.
—Vic
