I so wanted to give this good little book a higher rating, and I almost did. But, just like Mr. Taylor's second book (Island at the End of the World) it starts out with great promise...and then wanders like snake with no hole. Reminiscent of Kafka, this tale follows a man who cannot remember his past...simple enough, but it becomes engrossingly complicated and intriguing as the tale and his life plays on. If only Taylor could have remembered how to tie it all together or where he'd put his ending. But - I still recommend it as a good read, especially from an author that seems to have been misplaced. The Amnesiac begins as a possible existential meditation on loss and lonliness but smoothly slides into a creepy little mystery without ever losing sight of the emotions that haunt and drive the main character, James Purdew. We first meet James after breaking his ankle on a flight of stairs while rushing to answer the telephone which seems to ring with an underlying urgency. Once laid up in plaster James doent have much to do but sit alone and ponder life when not spending time with his girlfriend Ingrid. This pondering leads him to become obsessed with a three year period of his life that he cannot seem to remember, and while investigating this lapse, mysterious and intriguing occurences begin to slowly unfold as flashbacks, possible delusions and a mysterious manuscript guide us along.All in all I was completely hooked and couldnt put this book down but unfortunately the ending left me feeling a bit frustrated. Its not that it was predictable or anticlimactic, but it does share similar themes that were beautifully realized in a certain Charlie Kaufman film which happens to be one of my favorites. I still however think the journey is pretty fantastic and have no problem giving this book a solid four stars, and if that film wasnt at some point in your Netflix queue i think you will find the ending highly rewarding. Either way though, you will indeed keep turning the pages and wondering who exactly owns the house at 21 Lough Street, whats up with those allergy pills and just who the hell is Malcolm Trewvey anyway.
What do You think about L'amnésique: Roman (2008)?
Really interesting, I liked how the book didn't explain everything at the end
—jack
A strange read but once really into it, had to keep going
—Els
Not what i expected, but an enjoyable and quirky read.
—zaxfangel
Cross between Total Recall and The Butterfly Effect.
—SilvyTheWolf
