The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd Review

Book Title: The Memory Wood

Author: Sam Lloyd

My Rating: 5*

Publisher: Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Publication Date: 20/02/20

Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery

Pages: 384

Format Read: E-book

Goodreads: Elijah has lived in the Memory Wood for as long as he can remember. It’s the only home he’s ever known.
Elissa has only just arrived. And she’ll do everything she can to escape.
When Elijah stumbles across thirteen-year-old Elissa, in the woods where her abductor is hiding her, he refuses to alert the police. Because in his twelve years, Elijah has never had a proper friend. And he doesn’t want Elissa to leave.
Not only that, Elijah knows how this can end. After all, Elissa isn’t the first girl he’s found inside the Memory Wood.
As her abductor’s behaviour grows more erratic, Elissa realises that outwitting strange, lonely Elijah is her only hope of survival. Their cat-and-mouse game of deception and betrayal will determine both their fates, and whether either of them will ever leave the Memory Wood...



I cannot wrap my head around how spectacular this book was. My mind is still reeling from all the twists and turns made throughout the book, especially in the last third. You may think this is just a regular abduction story but it is so much more and I guarantee you will not put it down until the last word.

The story follows abducted 13 year old Elissa Mirzoyan and her intense struggle to do anything she can to stay alive and get home to her mother. The book is split into three perspectives; Elissa, Elijah, a boy who finds Elissa in the cellar and promises to take care of her and Mairead the detective who throws everything into finding Elissa at the cost of her personal problems.

I was filled with so many emotions while reading this. I felt terrified and anxious for Elissa but also amazed at the girl’s strength and determination to survive through the whole horrid ordeal and she is so smart beyond her age! Elijah confused me for most of the novel as I had no idea how/why he was involved and his mental state was worrying me for Elissa’s safety. The reality becomes a lot more horrific than first imagined as the truth unfolds and the questions are answered in this stunning tale. I was unable to put the book down near the end as there were so many twists I had to get to the bottom of it! 

It’s being called ‘A must read of the year’ and without a shadow of a doubt this book will be one of the best books of the year (and I’ve ever read) and it’s only my first book of 2020! Although the subject of a child abduction was difficult to read, it was so brilliantly written and exciting that I recommend it to everyone even if you aren’t usually a fan of thrillers.

*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Have you read this book yet? Or do you now want to read it? 
Let me know in the comments!