A review by silverliningsandpages
Memorial by Bryan Washington

challenging emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m not a sweary person (autocorrect wanted to say ‘sweaty person’ there 😂) but really don’t mind profanities in books if they are relevant or necessary to the story.  I initially was distracted by the frequency of the F word at the beginning of Memorial and found it offputting.  However, as the characters quickly developed into flawed, vivid, endearing and vulnerable people, I stopped noticing.  And when you immerse yourself in an affecting story like this, you realise the private battles the two protagonists are fighting, their anguish, and understand why it’s written in this way.  

It’s about Benson and Mike, two guys who have been together for a few years and have reached a crossroads in their relationship.  Mike discovers that his father is dying in Japan just as his mother comes to visit, and as he goes to his father to say goodbye, abandons Benson with his mother.  Both men contemplate their heritage, relationships and values, and book is very moving.  It’s a real lesson in understanding the many languages of love as well as an exploration of illness, grief, race, poverty and the challenges the LGBT community face. I finished this just a while ago, holding my breath!  I’m very glad I read this life affirming novel, and Bryan Washington is certainly a very talented, intuitive writer. 4/5 🌟