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The Map of Lost Memories: A Novel Audiobook
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(2.99) - 457 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Edgar Award Finalist for Best First Novel by an American Author “Captivating . . . has qualities any reader would wish for: adventure, romance, history and a vividly described exotic setting.”—The Washington Post In 1925 the international treasure-hunting scene is a man’s world, and no one understands this better than Irene Blum, who is passed over for a coveted museum curatorship because she is a woman. Seeking to restore her reputation, she sets off from Seattle in search of a temple believed to house the lost history of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer civilization. But her quest to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century soon becomes a quest for her family’s secrets. Embracing the colorful and corrupt world of colonial Asia in the early 1900s, The Map of Lost Memories takes readers into a forgotten era where nothing is as it seems. As Irene travels through Shanghai's lawless back streets and Saigon’s opium-filled lanes, she joins forces with a Communist temple robber and an intriguing nightclub owner with a complicated past. What they bring to light deep within the humidity-soaked Cambodian jungle does more than change history. It ultimately solves the mysteries of their own lives. Praise for The Map of Lost Memories “In The Map of Lost Memories, Kim Fay draws us into a universe as exotic, intense, and historically detailed as the ancient artifacts her unforgettable heroine seeks. It’s a deliciously unexpected journey: Indiana Jones meets Somerset Maugham meets Marguerite Duras.”—Jennifer Cody Epstein, author of The Painter from Shanghai “A thrilling mix of adventure and personal discovery . . . [Kim] Fay crafts an intricate page-turner that will keep readers breathless and guessing.”—Publishers Weekly “A ripping good tale . . . mysterious Asian locations . . . a driven young American heroine . . . an era no longer remembered but faded to romantic imagination . . . The Map of Lost Memories pulls the components together in a story that intrigues and rewards.”—Lincoln Journal Star “Fay’s extraordinary novel has everything great historical-adventure fiction should—a strikingly original setting, exhilarating plot twists, and a near-impossible quest.”—Booklist (starred review)
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"Excellent storytelling! Definitely made me want to learn more about Cambodia and the Khmer. I look forward to more stories about this fascinating region in Kim Fay's upcoming books."
— Lynne (5 out of 5 stars)
Awards
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A 2013 Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominee for Best First Novel
The Map of Lost Memories Listener Reviews
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" Great for a first novel. She uses lots of wonderful imagery. Really got into the setting of Cambodia. I wonder if there will be a sequal... not necessary, but certainly a possibility. Main character was vivid, but supporting characters a little flat (although not entirely). Good plot development, too. Good read! "
— Nadine, 2/18/2014 -
" Hated it. Was mostly bored. "
— Tina, 2/16/2014 -
" Exciting fast read with interesting characters "
— Debmeinke, 1/23/2014 -
" An odd book. Set in 1925, but feels way too contemporary. Who was such a liberated independent woman in those days for one thing? Complex story with motives that were hard to follow. Readable and for a first novel, ok. "
— AnnieBebop, 1/17/2014 -
" An interesting story about a culture I know very little about. Some of the situations were a bit too contrived otherwise this would have been a 5 star for me. "
— Terry, 1/17/2014 -
" I found this book really hard to get through. It just seemed so slow at the beginning and it was about half way when my interest was actually peaked. In the end I did like it enough to finish, but 2 stars were all I could manage. Mainly because it was just Soooooo slooooowwww! "
— Lee, 1/5/2014 -
" I love the premise and storyline, but the book just fell short of what it could have been. The characters should have been more richly developed, as they were the story - motivations, pasts, present, directions, etc. "
— Nina, 1/3/2014 -
" Okay, maybe it's just me, because everyone else seemed to like this book, but I just didn't. I didn't like any of the characters and found myself skimming through the last third of the book. The premise was interesting and I had high hopes for the story, but it didn't resonate with me on any level. "
— Sharon, 12/17/2013 -
" This is a treasure hunting adventure novel, but unfortunately that part doesn't start until almost 1/3 of the way in. It felt a bit uneven. I did enjoy learning about the Khmer culture and the complex characters. If there is a sequel I will probably pick it up. "
— Carol, 12/10/2013 -
" I didn't like it. For me it was too slow too much description and just not my reading preference. This was for a book discussion group. It started out ok but then slowed up by page 150 the adventure still had not started. "
— Linda, 12/4/2013 -
" God, this book was so boring. I can't remember when reading a book that was so boring. I didn't care about any of the characters. Sorry. "
— Lucia, 11/22/2013 -
" Wonderful descriptions and unfolding storyline. "
— Kelly, 11/19/2013 -
" Sorry but I couldn't make it past the 2nd chapter of this book. I really tried. "
— Vanessa, 9/13/2013 -
" interesting story set in Cambodia and Asia early 20th century re Angkor Wat "
— Peg, 5/9/2013 -
" I really wanted to like this book, but just couldn't get into it much. The Cambodian historical and cultural references were interesting, but the characters were unlikeable and the storyline was unbelievable. "
— Lauri, 1/20/2013 -
" This book was fine, it served as a filler when I needed it to. Just not much to write home about. And I didnt like the main character really. "
— Kathy, 10/13/2012 -
" Pretty fun romp, Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft "
— JR, 8/27/2012 -
" Historical fiction, mystery and travel adventure all rolled into one, with a strong female lead and an unexpected ending. Loved it. "
— Kristin, 8/21/2012
About Kim Fay
Kim Fay was born in Seattle and raised throughout the Pacific Northwest. She lived in Vietnam for four years and still travels to Southeast Asia frequently. A former bookseller, she is the author of Communion: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam, winner of the World Gourmand Cookbook Awards’ Best Asian Cuisine Book in the United States. She is also the creator/editor of a series of guidebooks on Southeast Asia. Fay now lives in Los Angeles.
About Karyn O’Bryant
Karyn O’Bryant learned to read at age three, and hasn’t stopped since. A Los Angeles–based voice actor with over twenty-five years of acting experience, a degree in English, and dozens of audiobook and voice-over performances to her credit, she brings her talent and professionalism to every new project.