The Memory of Love

I very much enjoyed The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna which is set in the early 2000's in the aftermath of the civil war in Sierra Leone. A British psychologist, Adrian, goes to work there for a short time and his first job is to listen to the story of a dying man, Elias Cole. Other important characters are Kai, a surgeon, who worked to save lives during the war and the beautiful Mamakay who connects all the main characters though that is not immediately obvious. There are love stories as well as tales of horrors committed during the war, which the country has to come to terms with. There are some terrible memories. It is likely a story that could be repeated in many countries that have suffered similar fates. The story is very well written - one that you want to finish but feel bereft when it's over. Highly recommended. 5/5