IN MEMORY OF MEMORY

More a treatise on the nature of memory than a novel, Stepanova's work recounts a woman's life as it is lived parallel to the tumultuous history of the Soviet Union. Inger Tudor's beautiful and compelling narration soon draws the listener in. Tudor's capable performance makes accessible even the most metaphysical descriptions of memory and human cognition. The story opens with the unnamed middle-aged narrator sorting through her late aunt's belongings, including piles of letters, postcards, and diaries. Each item she touches evokes memories of her own life and the lives of Jewish family members whom her aunt's writing mentions. This is not an audiobook for those seeking a plot-driven adventure, but attentive and experienced listeners will find much to love here. D.G.L. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2022]