THE HOUSE OF MEMORIES
Months after a tragic accident, Ella O’Hanlon flees to London in an attempt to escape her grief, leaving behind the two people she blames for her loss: Aidan, the love of her life, and Jess, her spoiled half-sister. Taken in by her beloved uncle Lucas, Ella discovers that his extraordinary house holds many wonderful memories for her…and his group of transitory boarders provides a refreshing and welcome emotional tonic. But as Ella settles into a comfortable new role as unofficial cook and housemother, Jess secretly comes to London to pursue her own dreams, precipitating an unexpected family reunion and an exploration of the heart—one famished for love,
Months after a tragic accident, Ella O’Hanlon flees to London in an attempt to escape her grief, leaving behind the two people she blames for her loss: Aidan, the love of her life, and Jess, her spoiled half-sister. Taken in by her beloved uncle Lucas, Ella discovers that his extraordinary house holds many wonderful memories for her…and his group of transitory boarders provides a refreshing and welcome emotional tonic. But as Ella settles into a comfortable new role as unofficial cook and housemother, Jess secretly comes to London to pursue her own dreams, precipitating an unexpected family reunion and an exploration of the heart—one famished for love, for healing, and for forgiveness.
- NAL
- Paperback
- February 2014
- 496 Pages
- 9780451466532
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$15.00
About Monica McInerney
International bestselling writer Monica McInerney is the award-winning author of nine previous novels, one short-story collection, and numerous stories and articles. She grew up in Australia, one of seven children, and has split her time between Australia and Ireland for twenty years. Monica and her Irish husband currently live in Dublin, Ireland.
Praise
“The twists and turns of modern families are explored in this warm novel which will have you reaching for the tissue box. This will keep Monica’s long-time fans happy, and make her many new ones.”—Woman’s Day (Australia)
“There are two sides to every story in Monica McInerney’s new heartwarming page-turner…You’ll laugh but you’ll cry a lot more…”—Marie Claire (Australia)
“A beautifully told story with real emotional depth…”—Irish Independent (Ireland)
“A suspenseful, deeply emotional story…A celebration of the power of family and connection to heal and inspire hope. An unforgettable read.”—New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs
Discussion Questions
The House of Memories is a novel about an extended family and their journey through grief. Does this necessarily make it a bleak story?
There are moments in the novel when we feel deep sympathy toward Ella, but are there also times when it’s not so easy to understand her actions?
Is Ella’s decision to distance herself from the rest of her family justified, do you think?
Lucas and his wonderful house are described in colorful detail. Discuss the importance of the setting for the novel.
Why do you think the author changes to first-person narration for Ella’s chapters? Did you find this an effective device?
The complexity of blended-family life is acutely examined here. Why is it that Ella can have such a wonderful relationship with Charlie and such a vexed one with Jessica?
Did you love Jess or hate her?
There are many different parenting roles portrayed in the book. For example, Meredith, Charlie, Ella, Aidan. Does anyone strike you as being a “better” parent than another?
Discuss the theme of communication throughout the novel. In what major and minor ways does it play out in the story?
The Fox family is fabulously unique. Why, then, does this story resonate so profoundly with people whose families are nothing like theirs?