The Memory Thief

by Lauren Mansy

  A tear slips down my cheek before I wipe it away.

  Reid laces his fingers through mine, his skin warm and tingling.

  “I can’t help but wonder why Madame gets to live while so many died. But when I saw her face, twisted with agony . . . I think Grandfather is right. I don’t think she’s ever lived at all.” I touch Penn’s band on Reid’s wrist, remembering when my grandfather told me that we must live for something higher than ourselves. “I see the kind of life I want in the love my parents found together. In how my mother never lost hope, even when all the odds were stacked against her. In how my grandfather and Felix are able to create beauty out of nothing. In the unwavering loyalty of Joss, Cade, and even Bray.” I look at him. “In the bond that will never be lost between you and Penn.”

  Reid inches closer. “Do you ever think about what would’ve happened if you never left the Shadows?”

  “Every day,” I say quietly.

  “I wish Cade, Joss, and Penn were here, and your father was with your mother. But if I’d never left my family and if you’d never left the Shadows . . . without that pain and anguish, all this,” he spreads his hands out wide toward the lively square, “wouldn’t have been possible.”

  “Do you know who used to tell me things like that?” I nudge him gently. “Penn.”

  His face lights up. “Really?”

  “I remember this one time, we got stuck in this terrible storm out in the woods. I was in a bad mood—”

  “You, really?”

  I grin. “It finally stopped raining right before this incredible sunset, and Penn said, ‘That’s what I love about rain,’ and I grumbled something in annoyance, of course, but then he said ‘Sunsets are ten times prettier after a storm. They’re proof that good can come out of something bad.’ I’m not sure I ever really believed him.”

  “And now?” Reid asks.

  “Now I think the pain of losing someone I love should only make me love harder and deeper. That seeing the evil of the world should only make me cling more tightly to the good,” I say. “That it’s not the hardships of the past that define us, but the strength we find in overcoming them.”

  “Together,” adds Reid.

  I take his hand.

  As dusk fades into night, we stay up on the hill, sharing memories about Penn and the Shadows, of my childhood in Blare and his with the Tribes, all the while making new ones together. And when he leans in and kisses me, I know whatever joys the past holds, the ones we’ve yet to discover will be even better.

  And once every crumb of cake has been eaten and our feet grow sore from dancing all night, we remember those we’ve lost and toast the ones who live in memory of them, celebrating together as Craewick begins anew. I smile as my grandfather wraps his arms around my mother and sister, drawing them closer. With Reid’s hand in mine, I look up at the sunrise, a string of words playing on my lips as the starry sky blooms with the color of a new day.

  Better things await me.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This is a story that’s very near to my heart, and I’m incredibly thankful to each and every reader for giving me the chance to share it. There are so many people who’ve supported and encouraged me throughout this entire journey, all of which have gone above and beyond anything I ever expected.

  From the bottom of my heart, I’d also like to thank:

  Steve Malk: I’m constantly in awe of your passion for stories and storytellers, and this book would not exist apart from your insight, encouragement, and excitement. Thank you for helping me find my voice and for how tirelessly you worked to bring this story to life. You’re the best agent anyone could ever ask for, and I’m forever grateful for you.

  Hannah Mann: From day one, your enthusiasm for this story has amazed me. Your constant kindness and unwavering support has had a lasting impact on me, and you’ve played an irreplaceable role in the creation of this book. I’m so thankful you’ve been there every step of the way.

  Thank you both for not only walking alongside me on this writing journey but also for your wonderful friendship.

  Lauren Spieller: When you selected me to be on your team for Pitch Wars, I was absolutely thrilled. Your sharp editorial eye and insightful feedback proved to be invaluable. Thank you for being such a fantastic mentor during the contest and for your advice and excitement since then.

  Annette Bourland: Thank you for making my dream come true. Your vision and zeal for this story means the world to me. I feel truly privileged that you acquired this book, and I can’t thank you enough for connecting me with the perfect editor.

  Hannah VanVels: What a pleasure it’s been to work with you. I’ve felt your love for this story from the first moment we spoke, and to have you as my editor, and now my friend, is a tremendous gift. You’ve given me endless amounts of fantastic insight, and I’m so lucky to have had you by my side during this entire process.

  Mary Hassinger, Jennifer Hoff, and the entire Blink Team: It’s an honor to work alongside you. Your passion for books is contagious, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one you’ve given me. Thank you for all that you do.

  Dad, Jacob, Jenna, Sawyer, Mason, Granny, the rest of my incredible family, and friends: You’re my greatest source of joy and inspiration, and I’m so proud to be your daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. I could spend a hundred years thanking you for your love and support, and still, it would only skim the surface of what I feel for you all. I love you dearly.

  Mom: You’ve taught me more about life than I can ever express. Even when the odds were against you, you never lost hope and your joy never wavered. Witnessing your deep-rooted courage is what made me want to share this story, and to place this book in your hands is an incredible blessing and a memory I’ll never forget. I love you.

  THE MEMORY THIEF DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1.What is the purpose of each of the Four Realms? What kinds of resources are found in each Realm? How do they support one another?

  2.There is a big division between the Gifted and the Ungifted. What are some of the advantages of being Gifted? What are some of the disadvantages? How are the Ungifted treated by the other people groups and leadership in the Realms?

  3.In Etta’s society, memories hold the highest value. What kinds of things hold the highest value in your society/community? In your family?

  4.Throughout the Four Realms, there are individuals known as Hollows. How does a person become a Hollow? What are the risks of housing too many foreign memories?

  5.While individuals can purchase memories at the Memory Auction, there are also ways to erase painful memories. Do you think it’s a good idea to erase memories? In what ways do your memories make up who you are as a person?

  6.Before Etta returns to the Shadows, she says, “It’s always a risk to play with memories, when you can’t help but sink into a sea of others’ wishes, hopes, and dreams . . .” What are some of the reasons Etta is scared about returning to the Shadows? Why does Etta worry about becoming a memory thief?

  7.The motto of the Shadows is “To help those who can’t help themselves.” How did Greer’s vision for the Shadows differ from Bray’s? Would you consider one a better leader than the other?

  8.Etta wears four leather bracelets. What do these bracelets symbolize for her?

  9.While speaking to Madame, Etta says, “I only stole what never belonged to your citizens in the first place and gave the memories back to their rightful owners. It’s your job to protect the Ungifted, but if you won’t, then the Shadows will.” In what ways does Etta live by her own rule of only stealing to help others? Is there a point when she breaks the rule? If so, how does it affect her and those around her?

  10.What is a Ghost, and what is their purpose in this society? Who are the Hunters, and how are they affected by the kinds of memories they choose to steal?

  11.Etta possesses many admirable qualities such as her bravery, cleverness, and dedication to her family. But these quali
ties can also turn into her flaws. At what points in the story do we see traits like these hindering Etta from reaching her goals? How do they inform her character growth? Why is it important for readers to meet characters like Etta?

  12.In what ways do the obstacles within the Maze reflect Etta’s inner struggles?

  13.At the beginning of the story, Etta is crippled with guilt about her mother’s accident. How has her perspective on the past changed by the end of the book?

  14.How are the themes of forgiveness and mercy shown throughout the story?

  15.If you could buy any memory or talent, what would you choose? Why?

  A NOTE FROM LAUREN MANSY

  Long before this story was written, it was a memory of mine.

  When I was around Etta’s age, my mom was diagnosed with a heart condition, which led to an unexpected open-heart surgery. Before she was rushed into the operating room, my mom’s heart had stopped six times. The doctors warned my family that due to the trauma she’d experienced, there was a possibility that my mom wouldn’t remember us, when or even if she woke up.

  So we waited to see if the same joyful woman who’d gone into surgery would be the same woman who survived it.

  I was sitting at her bedside when she first began to stir after her surgery. She slipped in and out of consciousness and couldn’t speak because of her breathing tube. But as I touched her hand, she wrapped hers around mine and squeezed it three times, our signal that meant I love you. It was a moment I’ll never forget! In that tiny gesture, she’d spoken the words she couldn’t yet say. And I knew, much like Etta, that my mom was coming back to me.

  On my mom’s road to healing, there were many tears, setbacks, and days of wondering if things would ever return to the way they had once been. But my mom never lost hope. Witnessing her recovery showed me that there are heroes all around us. I never knew how much courage there could be in taking one little step, then two. How much happiness is found as family, friends, even strangers prove to be such faithful allies. How much love can be expressed in three tiny squeezes. It was during these times of waiting, uncertainty, and in the joy of my mom waking up that the seeds of this story were planted. But overall, it was her unfailing courage that would become the true inspiration for The Memory Thief.

  When I first began writing about this experience, I wasn’t always sure how to express what I’d felt when faced with the possibility of losing my mom. Some worries and fears were too difficult for me to say out loud, but through telling Etta’s story, I began to better understand my story. It gave me a voice whenever I struggled to find my own and proved to be a source of healing that I’m incredibly grateful to have found.

  Writing this book has been an incredible journey, and I can’t ever thank you enough for allowing me to share it with you.