Memories are what drive this book. As usual, Margaret Mahy uses rich images, analogies, parallels, and allusions in her poetic prose as she explores Jonny's elusive memories and old Sophie's missing memories. All of the characters have memories to hide or to rediscover.

Jonny Dart can't forget the haunting memory of his sister Janine's death in a fall off a cliff. Was he responsible? Could he have saved her? Only he and their friend Bonny witnessed the fall; they agreed to say that Jonny was not near the cliff when Janine fell. Jonny must relive these events again with Bonnie to try to make sense out of his jumbled memories.

When Jonny meets Sophie, who has Alzheimer's disease, caring for her becomes a new role for him --- a role that will take him out of himself as he tries to protect her from unscrupulous neighborhood characters and make sure that she is safe.

Bonny reminds Jonny that "respect for elders and attention to old people is a Maori thing." Will caring for Sophie help Jonny heal the pain that is in him? In addition, will Bonny be able to help Jonny with his self-blame and guilt? Will he begin to feel again?

Mahy has written numerous books, ranging from picture books to young adult novels. She has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for her novels THE HAUNTING, THE TRICKSTERS, and THE CHANGEOVER. MEMORY is a Boston Globe Horn Book Award Honor Book. Mahy resides in New Zealand.