Memory

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Summary: Memory continues Bujold's reputation for quality.
Review: By Ed Burkhead

Memory brings Miles Vorkosigan to a new crisis, catastrophe, and disaster which makes it an opportunity as good as any he has encountered before.

This story stands alone well enough that it could be read before any others in the series. In it, Bujold brings a change of pace that invigorated me. When I bought the hard cover copy, I not only read it quickly, but I re-read it within weeks. Bujold tells of people I would like to have as friends and places I would like to live. In this story she places the people in events that continually catch me by surprise yet remain "believable."

Bujold packs more characterization, observation, wry humor and pathos in a paragraph than most authors get in a page. While she does that, she keeps the book light and fun to read. Are you getting the idea I'm trying to recommend this book without taking away any of the surprises? Do, please, get that idea.

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Summary: Miles is amazing.
Review: I think this book is a great continuation of the saga. Perhaps we will finally get away from overly complex schemes and plans and get down to the nitty-gritty of Miles' life: When and Whom will he Marry

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Summary: He cheated death. Or so he thought.
Review:

Desperately trying to save his second identity--the daring admiral of a space mercenary fleet--Miles does something that those who have read other Bujold's books about this dwarfish, hunchbacked, hyperactive genius with a sunny smile would have never imagined him to dare. He lies to his superior officer. Even for Miles, it is insane to think that he could successfully deceive someone who has been Chief of Imperial Security for decades _and_ has got a memory chip in his brain.

The feeling of desperation is astonishing. Not that of Miles, but of those who are reading the book wishing they could reach through to him finishing the false report and make him stop. Make him think. Make him understand the inevitable consenquences. For what comes to him as a completely unexpected, disastrous blow is really no surprise for those flipping the pages. Faster, faster. . . .

During the first three of the five hours of non-stop reading (how could I possibly stop?) I found myself walking in the shadow of Miles' feelings. Desperation, a mad hope, shock, frustration, even a shade of suicidal apathy--I felt it all. And after that. . . . But no, I won't tell you. The book will yet surprise you. And I won't name the feeling with which I finally closed this magnificent book, either. Besides, of course, those of great satisfaction and desire to read it again.

However well written, this novel can't be viewed apart from the the books about Miles and his family that came before it. The full pleasure will be received by those who have read them all and already know Miles and other characters. _A Warrior's Apprentice_ is a must, anyway, and (forgive me, Oh faithful fans) any two or three of the others will have to be read before this last one. For _Memory_ is a conclusion of the saga; it shows changes the time makes to people, and the results of those changes, but not much of the _beginnings_.

By the way, Ms. Bujold, don't even try to convince anyone now that Miles has nothing to do with a certain Gasconian named d'Artagnan from the famous trilogy of A. Dumas, for the issue of Miles' captaincy is too strong an evidence of the opposite. Thank you for the hint and have no fear; we won't tell a soul. Really.

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Summary: Miles of Memory - Magnifique!
Review: Many SciFi authors and Fantasy authors who work with a character over a long period of time tend to lose interest in him/her. Not so Bujold! She is forever reinventing Miles and each fresh direction leaves the reader hungering for more. Memory is the prime example of this - Miles has new avenues to explore and the will to do it. He has been to hell and back yet remains upbeat. Besides, with a cousin like 'Ivan, you idiot' what else can a person do

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Summary: Classic Vorkosigan!
Review: This is a classic Miles Vorkosigan novel. Miles at 30 has to finally resolve the dual personalities of Lord Miles Vorkosigan and Admiral Miles Naismith and choose between the two. Its a novel about relationships, and probably only one a woman could write.

I like the Vorkosigan Saga. Its not the best science fiction, and its not as "edgy" as I'd like, but Bujold has good characters. I liked "Memories". The quite moments of the novel are probably the best as the now familiar Miles explores himself and his relationships. Miles relationships have always been the best part of the novels and stories.

What did'nt I like about "Memories"? The cover. What that cover has to do with the story I can't tell you. The other thing is the minor awkwardness the author has in weaving together 30 years of Miles stories and Vor lore. The stories have not always been written in chronological order. There was almost too much reference to prior history. Then there might have been too much that was too new.

Recommended.

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Summary: I laughed and I cried! I loved it!
Review: This is definetly the best book I've read this year. Lois McMaster Bujold continues to make her characters come alive from the pages. Her characters seem like real people, not superheros like in some science fiction. The plot is exciting and complex with real dilemas and solutions. Miles Vorkosign into a character with even more depth than before. I'd recomend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read!

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Summary: Bujold's integrity requires change to hit her people hard.
Review: What I respect most about Lois's work is that she never lets her love for her characters interfere with her story--or with their growth. She has proved this several times--in MIRROR DANCE, with Aral Vorkosigan's heart attack--and now in MEMORY (and no, I'm not going to write a spoiler). Suffice it to say, what she does in MEMORY is a logical extension of MIRROR DANCE and Miles's career; and yet it represents such rigorous change that I was surprised that she'd pack it into one book. I value a writer who can put her characters over fences as arduous as the ones Lois creates without my getting a sense that she's trying too hard, which she isn't. I know what it feels like to create a character whom I love and want to spoil, but dare not: Lois is a master at this. Definitely, a Hugo contender.

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Summary: Bujold just keeps getting better at her craft.
Review: The thing that keeps me coming back and re-reading Bujold's books is the sheer humanity of the characters-- I truly care about these fictional people. In Memory, Bujold shows that her sense of character is getting more and more astute-- she takes her main character, Miles, and puts him in through the wringer. What comes out is not quite what you would expect, but it *is* logical & consistent with the character to date. A joy to read, and re-read

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Summary: Plot twists like a good Gilbert&Sullivan patter song
Review: Bujold has Miles dancing at a good stomp through everyone lives in "Menory." Miles first step is on his own feet. Bujod draws her charaters with the lines of falures and success. A good read and fine continuation of the "Miles" stories

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Summary: Miles, the grown-up, and better than ever!
Review: From the begining, much of the charm of the Miles Vorkosigan adventures has been in watching Miles go hell-bent for leather, growing into a skin too small for him. In "Memory" Miles changes, facing one of the central conflicts of his life. "Memory" is a satisfying, fast read, and full of the brash humor and thoughtful inner dialog that marks this series. Lots of fun.