False Memory
Published: 1999
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychological, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
False Memory is a book written by Dean Koontz that was published in 1999. Koontz's characters are well fleshed out, sound real, and relate extremely well with me and my own perspectives of life. His characters have heart and are lovable, yet the evil lurking, as in real life, frequently comes at you with a grin; such a lethal weapon. This big gem of a story was no exception, and I quite loved it.
It doesn't concern me that his novels have happy endings, even though they don't always feel like they would play out nicely in real life, and you think, "That would never happen, in real life, they'd be alone, dead, or destitute!"
Because, except for in actual situations, where happy endings are frequently denied, in the mythical realm where the protagonists of books exist, you have the ability to change that. But for many of us, these narratives and happy endings have even nourished us and given us that glimmer of hope we've always needed.
The Audiobook was recorded by American actor Stephen Lang, and I really like Lang's portrayal of Dr. Ahriman.
False Memory was initially published by Cemetery Dance Publications as a limited edition hardback in two editions:
-1- A limited edition of 698 signed, numbered, and slip-cased copies signed by Dean Koontz and Phil Parks, who designed the Cemetery Dance editions' images.
-2- A lettered edition of 52 signed, lettered, and tray-cased copies, with Dean Koontz and Phil Parks also signing.
Fighting the horrible mind-control tricks of a sociopathic narcissist villain with heart and faith, the couple and their four-legged pal uncover evidence of a sinister goal and meet new valiant friends. Survival is the ultimate goal of the game. In the end, though, faith, friendship, and bravery show to be real and triumphant.
Koontz, as always, constructs a superb narrative with an outlandish antagonist and ordinary people with the passion to oppose him. The writing is engaging and well written, the narrative is intriguing, and the characters are compelling.
If you've never read anything by this author (Dean Koontz) before, this is one of the first novels you should read because it sets the tone and expectations for all future works by the author.
It is a story of how powerful mental influence can be, and it is a fascinating read. I can't and won't summarize it since it would ruin the experience of reading it, so I'll just say it's a fantastic read, and if you've never read any of Koontz's stories, this is a terrific one to start with.
I was surprised when my reader friends informed me they didn't enjoy the book or gave it a negative recommendation. I don't see how someone could give this book a negative rating and call it sluggish. I had no idea what novel they were reading.
This novel is surprising, horrifying, and stomach-churning at times, but it is never sluggish. Wonderful characters, an incredible idea, great humanity, and the worst of humanity. Very beautifully written. It's startling. I really suggest it, so don't listen to or read anything that says it's bad. Yes, it is mature and not suitable for children, but it is still a nice book and narrative.
Dean Koontz is unquestionably a prolific and astute writer. He doesn't claim to be a brilliant writer; he is popular because he is an entertainment based writer, and "False Memory," despite its implausibilities, loopholes, and apparently unending sequences, is a damn fine read.
The characters of Dusty, Martie, Skeet and Fig Newton are quite appealing, and readers should sympathize with their terrible situation. Also, in a little but significant supporting part, Susan Jagger is a wonderfully sympathetic character.
Martie takes her agoraphobic friend Susan to the extraordinary Dr. Mark Ahriman at the start of the novel. Martie soon discovers her own phobia: autophobia, or dread of oneself. That one will knock your socks off. Although the moments in which Martie races through the home looking for any potential weapon are a touch too protracted and overblown, they do demonstrate the extent of her anxiety.
Koontz unveils the villain early in the novel, and even though you know what's going on, you don't get all the gruesome details until a showdown with Dusty's parents late in the book.
And the villain of this story is one of Mr. Koontz's most heinous creations. What's more, Koontz doesn't try to make us feel sorry for the guy because of his awful background.
Neither does Koontz leave any loose ends in this one. After completing Peter Straub's "Mr. X," that's certainly refreshing. Mr. Koontz has learned over the course of his great writing career that you must finally delight your readers; terrify them, confuse them, but don't leave them suspended in the air with ridiculous literary antics. Mr. Koontz, congratulations on "False Memory." It's one of your finest pieces!
Final Thoughts
I've seen in this author's writings that not all of the characters receive what they deserve. Like in real life, the innocent suffer at times, while the guilty thrive.
What I adore about his heroes is how absolutely dedicated and faithful they are to each other and their pets.
I won't tell anything about the narrative because it's difficult and a little out there. I found it interesting and engrossing, despite the fact that it is quite unlikely (I hope and wish hard!) It was full of black humor, which I love; in fact, reading a well-written book of pure fiction like this may teach you something since you may need a dictionary.
Suspense, mystery, and uncertainty might be stressful at times, but it all came together at the end, middle, and beginning with twists, surprises, and shocks that I never saw coming, and the ending was rewarding.
Yes, there were moments when the author went on and on and on about something, but once you got through it, it all made sense.
The characters, well, not all of them, are described so clearly and endearingly that I was dragged into their worlds and lives. Dean Koontz's depictions were so lifelike that I fell in love with these individuals, well, not everyone. This is a fantastic book on so many levels.
Warning... Spoiler in this paragraph... This is an excellent suspense book. A psychiatrist manipulates numerous people through hypnosis to do anything he wants (Koontz will reveal this early in the book). Suicide, sex, murder, chasing, and other such activities
The book might be a little monotonous at first because every other chapter is about a husband and wife. Keep your calm; the book will strike you.
The only criticism I have for this work is that it might have been shorter for new readers and even avid ones at some times. Sometimes I feel that some of the characters' speech or actions were unnecessary. However, the premise, narrative, and action make it a really enjoyable read.
Synopsis
“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
No fan of Dean Koontz or of psychological suspense will want to miss this extraordinary novel of the human mind’s capacity to torment—and destroy—itself.
It’s a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than absolute darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It’s the one fear you cannot escape no matter where you run . . . no matter where you hide.
It’s the fear of yourself. It’s real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly.
False Memory . . . Fear for your mind.
BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Dean Koontz's The City.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Best Friend, Fear Nothing, Friend Susan, Main Characters, Manchurian Candidate, Martie And Dusty, Mind Control, Seize The Night, Stephen King, Twists And Turns
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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