Remember when the future seemed full of possibility? When we believed technology would liberate us and art could change the world? Lisa Ko’s ambitious second novel “Memory Piece” captures that youthful idealism – and its gradual erosion – through the intertwined lives of three Asian American women over six decades. It’s a sprawling, fragmented narrative that’s equal parts exhilarating and frustrating, much like memory itself.
The Promise of Youth
The story opens in the 1980s, introducing us to teenage misfits Giselle Chin, Jackie Ong, and Ellen Ng. United by their outsider status and creative aspirations, they form an intense friendship fueled by late-night conversations and artistic collaborations. Ko beautifully evokes that heady time of life when anything seems possible:
“They were weird in a way I recognized in myself, the way we operated outside of our looks and families or despite them. It wasn’t until I met them that I realized this, and acknowledging it allowed me to maintain a little swagger.”
These early sections pulse with energy and possibility. The girls’ artistic experiments—like Giselle’s year-long performance piece living in a Mall—feel both absurd and profound. It’s hard not to get caught up in their excitement as they imagine futures defined by creative freedom.
The Compromises of Adulthood
But as the characters move into adulthood in the 1990s and 2000s, reality begins to intrude. Giselle gains acclaim in the art world but struggles with the politics and expectations that come with it. Jackie, initially thrilled by the democratic promise of the early internet, watches it morph into a tool for surveillance and profit. And Ellen, the most politically engaged of the trio, faces increasingly aggressive gentrification and policing in her Lower East Side neighborhood.
Ko excels at capturing the gradual disillusionment of aging, the way youthful dreams give way to pragmatic compromises:
“You made mistakes, you ended up alone. Let it go. Your home became a stranger, you were left with yourself. Let it go.”
The novel’s structure becomes more fractured as it progresses, mirroring the characters’ increasingly divergent paths. We get glimpses of their lives through emails, art reviews, and snippets of conversation. It’s an effective technique that conveys the passage of time and the difficulty of maintaining connections, but it can also feel disjointed and emotionally distancing.
A Haunting Vision of the Future
The final third of the novel leaps into a chillingly plausible 2040s dystopia. Climate change has ravaged much of the country, corporate surveillance is ubiquitous, and resistance movements operate in the shadows. Ellen, now elderly, struggles to hold onto her memories and her sense of purpose in a world that seems to have left her behind.
These sections are some of the most affecting in the book. Ko’s vision of the future is both familiar and alien, extrapolating current trends to their logical, unsettling conclusions. The focus on Ellen’s perspective grounds the speculative elements in deeply human concerns about aging, legacy, and the fight for justice.
Strengths: Ambitious Scope and Evocative Writing
Ko’s greatest strength is her ability to create rich, complex characters and immerse us in the texture of their lives. Her descriptions of New York City—from the grungy energy of the 1980s East Village to the sterile corporate zones of the near future—are vivid and atmospheric.
The novel’s ambitious scope is also commendable. By following these characters over such a long period, Ko is able to explore big themes about art, technology, gentrification, and the cyclical nature of resistance movements. There are moments of genuine insight about the ways our dreams evolve (or calcify) as we age.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Emotional Distance
However, the novel’s sprawling timeline and fragmented structure can make it difficult to maintain momentum. The pacing feels uneven, with some sections racing by while others drag. The frequent time jumps, while thematically appropriate, can be jarring and make it hard to fully invest in any particular moment.
Additionally, the increasing focus on Ellen in the latter half of the book means we lose touch with Giselle and Jackie for long stretches. While this mirrors the way friendships often drift apart over time, it leaves some of their story arcs feeling unresolved.
A Meditation on Memory and Art
At its core, “Memory Piece” is an exploration of how we construct and preserve our personal and collective histories. The characters grapple with unreliable memories, the impermanence of art, and the challenge of leaving a meaningful legacy.
Ko raises fascinating questions about the nature of artistic creation and its ability to effect change. Is Giselle’s performance art self-indulgent or revolutionary? Can Jackie’s idealistic tech projects survive in a capitalist system? Does Ellen’s grassroots activism make a difference in the face of overwhelming forces?
The novel doesn’t offer easy answers, but it suggests that the act of creating—whether it’s art, community, or simply a record of one’s existence—has inherent value. As one character muses:
“You made a thing and it slipped through your hands like toy slime, instantly a thing of the past. You made a thing and it was already over.”
Echoes of Previous Work
Fans of Ko’s debut novel “The Leavers” will recognize some similar themes here, particularly around identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. However, “Memory Piece” is a more experimental and ambitious work, pushing into speculative territory while maintaining Ko’s signature empathy for her characters.
The novel’s structure and focus on art world dynamics might remind readers of Rachel Kushner’s “The Flamethrowers,” while its near-future sections evoke the work of speculative fiction authors like Emily St. John Mandel or Ling Ma.
Room for Improvement
While “Memory Piece” is an undeniably ambitious and often powerful novel, there are areas where it could be strengthened:
- Tighter pacing, particularly in the middle sections
- More consistent development of Giselle and Jackie’s arcs
- Clearer connections between some of the fragmented narrative threads
- A more satisfying resolution to some of the interpersonal conflicts
Final Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Journey
“Memory Piece” is a novel that lingers in the mind long after reading. Ko’s writing is evocative, her characters are complex, and her vision of the future is disturbingly plausible. While the fragmented structure and uneven pacing can be frustrating, the novel’s ambition and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile read.
It’s a book that asks big questions about art, friendship, and what it means to leave a mark on the world. If it doesn’t always provide satisfying answers, well – isn’t that just like memory itself?
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of literary fiction that blends realism with near-future speculation
- Readers interested in explorations of art, technology, and activism
- Those who enjoy nonlinear narratives and experimental structures
- Anyone looking for complex portrayals of Asian American characters and experiences
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- Readers who prefer straightforward, chronological storytelling
- Those looking for a more optimistic vision of the future
- Fans of Ko’s previous work expecting something similar in style
Similar Books You Might Enjoy:
- “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan – For its innovative structure and exploration of time and technology
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett – For its multigenerational story and examination of identity
- “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong – For its lyrical prose and exploration of the immigrant experience
Final Thoughts
“Memory Piece” is like that friend from your youth who always had the wildest ideas – sometimes frustrating, often inspiring, and never, ever boring. It’s a novel that takes big swings, and while it doesn’t always connect, you can’t help but admire its ambition.
Ko has crafted a thought-provoking meditation on friendship, art, and the relentless march of time. It’s a book that asks us to consider what truly matters in a world that seems increasingly hostile to creativity and human connection.
So grab a copy, settle in, and prepare for a journey through time, memory, and the enduring power of friendship. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching out to some old friends afterward, wondering what became of those shared dreams you once had.
