The Memory Quilt
by Pamela J. Erickson
Published by et al. Publishing
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Author Pam Erickson is the third generation to grow up in Cloquet, Minnesota. Her father's parents survived the fire of 1918, and The Memory Quilt was inspired by their story.
Lisa Hanson is ill with the flu. For comfort her mother gives Lisa her Grandmother Inga's quilt to wrap herself in while she recovers. Lisa cuddles in the quilt, thinking loving thoughts of her beloved grandmother, and soon falls asleep. She awakes to find herself in Cloquet, Minnesota on October 12, 1918—the day the entire city burned, killing many people. And not only is Lisa in another time, but she has become her great-aunt Liisa, who was never found following the fire.
Lisa (Liisa) knows what is about to happen to the town of Cloquet and its residents but is unable to do anything about the terrifying events. She can, however, find out what happened to her great-aunt Liisa. The frightening thing is that as Liisa, she might die in the fire. Does Lisa survive? Does she solve the mystery?
The Memory Quilt is a wonderful Young Adult novel filled with adventure, mystery, history, and terrifying events that will keep the reader turning the pages and will encourage them to ask questions about their own family history. And they too can play a grand game of "what if?"
Armchair Interviews strongly recommends The Memory Quilt for a grand and exciting read. The part the quilt plays in the mystery is fascinating!