Can You Really Go Home Again?

Most people have fond memories of their childhood. However, there are some that the thought of remembering or re-living these memories is simply horrific. What if you remember a wonderful childhood full of wonderful memories and find out as an adult that some memories were repressed or confused with other events?Such is the case with the main character, “Mike” from Tamera Lawrence’s new thriller, “The Pond.” While reading this book, it gave me pause for thought; can you really go back home again? As an adult, will you see through the eyes of your inner child and see life as you did back then? The idea is intriguing to say the least and is firmly planted within this story.

Just as the main character begins to realize that his memories were not quite as he remembered, he begins to notice other recollections of his childhood that appear to be inaccurate. And, it isn’t easy as dismissing it as “not being that important”. The hook in this story is that Mike has moved his family to his childhood home that he inherited from his mother. His past is glaringly on display for all to see, much to his chagrin. He has a daughter around the same age he was when he lived in this home 25 years ago. Instead of watching her enjoy the same facets of his own childhood residence, he begins to notice that she doesn’t share the same ubiquitous appreciation for this home as he had.

Additionally, Mike’s wife, Donna begins to see a glimmer of beloved memories recounted by her husband that are not so accurate. The next door neighbors, the Grays were remembered as friendly and genuinely fond of Mike. In fact, Mrs. Gray even made Mike’s favorite dessert, pie just for him. Yet, when Mike’s wife meets the couple upon moving in, she finds them to be odd which piques her interest in Mike’s past. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something seemed awry. Even acknowledging the aloofness and rudeness of his mother toward her was practically impossible for Mike. He simply dismissed it as being overprotective because he was an only child. If he told her once, he told her a thousand times, let it go, it’s in the past. Apparently, this became the unspoken mantra for his childhood memories.

Why does he have such Pollyanna memories? The mind is complex and will offer tainted memories to replace true memories if the anguish or trauma is too great for a person. That psychological fact has been proven. Is this the case with Mike’s own childhood? There was a tragic event that happened on “The Pond” that caused him grief. When he begins looking for answers and asks questions of his trusted neighbors, he is warned to: Let it go, it’s in the past. Is he being punished? Did he repress any memories? How could he find out? Time will tell as one reads further into this thriller.

Do not Forget you can now purchase "The Pond" in Kindle Format for $2.99. Purchase here!