Geez - this book explores a heavy topics and themes including the trauma of war and the healing of this trauma (or what the lack of healing can do). To say that this book is good would be an understatement. This author has masterfully and powerfully woven facts into a fictional telling of a story that is so deep and complex that it is difficult for me to write the review.

Absolutely stunning.

Received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Set against the backdrop of the International Criminal Court (ICC), this engaging novel seamlessly weaves together Dutch Nazi history with modern-day events. Intriguing characters and vivid location details draw readers into a compelling narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. From uncovering parallels between WWII war crimes and contemporary conflicts in Timbuktu to the masterful development of beloved characters like Aunt Julia, this book is both informative and captivating. The ending delivers a powerful punch, leaving readers eagerly anticipating Dr. Niezen's next historical fiction masterpiece.

The Memory Seeker of the title is Canadian Peter Dekker, a recent recruit of the International Criminal Court at The Hague. He is soon sent to investigate evidence of war crimes in the wake of the Mali War, in Timbuktu.

Those looking for graphic tales of atrocities will be disappointed: looking for evidence involves looking for corroboration, factual recording, accurate dating.

This is a double-pronged tale: when Peter returns to be with his Dutch wife, the latter's new relationship with an estranged relative brings investigations such of these closer to home. Could it be that there are members of his own family that corroborated with Nazi crimes, and covered murder within it's own ranks?

Péter is not the kind of man to let a question like this go. There is psychological intrigue too, as the story unveils the mind of a narcissist..

This part of the story is also imbibed with realism and experience, as the postscript reveals. There is a recognition of the importance of family bo da, and the need to heal from trauma inflicted by war, and what can be unleashed by it.