Yesterday

Yesterday is a speculative fiction novel set in an alternate version of Britain where humans are divided into two classes: Monos, who can only remember the previous 24 hours, and Duos, who can remember 48 hours. The story follows a detective investigating a murder while navigating a world where most people rely on iDiaries to record their memories. The investigation centers on Mark Evans, whose wife's body is found in the river. Mark is a Duo married to a Mono, and as the case progresses, questions emerge about memory manipulation and hidden truths. The novel combines elements of psychological thriller, science fiction, and police procedural as it explores themes of memory, truth, and the nature of identity. The premise raises questions about how memories shape relationships and what happens to love when memories fade each day. The narrative serves as a lens to examine social inequality, trust, and the reliability of recorded history versus lived experience. Through its alternate reality setting, the book challenges assumptions about consciousness and human connection.

Readers found the premise creative but felt the execution fell short. Many noted the book starts strong but loses momentum, with plot holes and underdeveloped characters emerging in the second half. Liked: - Unique concept of memory limitations - Fast-paced opening chapters - Integration of diary entries and news reports Disliked: - Predictable twists - Shallow character development - Plot inconsistencies regarding memory rules - Repetitive writing style One reader stated: "The world-building raises questions that are never answered about how society functions." Another noted: "Characters make decisions that don't align with their established memory limitations." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (450+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.2/5 (200+ ratings) The mystery element earned criticism for being "too obvious," with multiple readers guessing the ending early. Several reviews mentioned disappointment that the innovative premise wasn't fully explored.

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson A woman with memory loss must piece together her past through journal entries while questioning whom to trust.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton A man inhabits different bodies each day to solve a murder that repeats in a time loop.

Recursion by Blake Crouch Memory becomes a battleground as people experience false realities in a world where the past keeps shifting.

Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella A woman wakes up with amnesia to find she inhabits a life she doesn't recognize and must uncover the truth about her transformation.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A criminal psychotherapist works to uncover the truth behind a woman's selective muteness after she shoots her husband.

🔍 Felicia Yap wrote this debut novel while pursuing her Ph.D. in History at Cambridge University. 📚 The novel blends elements of science fiction with crime thriller by creating a world where most people can only remember the previous 24 hours of their lives. 🎬 The book's film rights were secured by a major production company even before the novel was published. 🌏 The author drew inspiration for the memory concept from her own experiences living in multiple countries (Malaysia, UK, US) and how memories shape cultural identity. 💡 The book explores a unique social hierarchy where people are divided into classes based on their memory capacity: "Monos" who remember one day and "Duos" who remember two days.