Book Review of Memorial by Bryan Washington’s 

“Memorial” is a stunning novel by Bryan Washington that tells the story of two men, Benson and Mike, who are in a relationship that seems to be falling apart. The book is set in Houston, Texas, and explores themes of family, identity, and communication.

The story is told from alternating perspectives, and the writing style is raw and emotional, making it easy for the reader to connect with the characters. Benson is a black daycare teacher who is struggling to understand his relationship with Mike, a Japanese-American chef who seems to be emotionally distant. When Mike’s estranged father comes to visit Japan, Mike decides to leave for his home country to care for his sick mother. This decision forces Benson to confront his feelings about their relationship and his own family history.

What sets “Memorial” apart from other novels is its honest portrayal of modern relationships. The book explores the difficulties that arise when two people from different cultural backgrounds try to build a life together. It also delves into the complex relationships that people have with their families and how these relationships can impact romantic relationships.

Washington writes in a lovely, poetic style, and he does a great job of capturing the feelings of his characters. The novel is not always simple to read since it covers touchy subjects like adultery, illness, and death. Though sensitively and gracefully handled, these subjects make for an emotional read that is ultimately gratifying.

“Memorial” is an all-around strong and exquisitely written book that examines the complexity of contemporary relationships. Washington is a gifted author who has written a tale that is both heartfelt and tragic. Everyone interested in current literature or delving into the complexities of relationships in our contemporary society must read it.