To Leave a Memory

Editorial Praise for To Leave a Memory

"A warm portrait of a family coming together to forgive ... the colorful dialogue keeps the story moving ... There's a pleasing amount of healthy talk about sex ... Forgiveness comes in moments sentimental but tender, and even Andrew Ward's post-stroke syntax has a chance to shine."
- Kirkus Reviews

"You've written a wonderful story. By the end, the characters become like family to the reader.
- Jean Jenkins, Editor, San Diego

"Debut author, Pat Dunlap Evans has written a poignant literary novel that explores an ordinary couple's enduring relationship years after a family tragedy. The story is told from the point of view of both the husband and wife who are reminiscent of Henry and Olive in Pulitzer prize winning Elizabeth Stout's novel, Olive Kitteridge. The writing is crisp and the ending takes a surprising turn.
- Lara Reznik, best-selling Amazon author of The Girl From Long Guyland

To Leave a Memory - What's it About?

When history professor Andrew Ward ignores his wife Lizzy's premonition that something will happen if he allows their son to go out one stormy night, tragedy strikes. Andrew is too anguished to admit he was wrong. Over the years, he and Lizzy drift into avoidance.

Forgotten in the marital divide, young daughter Jane can't forgive her brother's death. Nor can Andrew's brother Thomas, an arrogant millionaire and a perpetual prickle in Andrew's side.

When Lizzy decides to leave, Jane - who is now a tech guru and mother of three - urges her mother to repair her marriage. But Lizzy's best friend Ouisie, a strong-willed Black American, encourages Lizzy to go her own way. While Lizzy tries to make up her mind, Andrew hides in his office, trying to write a grand apologia to atone for his heartbreaking error. But when a second tragedy strikes, each family member faces a choice that no one wants to make. And Andrew must find the way to atone for his mistake and leave a memory.