Jeffrey Moore, The Memory Artists

The Memory Artists

Jeffrey Moore

St. Martin's, Feb 2006, $13.95

ISBN: 0312349254

Noel Burun is a rare individual who "suffers from "hypermnesic synaesthete" as he senses the world quite differently than everyone he knows, as he sees incredible amounts of colors when he hears sounds, especially voices he hears. On top of his unique sensitivity, Noel also owns an astonishing CD-like memory that facilitates his ability to recall anything in minute details, even the most obscure footnotes.

Noel attends the University of Quebec as a psychology graduate student, and works with Montreal neurologist Emile Vorta, who originally diagnosed his condition when he was a child. Noel seeks a miracle drug to cure Alzheimer's, the disease devastating his beloved mom. Assisting Noel are his friends Norval Blaquiere whose goal in life is to seduce an alphabet worth of women with Stella being the current one, as woman S thought he would prefer his colleague; former Hollywood starlet Samira Darwish, whom Noel loves; and JJ Yelle, who hides a painful past with a euphoric fervor helped by chemicals. These four seek a modern miracle, but get something else instead.

This is a terrific character study that looks deep inside several key cast members, but especially Noel. The storyline is filled with gimmicks that work, as the audience learns through footnotes and other gadgetry what makes Noel and his pals tick. Fans of strong modern day irony will enjoy Jeffrey Moore's homage to the inspirational power of friendship.