There is a Waugh-like brilliance to Memento Mori, in the easy economical narrative, the continuous invention producing a series of surprises, the well-cut dialogue, the controlled tone. This last is the most remarkable of Miss Spark’s achievements. Nothing is forced, least of all the humor.
—V.S. Naipaul

In late 1950s London, something uncanny besets a group of elderly friends: a voice on the telephone informs each, “Remember you must die.”

Memento Mori

Fiction by Muriel Spark

Their geriatric leathers are soon thoroughly ruffled by these perhaps supernatural phone calls, and in the resulting flurry many old secrets are dusted off. Cracks appear on the once decorous surface of their lives––unsavories like blackmail and adultery are now to be glimpsed. Spooky, poignant and wickedIy hilarious, Memento Mori may deal in death, but it is a book which leaves one relishing life all the more.

Buy from:

Paperback (published June 1, 2000)

ISBN
9780811214384
Price US
13.95
Trim Size
5x8
Page Count
228

Ebook (published June 1, 2000)

ISBN
9780811219372
Price US
13.95
Page Count
228

Muriel Spark

20th century Scottish novelist, poet and essayist

There is a Waugh-like brilliance to Memento Mori, in the easy economical narrative, the continuous invention producing a series of surprises, the well-cut dialogue, the controlled tone. This last is the most remarkable of Miss Spark’s achievements. Nothing is forced, least of all the humor.
—V.S. Naipaul