Super Short Summary

Memory Wall by Anthony Doerr is a collection of seven short stories, each connected by themes of memory and its impact on human lives. In "Memory Wall," Alma, an elderly woman with dementia, uses advanced technology to preserve her memories, only to have them exploited by others. In "Procreate, Generate," a couple struggles with infertility. "The Demilitarized Zone" examines a father's challenges as he deals with his son’s military service, his own ailing father, and a troubled marriage. "Village 113" depicts a seed keeper faced with her village's impending submersion due to a dam project. "The River Nemunas" follows 15-year-old Allison's journey after losing her parents, while "Afterworld" explores a Holocaust survivor's experience with epilepsy and memory. "The Deep" tells the story of Tom, a boy with a heart condition, as he navigates loss and an unexpected reconnection. Sensitive topics like dementia, infertility, military service, environmental destruction, loss, and historical trauma appear.