This book was more spooky and eerie than I thought it would be, and it is so so good, but I want to let myself have this experience in a phyiscal book format.

This book is very well written, I heavily enjoyed the writing style. The cover is also quite interesting and very cool. And the concept is both fascination, well-executed, and relevant. I am grateful I was able to sample this read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ebook for free! I am leaving this feedback voluntarily.

"Devastation occurs whether we’re paying attention or not."

In a world where humanity's very memories are regulated, our protagonist shares with us through a series of contraband moments, intertwined into a story of government control, escalation, resistance, passion, and ultimately what it means to be free.

tropes & story components:
this is a hard book to boil down. Its a series of short stories that wind together in some unexpected ways. There is more of an overarching theme than there is an overarching plot.
- dystopian future
- corrupt, controlling government
- resistance

content warnings:
As with most novels of dystopian futures, this isn't a happy book.
- death
- war
- oppression
- racism
- sexism

what I liked:
this is one of the most impactful novels I've ever read. Honestly, I struggle to know what to say and how to describe it. This is a powerful, deep piece of art. I cannot recommend this book enough.

these quotes get honorable mentions:

"...they don’t want us to know what it’s like to live without fear."

"...the Party has been in power for far longer than you or I have existed. Is it so strange if we no longer remember how to resist?"

other notes:
I disagree with other reviewers who say it needs editing. I think perceived flaws were a stylistic choice. I noticed nothing objectively wrong.
What it needs is patience on the part of the reader. some of the points made are slow to build and some of the stories told are slow to interweave. its worth it. keep reading.


Thank you to netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a good book! I think it was unique and well written. I enjoyed the way the book went over the past of the parents and how things are so different to them now. I enjoy the story!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This book made me think of Cloud Atlas and Man in The High Castle. The information that is being shared, yet controlled and disruption when memories that were inherited shed light on the histories and world views. Thought-provoking unique read

A series of interwoven vignettes that tell a story of collective resistance from a reluctant narrator.

-Futuristic Dystopian government
-Brain uploading-biotechnology
-“Who watches the watchmen?”
-1984 meets Memento meets Netflix’s Travelers series.


China, now known as the one-world Qin Empire, is controlling its citizens using mindbanks, a surgically inserted memory drive. The government, henceforth known as “the Party” uses mindbanks to store a collective memory, used to educate and entertain its populace. The memories of many are closely monitored by the Party.

One day, a woman passes her memories to her son. It turns out that she has many unsanctioned memories in her mind bank. What will her son do with this knowledge?

This story is that collection of unsanctioned memories with interludes.


5 star potential, needs some edits I think!! Seriously, I could see a polished version of this book being taught in schools.

one of the best dystopian/sci-fi fiction i've read so far.

<i>"When I was a boy, my mother used to tell me stories of a world before memories could be shared between strangers..."</i>

in this book we get a tech-driven future where memories aren’t just personal—they’re currency. The Qin Empire rules with an iron grip, using Mindbanks, devices implanted into citizens’ brains, to record and even sell experiences. Enter Memory Capitalism, a system where the rich can live someone else’s life and the powerful can erase or manipulate history itself. the story kicks off with the unnamed narrator inheriting his mother’s illegal memories after her sudden death. but these aren’t just nostalgic moments—they’re explosive. it was packed with truths that could destabilize the empire, even owning them makes him a target. as the protagonist scrambles to share these memories before they’re destroyed, the novel unravels a series of snapshots—tales of sumo wrestlers, activists, swimmers, and watchmakers—all resisting the empire’s suffocating control.

each memory feels like its own little world, but together, they paint a bigger picture of rebellion and resilience. from ancient rituals to futuristic protests, the stories are gripping, diverse, and deeply human. the narrator’s mission to preserve his mother’s legacy gives the novel its emotional core, while the memories themselves push the boundaries of genre, blending sci-fi, history, and dystopian drama into something unforgettable. what makes this book hit so hard is how timely it feels ESPECIALLY TODAY. the surface of memory-swapping tech and empire politics is a sharp commentary on how easily governments and media can twist the truth. it's a reality check for anyone living in an age of misinformation and curated narratives. but don't get it twisted—the novel pulses with themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling to push back against erasure.

the writing is so immersive, with a modern vibe that keeps the pace sharp while still digging deep. the narrator’s voice feels raw and urgent, pulling you into his desperate mission as the stakes climb. this isn’t just another dystopian tale—it’s a wake-up call wrapped in a high-stakes, emotionally charged narrative.

if you’re into speculative fiction that’s smart, intense, and deeply relevant, These Memories Do Not Belong to Us is a must-read. it's a bold reminder that even in the darkest times, stories can save us—and that some truths are worth risking everything for.

thank you so much Yiming Ma & Mariner Books!
this novel deserves all the 5 stars in the world. it was so good.

This is a beautifully haunting novel that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. The way Ma writes about identity, memory, and belonging feels so raw and human, yet there’s this dreamlike quality to the story that makes it almost otherworldly. It’s one of those books that pulls you in gently and then leaves you questioning everything.

The protagonist’s struggle with piecing together borrowed memories while trying to hold on to their own identity really hit me. It’s such a unique concept, but it’s handled with so much care and depth that it never feels overcomplicated. I loved the way the book balanced emotional moments with big, thought-provoking ideas—there’s a lot to unpack, but it never feels overwhelming.

There were a few parts that felt a little abstract, and I had to stop and reread to fully get it, but honestly, I didn’t mind. That dreamlike quality added something special. This book felt like stepping into someone else’s memories, and it’s an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. 4/5 stars.