This article examines the importance of memory and reflections on memory in the modern humanities. After a brief review of the concepts introduced by various critics and historians (Muller, White, Hutcheon, Lowenthal, etc.), we consider the prominence of memory and the past in recent narrative. Among these fictional journeys into the past, we call particular attention to Basque narrative concerning the Spanish Civil War, focusing specifically on works by Bernardo Atxaga and Ramon Saizarbitoria.