Books relating to unearthing memories

Hi all,

I'm an avid reader and aspiring writer, and I'm currently working on my PhD. For this project, I'm writing about memory. I have been inundated with books I've encountered on my research, and can't really think where to start with this creative reading. As such, I thought I'd ask here. I'll find new books people have loved, and if something crops up that's already on my list… well, I know which one to read first!

My project centres around a man seeking to trigger involuntary memories to understand his past. He uses food, music and place to do so. He is hoping to understand why he broke up with his first girlfriend, and try and absolve himself of guilt because she has recently passed. The main inspiration for the book was Julian Barnes' 'The Sense of an Ending'.

I'm looking for books that are literary, to some extent, and that focus on a person unearthing memories of their youth. Bonus points if the memories are involuntary (like Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time').

Thanks in advance!!