This is totally a different kind of book, I liked it and glad that I read it. Specially, the nature descriptions got me awed.The words have been bound up beautifully, so each page includes at least one quote for you. The ending was quite surprising and unexpected; it got me wanting to read the story all over again while picking up the points I missed.
Finally, I wish I also had a penpal like Olya or Yumi San, to write beautiful letters to and talk about life with. 🍁
Cute story between two pen pals writing to each other from mountains & sea. It talks about depression, love and mental illnesses. Kinda felt Olya is too much into overthinking. The descriptions in the first 80-100 pages were a little boring. However the story picks up after awhile. The ending is sweet.
Noticed this book when it went viral on insta and ticktok ,i was quiet surprised to see a book becoming a trend within the Sri Lankan social media community.So i was tempted to read it, and i am glad that i picked this book to read.It was my first time reading a story constructed by two individuals.The whole time i read the book, i felt like i was trapped within an enchanting painting which consists of a mountain landscape and a seashore in either sides of the painting which i can cross freely while reading Olya's and Yumi san's accounts.Each and every phrase was infused with visual and tactile imageries .After reading half of the book, i went back to the beginning and started reading it all over again to get a better view of the characters presented in an indirect manner.At the end of each and every account, i'm left startled ,thinking to myself how two young adults most importantly debut authors could be so creative.I kinda enjoyed Yumi san's accounts more and the romantic tale of Yumi san and Luka.But we must not forget the underlying message in the story, about the struggle carried on silently by the victims of depression.The story ends in a way that readers least expected and it was an unforeseen yet a fascinating ending.So definitely this book was a 5 star read for me.I would like to end my review with the most beautiful idea caught in the book,
"Olya, i believe that at the end of the universe , there are Cherry trees that blossom in the spring, and a few Maple trees that shed their leaves in the autumn.No one will be harmed by such a belief, no matter what the season is, there might be very beautiful things there."
It is just like a watching a movie, full of visuals and magical. Not only that gives attention to very important psychological aspects of today’s world. I love this book ❤️❤️
Well this is basically a story about two girls who live away from each other and they are pen pals.
I am somebody who finishes books no matter what, but I really couldn't convince myself to finish this one. What I noticed throughout the story is how the authors have tried to imitate the styles of the translators who translated some famous novels that really made an impact on Sri Lankan readers, which I believe is the same reason I would consider this book a failure. It has Japanese names, it has Russian names and at the same time it has Little House vibes and so many unnecessary parables. So all this is really confusing to the reader. They try to explain the sceneries in great detail as we see in the Little House books but then, here and there they're using a couple of English words which destroys the whole vibe. To be honest, it was overwhelming and I feel like the book was overhyped by the marketing team (Well done)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beautiful writing by 2 new authors. Story is about 2 pen pals one from the hill side of the country & the other from coastal area. They share their lives with each others via these intimate letters. Central theme is on mental health, about "broken" people & Love.
Start of the story was not exactly up to the hype.. but once you passed those pages this book will definitely make you hooked. A different storyline and a book that will interest many who love poetry and coffee..
Forget Me Not was one of the most talked about Sinhala novels of 2024 and before picking it up, I came across a mix of opinions; praise,criticism and everything in between. But after finishing it, I can say that I loved this book.
The story carried a gentle, emotional tone that reminded me of an Emily Henry novel; only shorter, quieter and more restrained. I believe the story could have reached even more readers if certain moments were expanded. Yet, there is also something beautiful about how the authors chose restraint, leaving space for the reader to pause, reflect and connect the dots on their own.
What stood out most was how delicately the novel touches on deeply human themes: mental health, childhood trauma, gender orientation, friendship, memories and love. None of these are forced; instead, they unfold naturally, wrapped in a soft, almost vintage atmosphere that lingers long after the last page.
I was especially mesmerized by the friendship between Yumi Sun and Olya; a bond filled with warmth, understanding and quiet strength. The love stories too felt sincere and tender: Yumi Sun and Luka, Olya and Pierre. These relationships were written with subtlety rather than drama, making them feel real and deeply moving.
Forget Me Not is not a loud novel; it whispers. And if you’re willing to listen, it leaves you with emotions to carry, questions to ponder and memories that stay. For me, that made it a deeply satisfying read.
I recently bought this book due to the huge hype around it. At first, the story seemed unclear, and it was difficult to keep my interest. However, the phase of the story became better with the pen pals' letters. The intermediate stories such as "Soft friend at the medical centre" or "the young storyteller" were hard to grasp or connect with the letters until the end of the story. Authors’ language sound similar to the tone used by English to Sinhala translators for popular children's books like Anneandlittle house series. While this might bring nostalgia to some readers, I have mixed feelings about it. It would be better for authors to use their own style to tell this story rather than mimicking an old, familiar one. Also, certain parts of book felt overly romanticized, with somewhat like childish spirit (maybe it is the point of this book ). Overall, I like the story and how authors link all the small details at the end.
I was fortunate to read this book before it became widely popular, which meant I wasn’t spoiled or expecting a grand plot. My initial curiosity was sparked by the striking cover and the unusual title. I ended up enjoying every part of it, especially because it resonated with the phase of life I was in at the time. I found myself revisiting its most beautiful passages again and again. Even now, I keep this book close by for those moments when I need a little reminder of its warmth and wisdom.
I read Forget Me Not while going through the worst heartbreak of my life.
The book really helped me see the beauty of life, its moments, its people. The story is fiction but non-fiction at the same time, and it’s written in a way that evokes strong emotions in the reader. I was ugly-crying at some passages because I related so much to them. The prose is beautiful, almost poetic at times.
Forget Me Not will teach you that every moment is worth something. That the state of being alive is a miracle in itself.
I didn't want to read 'Forget Me Not' because it was popular, but glad I did! Confusing at first, but the ending was WOW 😍. I had to reread some points to connect the dots.
'Forget Me Not' was a public phenomenon in Sri Lanka. And it touches many modern trends in the world and analyses them in a simple manner which is a good thing for young readers.
I highly recommend this book for Sri Lankan Sinhalese book lovers.
This Sinhala novel stands out with its exceptional storytelling, captivating readers from the beginning to the end. With beautifully crafted graphics and a compelling storyline, it transports readers beyond Sri Lankan borders, immersing them in a strange unknown land. Notably, its exploration of mental health adds depth to the narrative which should be appreciated. I feel that it has been drawing inspiration from quality books, movies and TV series and the authors have been able to present a unique story that delights readers. Overall, this novel is a truly enjoyable read.
This book is build upon letters exchanged between two unseen friends who shares their life experiences and life stories . Story ends with a sad ending. but throughout this book has a cozy and a happy vibe. Story is great. It has all those classical oldish background. Coffee, flowers, bookshops, sea , love, romance etc.. story builds up very well and surprise the reader with the plot twist at the end. overall its a good read