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The Forget Me Not Chronicles: The loveable but eccentic adventures of Maggie
The unforgettable, sharply funny dementia novel readers are calling “heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure.”“Maggie is a masterpiece of chaos.”
"Tom broke my heart, then made me laugh out loud.”
“A beautifully honest story.” It starts, as these things often do, with small slips. A misplaced remote. A teapot given away to a postman. A trolley “adopted” from Tesco Express.
But Maggie Harris has never done anything by halves - so her dementia arrives with full-blown five-hour bus trips to places she doesn’t recognise, late-night wanderings, supermarket misunderstandings, disappearing shoes, jam-glued birthday cards, teapot purges, and a firm belief she once had tea with The Queen.
Her son Tom, once a globe-trotting travel writer, now manages crisis after crisis - calming neighbours, rescuing postmen, and gently correcting her when she mistakes him for her late husband. But even he isn’t ready for the day she no longer recognises her own house, or the night she accuses him of kidnapping her.
And with Lucy offering long-distance support from Australia, Tom is left holding the pieces - and the kettle - while trying to keep Maggie safe without losing her spark.
Now, as her world blurs and repeats, as stories loop and names slip away, Tom faces the question he’s dreaded for
Can he protect Maggie’s dignity, humour, and independence… before the memories that make her Maggie disappear?
Warm, chaotic, and devastatingly human, The Forget-Me-Not Chronicles shines a light on the fierce love between a mother who refuses to fade quietly and the son who won’t let her go.
A story about mischief, memory, and the moments that stay long after everything else has gone.
"Tom broke my heart, then made me laugh out loud.”
“A beautifully honest story.” It starts, as these things often do, with small slips. A misplaced remote. A teapot given away to a postman. A trolley “adopted” from Tesco Express.
But Maggie Harris has never done anything by halves - so her dementia arrives with full-blown five-hour bus trips to places she doesn’t recognise, late-night wanderings, supermarket misunderstandings, disappearing shoes, jam-glued birthday cards, teapot purges, and a firm belief she once had tea with The Queen.
Her son Tom, once a globe-trotting travel writer, now manages crisis after crisis - calming neighbours, rescuing postmen, and gently correcting her when she mistakes him for her late husband. But even he isn’t ready for the day she no longer recognises her own house, or the night she accuses him of kidnapping her.
And with Lucy offering long-distance support from Australia, Tom is left holding the pieces - and the kettle - while trying to keep Maggie safe without losing her spark.
Now, as her world blurs and repeats, as stories loop and names slip away, Tom faces the question he’s dreaded for
Can he protect Maggie’s dignity, humour, and independence… before the memories that make her Maggie disappear?
Warm, chaotic, and devastatingly human, The Forget-Me-Not Chronicles shines a light on the fierce love between a mother who refuses to fade quietly and the son who won’t let her go.
A story about mischief, memory, and the moments that stay long after everything else has gone.
- GenresFiction
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2025
334 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 5, 2025
6 stars if I could!
Something about this book caught my eye — I think it was the hilariously grumpy-looking old lady on the cover. It was on sale, so I thought, why not? Best decision I’ve made in a long time.
I haven’t been able to finish a book in months while battling my own health and personal struggles. Funnily enough, when I last went to London, it was the first time I’d seen my nanna in a while — and it was a stark reminder of how fragile her memory had become. Just a couple of days ago, she rang me asking if I could ask the scaffolder outside to hang a picture for her… in London… while I’m in Wales. Sometimes our conversations leave me completely perplexed, but then there was a line in this book that hit me right in the chest. It was along the lines of One day, these strange and looping conversations won’t be here — and you’ll miss them.
That line broke me a bit, because it’s true. I completely felt for Tom. My heart went out to both him and Maggie.
Everything about this book is perfection. I wouldn’t change a single thing. Christopher Hall took something so painful — the loss and confusion of memory, and watching someone you love go through that — and managed to lace it with humour, tenderness, and humanity. He turned dark moments into something unexpectedly light, and beautiful.
This book made me laugh like I haven’t laughed in months. It made me well up with those rare tears of happy-sadness that sneak up on you when something truly moves you. I know I’m making this review more about how it made me feel, but that’s exactly it — it made me feel, after a long time of feeling nothing.
It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year — if not the most beautiful. I’m going to miss these characters dearly. They feel like people I’ve known, loved, and laughed with.
I’ve never had a six-star book before, but this is it. I especially loved how it seemed to trap you in a kind of emotional loop — repeating mistakes, the heartbreak, the hope — and yet you could sense something building underneath it all, something tender and inevitable, slowly rising to the surface. This is, dementia.
Truly unforgettable.
Something about this book caught my eye — I think it was the hilariously grumpy-looking old lady on the cover. It was on sale, so I thought, why not? Best decision I’ve made in a long time.
I haven’t been able to finish a book in months while battling my own health and personal struggles. Funnily enough, when I last went to London, it was the first time I’d seen my nanna in a while — and it was a stark reminder of how fragile her memory had become. Just a couple of days ago, she rang me asking if I could ask the scaffolder outside to hang a picture for her… in London… while I’m in Wales. Sometimes our conversations leave me completely perplexed, but then there was a line in this book that hit me right in the chest. It was along the lines of One day, these strange and looping conversations won’t be here — and you’ll miss them.
That line broke me a bit, because it’s true. I completely felt for Tom. My heart went out to both him and Maggie.
Everything about this book is perfection. I wouldn’t change a single thing. Christopher Hall took something so painful — the loss and confusion of memory, and watching someone you love go through that — and managed to lace it with humour, tenderness, and humanity. He turned dark moments into something unexpectedly light, and beautiful.
This book made me laugh like I haven’t laughed in months. It made me well up with those rare tears of happy-sadness that sneak up on you when something truly moves you. I know I’m making this review more about how it made me feel, but that’s exactly it — it made me feel, after a long time of feeling nothing.
It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year — if not the most beautiful. I’m going to miss these characters dearly. They feel like people I’ve known, loved, and laughed with.
I’ve never had a six-star book before, but this is it. I especially loved how it seemed to trap you in a kind of emotional loop — repeating mistakes, the heartbreak, the hope — and yet you could sense something building underneath it all, something tender and inevitable, slowly rising to the surface. This is, dementia.
Truly unforgettable.
December 9, 2025
Funny but sad
A friend’s mother has been in memory care and these stories seem to ring quite true. We have laughed over what she has done but it is also sad - she may have died over the weekend. I know that there will be grief and a sense of a big hole in his life yet I expect that he will feel some relief.
A friend’s mother has been in memory care and these stories seem to ring quite true. We have laughed over what she has done but it is also sad - she may have died over the weekend. I know that there will be grief and a sense of a big hole in his life yet I expect that he will feel some relief.
October 19, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was both funny and sad at the same time. A must read for anyone caring for someone with dementia.
August 27, 2025
A Book Of Love
I loved this book not only because I, too, cared for my Mom in her later years. Though my Mom did not technically have dementia, she struggled after a stroke with memory issues. I related to the Son, in the patience, calmness he needed in the care of his Mom. The Sons constant respect, kindness, humor and understanding in each challenging situation was such a blessing for her and him.
I'd highly recommend this book for everyone. You will laugh and cry and most importantly learn a cup of tea and a biscuit with your Mom or Dad when you are needed most in their later years will be the joy of your life.
I loved this book not only because I, too, cared for my Mom in her later years. Though my Mom did not technically have dementia, she struggled after a stroke with memory issues. I related to the Son, in the patience, calmness he needed in the care of his Mom. The Sons constant respect, kindness, humor and understanding in each challenging situation was such a blessing for her and him.
I'd highly recommend this book for everyone. You will laugh and cry and most importantly learn a cup of tea and a biscuit with your Mom or Dad when you are needed most in their later years will be the joy of your life.
August 15, 2025
Lots of errors. Inconsistencies ie. Cat becomes a dog twice.
August 1, 2025
Wow what a fantastic book would highly recommend not just to people who are caring for someone with dementia but everyone .
This book rang true in so many notes . I laughed and I cried and reminisced my own memories of my mum as could relate to maggie and Tom in many ways .
The laughter was definately the first half of the book and the nearer you got to the end it became sad where my tears came . Don’t let that put you off reading it though as from my experience of caring for my mum it had it share of laughter and tears .
I love how Tom captured it all in such a great way that from page one I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down . I read it in 6 hours .
He tried to capture what Maggie was going through as well as his feelings throughout which isn’t an easy thing to do especially when things get tougher as the journey progresses .
I absolutely loved Maggie and in some ways she reminded me of my late mum who passed away 8 weeks ago . Her mischievousness , her love of fixing everything with a cup of tea , her love of biscuits and the queen .
The way Tom expressed his feelings especially about the non stop phone calls I truly related as my phone would always be ringing at all hours with an issue to deal with from mum scaring the life out of the carer when she was sitting out the front with her friends to her setting off her chair and bed sensors because she hadn’t been in them .
I loved the chapters about the remote control and the bingo hall I definately related to the remote control as my mum was forever misplacing hers and I would find in the weirdest of places (not a fish tank )
I will definately be recommending this book to as many people as I can as it wasn’t like other dementia books I’ve read it was an easy read even though I did find it harder towards the end .
I hope you find someone to publish this as it wasn’t so good
This book rang true in so many notes . I laughed and I cried and reminisced my own memories of my mum as could relate to maggie and Tom in many ways .
The laughter was definately the first half of the book and the nearer you got to the end it became sad where my tears came . Don’t let that put you off reading it though as from my experience of caring for my mum it had it share of laughter and tears .
I love how Tom captured it all in such a great way that from page one I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down . I read it in 6 hours .
He tried to capture what Maggie was going through as well as his feelings throughout which isn’t an easy thing to do especially when things get tougher as the journey progresses .
I absolutely loved Maggie and in some ways she reminded me of my late mum who passed away 8 weeks ago . Her mischievousness , her love of fixing everything with a cup of tea , her love of biscuits and the queen .
The way Tom expressed his feelings especially about the non stop phone calls I truly related as my phone would always be ringing at all hours with an issue to deal with from mum scaring the life out of the carer when she was sitting out the front with her friends to her setting off her chair and bed sensors because she hadn’t been in them .
I loved the chapters about the remote control and the bingo hall I definately related to the remote control as my mum was forever misplacing hers and I would find in the weirdest of places (not a fish tank )
I will definately be recommending this book to as many people as I can as it wasn’t like other dementia books I’ve read it was an easy read even though I did find it harder towards the end .
I hope you find someone to publish this as it wasn’t so good
January 4, 2026
Some stories tiptoe into your heart rather than march in, and The Forget Me Not Chronicles by Christopher Hall is one of them.
This charming little novel follows Maggie, a woman whose world is slowly unravelling at the edges, and Tom, her son, who narrates the journey with equal parts exasperation, affection, and wry humour. What could have been a heavy story becomes something unexpectedly uplifting, because Tom never lets us forget the joy threaded through even the most bewildering moments.
Maggie’s dementia is portrayed with a gentle honesty—her confusion, her flashes of mischief, her stubborn streak that refuses to fade. Tom’s voice brings the book to life: he’s candid about the heartbreak, but he’s also the first to laugh when Maggie outsmarts him or insists the neighbour’s cat is plotting a coup. Their relationship feels real, messy, and deeply human.
What makes the book shine is how it celebrates the small victories: a shared joke, a remembered song, a moment of clarity that feels like a gift. It’s touching without being sentimental, funny without being flippant, and ultimately a reminder that love doesn’t vanish just because memories do.
A tender, hopeful read that lingers long after the last page.
This charming little novel follows Maggie, a woman whose world is slowly unravelling at the edges, and Tom, her son, who narrates the journey with equal parts exasperation, affection, and wry humour. What could have been a heavy story becomes something unexpectedly uplifting, because Tom never lets us forget the joy threaded through even the most bewildering moments.
Maggie’s dementia is portrayed with a gentle honesty—her confusion, her flashes of mischief, her stubborn streak that refuses to fade. Tom’s voice brings the book to life: he’s candid about the heartbreak, but he’s also the first to laugh when Maggie outsmarts him or insists the neighbour’s cat is plotting a coup. Their relationship feels real, messy, and deeply human.
What makes the book shine is how it celebrates the small victories: a shared joke, a remembered song, a moment of clarity that feels like a gift. It’s touching without being sentimental, funny without being flippant, and ultimately a reminder that love doesn’t vanish just because memories do.
A tender, hopeful read that lingers long after the last page.
November 11, 2025
What a wonderful book....especially for those of us who have a loved one with this horrible disease. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was both funny and sad at the same time. My own father has this disease and last year, we got to the point where he couldn't live alone anymore and he now is living in an assisted living situation close enough for me to spend many days a week with him. This story was spot on as far as how the mind works.....sometimes in the present, other times in the past, and sporadically being frightened, confused, and then laughing it off and being sharp as a tack for a short moment. In my experience, all this is true, but I feel that in Maggie's case, she had the added blessing of being physically still sound. My dad is really slowing down to the point that I wonder how much longer before he needs a wheelchair....anyway, I thoroughly loved this story and will be sharing it with a couple of other friends of mine who also are in this same situation with their parents. Thank you for writing on this topic as it did add humor, encouragement, smiles, love and the blessing of being the one caring for their loved one.
January 4, 2026
Wonderful Book - Lots of Laughs, A few tears.
I know a lot of Toms. My dad was one. Toddlers are both frustrating and deeply loved. The same can be said for the Maggies of the world. People can be extraordinarily kind and respectful especially so if the person with dementia has lived in the same community for decades. My mom was scared to go down the front and back steps without my dad's help so didn't have all the solo adventures that Maggie had. In Canada, they are beginning to ask older people who go into hospital for any reason to sign an advance directive about medical assisted dying. People are terrified about the chaos and confusion that comes with dementia and will voluntarily miss experiencing the adventures of Maggie.
I know a lot of Toms. My dad was one. Toddlers are both frustrating and deeply loved. The same can be said for the Maggies of the world. People can be extraordinarily kind and respectful especially so if the person with dementia has lived in the same community for decades. My mom was scared to go down the front and back steps without my dad's help so didn't have all the solo adventures that Maggie had. In Canada, they are beginning to ask older people who go into hospital for any reason to sign an advance directive about medical assisted dying. People are terrified about the chaos and confusion that comes with dementia and will voluntarily miss experiencing the adventures of Maggie.
January 7, 2026
I read this because my own mother has been diagnosed with dementia and maybe that is why I didn't find much humor to it-I wanted to. I guess it made me dread what I might be dealing with in the future. I appreciated the author trying to encourage being thankful for something wherever you are in the journey and trying to find the humor (or you might cry). I wondered why family allowed her to live alone while burning toast, not having proper nutrition in the fridge and handling her own money and driving, etc. I might have felt differently about the book if I wasn't so early into this part of my mother's journey.
May 30, 2025
beautifully done
The story of a bright flame that continued to flicker throughout the fog that persisted to consume til the end. Maggie was a force to be reckoned with and dementia did its worst.
The story of a mother and widow who was always going to be right, making the reader smile and share the comedic situation with those around them, while knowing what was happening to her and feeling heartbroken as time takes more of her than the reader can bear.
Loved this
The story of a bright flame that continued to flicker throughout the fog that persisted to consume til the end. Maggie was a force to be reckoned with and dementia did its worst.
The story of a mother and widow who was always going to be right, making the reader smile and share the comedic situation with those around them, while knowing what was happening to her and feeling heartbroken as time takes more of her than the reader can bear.
Loved this
August 26, 2025
A Beautiful Love Story
I so delighted to read a book about a dementia that was warm, loving and very humorous. Dementia robs both the patient and the caregiver of so much. I could not stop laughing at Maggie’s antics and thinking what a handful she must have been. This was truly a loving tribute of your love for your mum and the love she had for you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mum with us all.
I so delighted to read a book about a dementia that was warm, loving and very humorous. Dementia robs both the patient and the caregiver of so much. I could not stop laughing at Maggie’s antics and thinking what a handful she must have been. This was truly a loving tribute of your love for your mum and the love she had for you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mum with us all.
December 26, 2025
wow!! Just WOW
Reading this while following a similar path with my own mum has made me really think. I know she won’t be here forever & I should be grateful that more often than not, for now at least, she is here & I should have more patience with the small things, the constant repetition, the not knowing where things are BUT she hasn’t moved them, regardless of the fact she lives alone!! The turkey-gate saga we just had! What a brilliant read. Can’t recommend it enough
Reading this while following a similar path with my own mum has made me really think. I know she won’t be here forever & I should be grateful that more often than not, for now at least, she is here & I should have more patience with the small things, the constant repetition, the not knowing where things are BUT she hasn’t moved them, regardless of the fact she lives alone!! The turkey-gate saga we just had! What a brilliant read. Can’t recommend it enough
July 22, 2025
Both funny and utterly heart breaking. It is a chronicle of the slow descent of someone, who is deeply cared for, into dementia and the toll it takes on those caring for them. Told with humour, love and respect this is a beautiful book well worth sitting down for a day to read in one hit - it is unputdownable,
July 22, 2025
I loved this often funny, sometimes heartbreaking story of a man, and his mother who is living with dementia. It is well written and draws you into the lives of long-suffering Tom and his Mum, Maggie, who keeps him hopping from one escapade to the next. It brought back some memories of my Mum in her final years. Mr. Hall, your book is lovely.
July 25, 2025
Funny whilst being Heartbreakingly sad.
A true reflection of a child's special relationship with their mother all through their life. And the laughter and love that can still be shared through terribly sad times. I wept for myself and for everyone having to go through this as part of life, losing someone over and over is cruel and relentless.
A true reflection of a child's special relationship with their mother all through their life. And the laughter and love that can still be shared through terribly sad times. I wept for myself and for everyone having to go through this as part of life, losing someone over and over is cruel and relentless.
August 8, 2025
It is so well written and a very easy read, it gives you laughter, tears and gut wrenching heartache. Christopher Hall has captured the emotion perfectly.
If you have been on, or are living through, a dementia journey, I can't recommend it enough, everything Tom is feeling is very relateable.
It's just brilliant.
If you have been on, or are living through, a dementia journey, I can't recommend it enough, everything Tom is feeling is very relateable.
It's just brilliant.
August 27, 2025
The Forget Me Not Chronicles is a beautiful mix of laughter and heartbreak. I found myself laughing out loud at the funny moments (Tom’s sighs into his tea were perfect!), yet the story also captures the deep sadness and challenges of living with and caring for someone with dementia. It’s moving, compassionate, and so relatable. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it.
September 14, 2025
One of the best books I have read
The story is so real and so apt for anyone with parents and the act of growing up and taking on the role of carer. It was heartwarming, thought provoking, and emotional at the same time. One can only hope to leave this world a better place if only for the sake of Maggie!
The story is so real and so apt for anyone with parents and the act of growing up and taking on the role of carer. It was heartwarming, thought provoking, and emotional at the same time. One can only hope to leave this world a better place if only for the sake of Maggie!
September 21, 2025
I liked this book. I think this book could have had more depth to it. The characters just were not quite fleshed out, and so parts of the story seemed to not ring true. There were also some writing inconsistencies, such as a cat in one chapter was labeled a dog in the next. A sweet story, I just kept wishing for more depth.
October 5, 2025
laughter and tears
An amazing book of a son’s strong love for his Mum going through the stages of dementia. If you have been there, you know. If you haven’t count yourself blessed. Still would be an excellent book to read. Now I must leave to cry my eyes out and try to catch a breath.
An amazing book of a son’s strong love for his Mum going through the stages of dementia. If you have been there, you know. If you haven’t count yourself blessed. Still would be an excellent book to read. Now I must leave to cry my eyes out and try to catch a breath.
October 9, 2025
Endearing and Relatable
An accurate portrayal of life with a loved one with dementia. There is grief and sadness mixed in with sweet moments of laughter and love. A constant asking yourself - did that really happen! Anyone who has experienced caring for someone who is slowly leaving you in bits and pieces must read this book.
An accurate portrayal of life with a loved one with dementia. There is grief and sadness mixed in with sweet moments of laughter and love. A constant asking yourself - did that really happen! Anyone who has experienced caring for someone who is slowly leaving you in bits and pieces must read this book.
October 10, 2025
Sadly this does not reflect the experience I had of looking after my Mum when she had dementia. Some of the confusing behaviour did happen like tea bags in the fridge and the TV remote missing, but the lucidity Maggie demonstrated whilst also behaving erratically did not align with my experience of dementia. It spoilt what could have been a really
Good book for me.
Good book for me.
November 9, 2025
Lovely Story
I seldom write reviews but feel compelled to write a few words. This thoughtful story is filled with such wonderful moments of memories that must be real. Maggie comes to life as she slips away from her presence in reality. Her loving son shares his journey with her with humor and tenderness. My thanks to the author Christopher Hall.
I seldom write reviews but feel compelled to write a few words. This thoughtful story is filled with such wonderful moments of memories that must be real. Maggie comes to life as she slips away from her presence in reality. Her loving son shares his journey with her with humor and tenderness. My thanks to the author Christopher Hall.
November 30, 2025
Thoughtfully and amusing insight to dementia
I loved this book! It made me laugh,smile, ponder and shed a few tears. Though this disease can hit at any age it made me realize its deep affect on those dealing with the patient and the confusing emotions of the patient. A quick and easy read.
I loved this book! It made me laugh,smile, ponder and shed a few tears. Though this disease can hit at any age it made me realize its deep affect on those dealing with the patient and the confusing emotions of the patient. A quick and easy read.
December 8, 2025
Well told
This story, very real to a lot of people, was so well told. I felt myself nodding in agreement at some of Tom's frustrations and concerns, so familiar. In my own experience, I've always thought "if you don't laugh, you'll cry". This book highlighted that sentiment extremely well. A funny, sad, emotional journey, and a great read.
This story, very real to a lot of people, was so well told. I felt myself nodding in agreement at some of Tom's frustrations and concerns, so familiar. In my own experience, I've always thought "if you don't laugh, you'll cry". This book highlighted that sentiment extremely well. A funny, sad, emotional journey, and a great read.
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January 4, 2026Heartbreaker
You will laugh,cry,and feel sad all at the,same,time.
Lovely short book and thought provoking
After nursing patients with this cruel disease I have,seen first hand how utterly devastating
To families to go through, hold on to the good times and be kind to each other
You never know what life you will live in the future as
You will laugh,cry,and feel sad all at the,same,time.
Lovely short book and thought provoking
After nursing patients with this cruel disease I have,seen first hand how utterly devastating
To families to go through, hold on to the good times and be kind to each other
You never know what life you will live in the future as
January 5, 2026
Absolutely delightful and heartbreaking at the same time - anyone who has (or had) a loved one with dementia knows the feeling of “if you don’t laugh, you will cry”, making Tom a very relatable character. This the first time I’ve ever give a book the full five stars - loved it and will be thinking of Maggie and her shenanigans for a long time to come❤️
June 10, 2025
Absolutely loved this book and didn’t want it to end. I laughed out loud at Maggie’s antics but also had tears, as anyone who has had a friend/relative with dementia will know, you are grieving for the person and their personality long before they die.
July 26, 2025
Great book
I laughed and cried. I experienced a very close Aunt going through dementia. You have to laugh at the things they say and do otherwise you will never stop crying. Its a horrible disease. The Author did a wonderful job with this topic. I recommend it. Enjoy
I laughed and cried. I experienced a very close Aunt going through dementia. You have to laugh at the things they say and do otherwise you will never stop crying. Its a horrible disease. The Author did a wonderful job with this topic. I recommend it. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews