Handsome

by Ezra Palmer

Evvie Kurtz remembers everything.

Evvie Kurtz has Alzheimer’s disease.

Handsome is Evvie’s story, told in her own How she grew up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a scholarship girl at one of the city’s fanciest day schools. How she made a name for herself as a journalist. How she met and married her husband. How she loved him for all his faults. And how she came to the decision to leave him.

Evvie will forget her story.

You will not.

PRAISE FOR EZRA PALMER'S CATBIRDS

“I read it with the intensity with which one might read the instructions on how to operate a defibrillator while a friend is having a heart attack. It’s that good.” — Peg Tyre, New York Times bestselling author of “The Trouble With Boys”

“Pulsing with insight, wit, feeling, and mysteries… Catbirds examines frayed family bonds with fresh power and insight. EDITOR’S PICK.” —BookLife

“An intimate and affecting family saga of loss and betrayal.” —Kirkus Reviews

"This is, for me, what literature is all about.” — Netgalley reviewer

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 13, 2026

About the author

Ezra Palmer grew up in Brooklyn and now lives in Los Angeles with his family. Originally a newspaper writer and editor, he went on to launch and run internet properties for The Wall Street Journal and other companies. He is the author of the novels Catbirds and Handsome.

Reviews

[Aster Carlyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handsome is a novel where, technically, almost nothing happens, but it’s one of the more quietly powerful reading experiences I’ve had in a while. (Content Disclosure: This book and the review will heavily discuss Alzheimer’s Disease) Final Score: 4.5

What This Book Does Well
This is solid quiet literary fiction that unfolds over the course of a couple of hours at most. The story is a stream of consciousness from Evvie’s perspective as she reflects on different parts of her life. She is a likable protagonist, but not without the contradictions and imperfections that come with a fully lived life. While normally, this would go under the next section, in this book the prose being very repetitive is intentional and very well done. The blurb of this book lets the reader know from the beginning that Evvie has Alzheimer’s disease. Since the narrative is told as her stream of consciousness, phrases and memories circle back, loop around, and resurface slightly altered. For me, this read as clever rather than frustrating as this form is part of the narrative story line.

I should disclose that I don’t have much experience with Alzheimer’s disease myself. So for me the tone of the book felt more reflective with some sadness, but I think if I had loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, I could see this book being a lot more devastating. There is a raw vulnerability to it that I think could be heartbreaking for readers who have real life experiences with loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. While I can’t speak with any authority about the lived experience with Alzheimer’s disease, my gut says that Ezra Palmer handled the subject with genuine care - whether through personal experience or thorough research, Evvie’s portrayal feels trustworthy not exploitative.

I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Marilyn Downey and I think that was the right call for this particular book. Downey’s voice has a warmth that suits the material perfectly and I suspect the repetitiveness that is so integral to the book’s effect could have felt a bit laborious to me if I read a physical copy.

Where It May Fall Short
I’m not kidding when I say almost nothing “happens” in this book which I could see being very frustrating for some readers. Between almost nothing happening and the repetitiveness of the prose, I think this book does ask a lot of the reader’s patience, so I think that is worth knowing going in.

Final Thoughts & Opinions
If you enjoy quiet, character-driven literary fiction, this book may be a great fit. This is the kind that trusts its reader to find meaning in the stillness. If you have loved ones who have experienced Alzheimer’s disease, be aware that Alzheimer’s disease is reflected in every single aspect of this story in one way or another. I think my emotional distance with this book (not in a bad way!) was a function of my limited experience with this disease, I can definitely see how devastating this book would be if I had closer experience myself.

If you need plot momentum, don’t like to sit with a character's complicated feelings, or get frustrated with repetitive prose, this one may not be the best fit. I really enjoy quiet literary fiction so I think that context is worth factoring in when weighing my take.

My thanks to NetGalley and IBPA for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

TL;DR
Would I recommend it: Yes, but only for people who enjoy quiet literary fiction and only if they are in a place to read about the stream of consciousness from someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
Would I continue reading books by this author: 100%

Star Score Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 4
Overall Execution: 4.5
Writing & Craft Quality: 4.75
Characters: 4.5
Plot: 4.75
Final Score: 4.5

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handsome feels less like reading a memoir and more like sitting down for coffee with someone who slowly, beautifully unpacks their life in front of you.

Told through the simple act of packing a bag, the story moves between past and present as the narrator (Evvie) vividly recalls her childhood, friendships, marriage, and the many small joys and heartbreaks that shape a life. The moments when her recollections are interrupted by her husband, she’s suddenly faced with the unsettling reality that she can no longer remember why she’s packing at all. Although does Evvie feel this confusion, or is it just the reader?

What could feel heavy is instead deeply warm, human, and surprisingly comforting. The narrator inserts small laughs into moments she finds funny and her calm and soft intonation really do make the listener feel like they're huddled up over or a coffee (or a wine) getting to know one another.
At moments the two of you are hugging, deep in conversation and the next you're face to face, staring intently as Evvie shares all her memories, frustrations and life triumphs.

The shifting timelines are handled so effortlessly that the story feels pacy and immersive, with each memory offering something familiar, relatable, and emotionally true. Evvie is incredibly likeable and her life feels ordinary in the most extraordinary way, full of recognisable moments that quietly mirror our own.

What makes this novel so original is its tender portrayal of memory loss. Rather than focusing purely on sadness, heightened drama or chaos, it humanises the confusion of Alzheimer’s, showing how the past can remain vivid even as the present slips away. It’s not devastating in the way one might expect. It’s reflective, compassionate, and quietly profound.

This is ultimately a story about identity, memory, and the unaware loss of control, but it’s told with such warmth that it never feels bleak. Instead, it feels like a gentle reminder of how a life is built - in memories, in relationships, and in the small details we carry with us. The author respects the protagonist and never did I feel anything but a connection to Evvie. Evvie is all of us. This is a woman who may have Alzheimers but she is still relevant. human and above all she is 'someone'. I'm glad I listened to the this book because reading it, I fear I may have heightened emotions in my head whereas Marilyn Downey's portrayal gave her greater respect perhaps than I would have.

The title - I have to admit I didn't think about why the book is called "Handsome" until a few days later. So many titles overly long or explanatory but this title almost disappeared from my thoughts- in fact I've added this paragraph as an edit. Now I think I've worked out how clever it is - but I won't spol anything.

A deeply moving, beautifully structured novel that lingers like our memories - if we are lucky to still have them.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[readwithdenisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Handsome” by Ezra Palmer is a quiet, intimate novel about memory, love, marriage, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to keep going.

The novel follows Evvie as she reflects on her life, her relationship with her husband Jack, and the choices that shaped their decades-long marriage. Much of the story unfolds through a stream-of-consciousness style narration, where memories move fluidly between past and present. At first, the structure felt slightly disorienting to me, but as the novel progressed, I started to appreciate how closely the writing mirrors Evvie’s inner world.

Evvie is a deeply sympathetic character. Even when reflecting on painful moments in her life, she comes across as thoughtful, loving, and emotionally honest. Her memories of family, friendship, motherhood, and marriage give the novel a melancholic but tender atmosphere. I especially appreciated how nuanced her relationship with Jack felt. Their love story is complicated, shaped by attraction, loyalty, disappointment, and years of shared history.

I also found the title interesting. To me, “Handsome” clearly refers to Jack, who is portrayed as charismatic, attractive, and naturally easy to fall in love with. Evvie’s feelings for him run deeply throughout the novel, and the title takes on a more layered meaning as the story unfolds.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its portrayal of memory and aging. The emotional weight builds gradually rather than dramatically, which made the reading experience feel intimate and very human. The audiobook narration also worked beautifully with the reflective tone of the story.

While I admired the emotional depth and the writing style, I wasn’t completely swept away by the novel as a whole, which is why this is a 4-star read for me rather than a full 5 stars. Still, it is thoughtful, unusual, and quietly affecting, especially for readers who enjoy character-driven literary fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handsome is one of those books that won’t work for every reader, but I found myself thinking about Evvie long after I finished it.
This is definitely a quieter, slower literary fiction story, but there’s something very human about the way it’s written. Evvie’s thoughts feel scattered at times, repetitive at times, emotional at times… but honestly, that’s what made it feel believable. You’re inside the mind of a woman trying to hold onto herself while her memory is slipping away, and the book never turns her into just “the woman with Alzheimer’s.” She still feels sharp, funny, complicated, loving, angry, stubborn, and very much alive.
I think what stood out to me most was how ordinary her memories were in a way that made them hit harder. Marriage, friendships, disappointment, growing older, trying to figure out who you are outside of the roles you’ve played for everyone else. It felt less like reading a plot-heavy novel and more like listening to someone unpack their entire life one memory at a time.
There were moments where the repetition slowed the pacing for me, and I do think some readers may struggle with the stream-of-consciousness style. But at the same time, I almost feel like the structure is part of the experience. You’re supposed to feel a little untethered with her.
This isn’t a dramatic sob-fest type of book. It’s more reflective and quietly emotional. The kind of story that sneaks up on you later when you’re thinking about memory, aging, identity, and how much of ourselves is tied to the stories we remember.
Also, the title Handsome didn’t fully click for me until after I finished the book, and I actually loved that.
I’d probably rate this 3.5 to 4 stars. Not because it wasn’t beautifully written — it absolutely was — but because this feels more like a book you appreciate than one you necessarily fly through. Still, Evvie is a character I won’t forget anytime soon.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for an eARC of this poignant and unique novel!

Evvie is a senior, born-and-raised New Yorker and this novel reads more or less as her memoir told over the course of a single afternoon. Evvie also has Alzheimer's Disease, and while she can recall most of her life in vivid and specific detail, she forgets the last five minutes as soon as they happen. This novel is told in one long, continuous sentence separated by commas but never by periods or semicolons- when I first realized this I was nervous about my ability to progress through the story and keep on track with Evvie's inner monologue, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could keep up with her train of thought with no issues despite the lack of resting points. Evvie's story is a deeply human one examining aspects of her own life as well as the actions of her loved ones, and I was fascinated by how much I was able to emotionally connect to a few characters from Evvie's story as she recalled important events from her life. This novel provided a unique lens through which to view Alzheimer's Disease, and while it may not have been the most realistic exemplar of every case of Alzheimer's, I was touched by getting to travel through Evvie's thoughts and perceptions directly from a first-person point of view and by the melancholy I felt as she grew more and more confused and disoriented throughout the novel, never quite resigning to her Disease but coming to terms with her overall deterioration and dependence on those around her for assistance. Overall, this was a phenomenally written novel providing an important and fresh perspective on a horrible fate and I hope to see it succeed once it hits the market in July.

[jo]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing an ALC of this wonderful book, narrated expertly by Marilyn Downey. The narrator absolutely breathes even more life into the already vivid Evie through her expression of emotion, contemplation and surges of anxiety. I was enamored from the moment it began.

A book like this could have easily been too tragic, too repetitive or too sentimental. Instead, the author has given us an intimate, intriguing portrait of a full life through the recollection of a woman with Alzheimer's. Punctuated by bouts of circular thinking, understandable repetition and feelings of loss we are given a rich portrayal of Evelyn's life. She is immediately, and easily, lovable. Her reliving of the life she remembers, "I remember it all", is full of excitement, pain, love, disappointment, anger, the mundane and the distant. Inevitably, within these remembrances, she hit a wall of confusion and through her resiliency she finds her way back to solid ground. She is inspiring in her navigation of unfamiliar moments, and yet you feel the deep well of pain it causes her to lose hold of the "now".

Heartfelt, sympathetically written this was a truly special read, with so much to glean from the experiences of this woman who "remembers everything". I would highly recommend to everyone, especially those who love reflective quiet stories with rich, human, revelations.

[Emil モリ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Handsome" is about a moment in time with Evvie, a woman suffering from Alzheimer's.

The stream of consciousness writing style is difficult to get into at first and can feel exhausting to read, which for this book I personally love. Things get repeated a fair amount, and there are no full stops. The chapters are of a reasonable length however which does help give you places to mentally catch your breath.

It really did feel like I was sitting in the room with Evvie listening to her talk about her life and experiences, her opinions and feelings. Her story is told nonlineary and sometimes suddenly, but it always made some sort of sense through the chaos.

I feel like some media surrounding Alzheimer's can really infantilise the person suffering. I didn't get that feeling from Evvie; she has personality, wit, extremely strong emotions on both sides of the spectrum. Even through her illness you can see who she is. I will be thinking about her long after I finished this book.

I do think the book went on slightly too long, maybe by a chapter, as the reptitiveness of her thoughts do start to become very tiring to read by the end. You could argue that's part of the point though.

I think some people could struggle with the writing style, but if you can adapt to it I would recommend it.

[Mandi Cloete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and IBPA for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Handsome is one of those novels in which very little happens - but that's the point. It takes place over an afternoon as Evvie recounts her life. She has Alzheimer's disease and can't remember anything that happened in the past 5 minutes. She does, however, remember the rest of her life. She recounts how she met her husband and their lives throughout the years. She remembers especially all the times he cheated on her and how she planned on leaving him so many times.

The writing in this novel is great - it is poignant and moving. I also think the author did a fantastic job at showing how Alzheimer's disease affects one's memory. The stream-of-consciousness writing style is really effectively utilised. This does, however, make the read a bit jarring at times. There are many repetitions in what Evvie tells the reader, which is effective, but also a tad frustrating.

I listened to the audiobook, and I think it made the reading experience a lot easier. The narrator - Marilyn Downey - did an impeccable job on this. She included little nuances that made Evvie feel like a real person. The wonderful narration made it easy to empathise with the character, which made the entire story even more heartbreaking. Overall, a great read, although I would recommend the audio.

[The Hateful Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those books that’s easier to describe than to recommend.

I experienced this through audio, and the writing style is very conversational. It often felt like listening to a grandmother recount stories from her life… sometimes touching, sometimes meandering, and VERY often repeated. Early on, that tone feels charming and authentic. As the story progresses, though, the repetition becomes a bit tiring, even while understanding why it was written that way.

The depiction of Evvie’s mental unraveling is thoughtfully done and one of the more compelling aspects of the book. Still, many of the individual stories she shares didn’t consistently hold my interest.

I went in bracing for heartbreak, and instead found a more subdued, reflective tone.

Overall, this is a book I respected more than I connected with.

Grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and for their ongoing courage in letting The Hateful Reader judge things. Thank you to NetGalley, Ezra Palmer and Independent Book Publishers Association for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: July 13, 2026

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evvie Kurtz, a woman with Alzheimer’s disease, vividly remembers her past while her present feels blurry and confusing. She reconstructs her life in detail, moving fluidly between past and present. When recounting her childhood, she returns to the voice of her younger self; when describing motherhood, she adopts the perspective of a first-time mother.
It is a raw, realistic depiction not only of Alzheimer’s, but of life more broadly—the compromises within a marriage, the sacrifices of being a working mother, and the internal contradictions we all carry. It also captures the quiet, ongoing conflicts one can have with oneself.
The novel is emotional, insightful, and at times even funny. It brings together a wide emotional range without feeling forced.
The narration is excellent—the narrator (Marilyn Downey) is perfectly cast. Her pacing is excellent, and even subtle shifts in her voice enhance key moments.
I hope this book receives the recognition it deserves; it is truly remarkable. I was so extremely touched by this.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for honest opinion. I intend to read anything and everything Ezra Palmer writes, I just bought Catbirds.

[Michelle Fecio · Rating 5 out of 5]

An evocative and sympathetic exploration of a woman's life and all the things she remembers even as her present begins to disappear under the fog of dementia. The form of Evvie's narration (the chapter-length run-on sentences, the stream of consciousness and repetition) all serve the narrative perfectly and enhance the quality of the voice. Evvie's mind is fractured by her dementia, but her personality still shines clearly through her words. The narrative jumps between past and present with little warning, yet always flows seamlessly. Evvie's vivid and detailed recollection of the events of her past make the depiction of her experience of her present all the more harrowing and visceral; the last few chapters, and the last few pages especially, delivered an absolute emotional gut punch.

Thank you to Taag & Rohg for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[kellieb_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to listen to this as an ALC. While very well-written and narrated, it was not always easy to get through because of its accuracy to the subject. It’s written as a stream of consciousness, exhibiting the characteristics of dementia, with its tangential nature, lack of inhibition, perseveration and a cornucopia of emotions from mania to anger. Marilyn Downey does such an incredible job narrating this with varying speeds and volumes, adding to the reality of the disease. She portrays Evvie in such an incredible way, it is as if Evvie is speaking directly to you in a one-on-one conversation. Overall, it’s a beautiful and heart-breaking story and one I’d recommend. 

Thank-you very much to the Independent Book Publishers Association, Ezra Palmer and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. 

[mirela ✩₊˚. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written stream of consciousness! This story is such a good portrayal of gradual memory loss, as we see it from the point of view of an unreliable narrator, experiencing her recall her memories and constantly reliving moments and forgetting things together. It’s both scattered and quizzical, yet well formed and tender. I found the repetitive nature of the writing to be accurate to the display of emotions, and how it stirs a different reaction in both Evvie, and her family.

Despite the looming topic of Alzheimer's, it still makes for a light read as if you’re walking down memory lane with the main character.

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handsome by Ezra Palmer is an emotional and unforgettable portrayal of living with Alzheimer’s. Through Evvie Kurtz’s memories, fears, and fading moments, the story takes readers on a deeply personal journey through the best and worst parts of her life. At times, it felt as if I was living those moments beside her. The narrator’s voice was soothing like honey, making every scene even more heartfelt and painful. The book beautifully reminds us how precious memories are and how much they shape a person’s identity. Handsome is nostalgic, moving, and quietly devastating — a story that will stay with me for a very long time.

[Emily Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evvie remembers her life and gives us a glimpse into it while suffering from Alzheimer’s. We get to relive everything with Evvie - love, friendship, betrayal, and heartbreak. It is very easy to feel connected to Evvie through her stories of her adolescence into her adulthood. It is beautifully written and narrated. The narrator for this is great - she is able to portray the emotions Evelyn feels while reminiscing and when she is experiencing sudden confusion. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a very heartfelt read/listen.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gives you a look into the experience of those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Evvie narrates the story allowing the reader to feel the confusion and chaos that is her mind. You can also u der stand the frustration and helplessness felt by the caretakers and family members. This book may not be for all readers but if you venture down the path you will find a powerful statement that will stay with you past the end of the book.

Thank you to Ezra Palmer and NetGalley for the alc in exchange for an honest review.

[Joana Francener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read the synopsis for this book, I was attracted by the cover art. Thanks to NetGalley, I had access to the ARC in audiobook format and I thought it was a wonderful experience. Halfway through the narration I suspected what was going on and then it was confirmed by the protagonist’s husband. I felt like Palmer managed to give the mind and experience of Evvie a just depiction of the roller coaster she is experiencing. Having had these spiraling conversations with people in this situation, i found myself finally able to see it from the other person’s perspective.

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary POV-style. An intimate mind's eye point-of-view of characters going back and forth about the troubles of being in some semblance of a relationship. Poignant, psychic and worth a damn read.