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The Man I Can't Forget
Eve and Adam are meant to be, they just don't know it yet...
*
What if you could remember every last detail of your life?
Eve knows what her colleagues had for lunch last April. She remembers everyone who has stayed at the care home where she works, long after they've gone. Her life is small and meticulously managed.
And what if you couldn't even remember your name?
'Adam' is found wandering down the central reservation of the M25. He has no memory of how he came to be there and no clue who he is.
As Eve works with Adam to help him discover who he once was, her world begins to open up - beyond the care home, beyond her memories.
But as Adam finally begins to remember his past, will there be room for Eve in his future?
*
What if you could remember every last detail of your life?
Eve knows what her colleagues had for lunch last April. She remembers everyone who has stayed at the care home where she works, long after they've gone. Her life is small and meticulously managed.
And what if you couldn't even remember your name?
'Adam' is found wandering down the central reservation of the M25. He has no memory of how he came to be there and no clue who he is.
As Eve works with Adam to help him discover who he once was, her world begins to open up - beyond the care home, beyond her memories.
But as Adam finally begins to remember his past, will there be room for Eve in his future?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2019
18 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Eva Woods
20 books370 followersEva Woods lives in London, where she writes and teaches creative writing. She likes wine, pop music, and holidays, and thinks online dating is like the worst board game ever invented.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 15, 2022
Well call me Adam because I hope I forget this book
June 22, 2021
I thought the premise of this one sounded really interesting, with a unique take on the opposites-attract trope, in Eve remembering everything and Adam remembering nothing. However, almost immediately I realised that I much preferred Eve's POV to Rachel's, and although some of the information coming from her was needed, I found myself trying to get through her portions as quickly as possible. I do think the story still could have been told without the book being split in half with her perspective, as I think her discovering what really happened seemed dragged out across the majority of the book when it didn't need to be. I also unfortunately didn't find myself interested in any sort of budding romance between 'Adam' and Eve; I didn't think it was needed for the story, and it seemed constructed for the sole purpose of being able to sell the book as a romance with a happy ending. The story did pick up a bit at the end with the little twist, but it didn't feel like enough to fully redeem itself.
August 19, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
February 13, 2021
I received an e-copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was beautiful.
It captured memory and how heartbreaking being around someone who can't remember things (whether that is certain memories like the Dementia patients Eve works with) or can't remember anything at all (like Adam) can be for both the individual experiencing the memory loss, and their loved ones who have to watch them struggle.
This really hit home for me as my nan had Alzheimer's and before she passed, I would always be terrified when going to visit her that I would walk in and she wouldn't remember me, or she would freak out. Thankfully that never happened but I can't imagine how that must feel.
The book follows Eve, a woman with an extraordinary memory who works in a care home, caring for Dementia patients and trying to help them wherever she can with their memory. Then they get a new, unique patient: 'Adam'. Adam was found running down the motorway with nothing but the clothes on his back and a few random bits of 'junk' in his pocket. He can't remember who he is, where he's from, whether there are people waiting for him somewhere. Nothing. At first Eve is hesitant to help Adam, but she becomes drawn to him and eventually feels she must help him: a young man can't spend the rest of his life in a care home, he must have a family and he must get back to them. We also follow another character (but they aren't in the summary I read before picking the book up so I won't spoil anything) but this character helps to unfold the reality of what is really happening and turns this book into a big mystery with a lot of plot twists.
I was hooked from start to finish which this kind of genre typically doesn't do (I find contemporary/literary fiction/romance) very hit and miss for me, but I was rooting for the characters to get their answers, their lives and their happy endings. I highly recommend this book and I feel like this is something that will stay with me for a while.
This was beautiful.
It captured memory and how heartbreaking being around someone who can't remember things (whether that is certain memories like the Dementia patients Eve works with) or can't remember anything at all (like Adam) can be for both the individual experiencing the memory loss, and their loved ones who have to watch them struggle.
This really hit home for me as my nan had Alzheimer's and before she passed, I would always be terrified when going to visit her that I would walk in and she wouldn't remember me, or she would freak out. Thankfully that never happened but I can't imagine how that must feel.
The book follows Eve, a woman with an extraordinary memory who works in a care home, caring for Dementia patients and trying to help them wherever she can with their memory. Then they get a new, unique patient: 'Adam'. Adam was found running down the motorway with nothing but the clothes on his back and a few random bits of 'junk' in his pocket. He can't remember who he is, where he's from, whether there are people waiting for him somewhere. Nothing. At first Eve is hesitant to help Adam, but she becomes drawn to him and eventually feels she must help him: a young man can't spend the rest of his life in a care home, he must have a family and he must get back to them. We also follow another character (but they aren't in the summary I read before picking the book up so I won't spoil anything) but this character helps to unfold the reality of what is really happening and turns this book into a big mystery with a lot of plot twists.
I was hooked from start to finish which this kind of genre typically doesn't do (I find contemporary/literary fiction/romance) very hit and miss for me, but I was rooting for the characters to get their answers, their lives and their happy endings. I highly recommend this book and I feel like this is something that will stay with me for a while.
April 1, 2021
CONTENT WARNINGS: death, Alzheimers, divorce, car accident, loss of a loved one, grief.
Before I started this book I thought that it was going to be your stereotypical romance book, but I realised quite early on it was going to rather different to what I thought!
The storyline based around memory was a completely unique storyline that I had never read a non-fiction book about before so this was a new experience for me completely.
The two main characters, Eve and Adam/Simon were wonderful. I found myself quite attached and protective of Eve in a way. I don't know if that was due to her evident vulnerability or what but I just wanted to protect her from all things bad. I liked Adam. Simon, not so much. I do feel as though the characters could have been developed slightly better so the reader could feel more involved and attached to the characters.
Overall I did enjoy this book. I rated it a 3 as I feel as though there was just something missing? Sometimes I'd catch myself reading some chapters of the book and wishing there was just a little bit more context and it was a bit gappy in places? (Is gappy even a word? Lol.)
I would absolutely love to read some more of Eva Woods work and I believe I do have another one of her books on my Kindle which I am very much so looking forward to!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Eva Woods for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!
Before I started this book I thought that it was going to be your stereotypical romance book, but I realised quite early on it was going to rather different to what I thought!
The storyline based around memory was a completely unique storyline that I had never read a non-fiction book about before so this was a new experience for me completely.
The two main characters, Eve and Adam/Simon were wonderful. I found myself quite attached and protective of Eve in a way. I don't know if that was due to her evident vulnerability or what but I just wanted to protect her from all things bad. I liked Adam. Simon, not so much. I do feel as though the characters could have been developed slightly better so the reader could feel more involved and attached to the characters.
Overall I did enjoy this book. I rated it a 3 as I feel as though there was just something missing? Sometimes I'd catch myself reading some chapters of the book and wishing there was just a little bit more context and it was a bit gappy in places? (Is gappy even a word? Lol.)
I would absolutely love to read some more of Eva Woods work and I believe I do have another one of her books on my Kindle which I am very much so looking forward to!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Eva Woods for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!
Read
March 11, 2021In The Man I Can’t Forget, we follow Eve, who works in a care home, caring for Dementia patients. After a traumatic accident, she develops an extraordinary memory and can literally remember everything. She thus tries her best to help her patients, collecting memories and trying to make them remember pieces of their pasts. One day, a new patient is admitted into the care home after he was found running down the motorway with nothing but clothes and a few items. Eve does not instantly want to help him but eventually agrees to try and get him to remember his life.
When I started this book, I did not really know what to expect. The cover and the blurb definitely make it sound cheesier than it actually is. Having finished it, I can now say that if you are not a big of romances but you still like some elements of it in a book, Eva Wood’s most recent novel is made for you.
I love multiple points of view and I love it even more in romances. For me, having more than one point of view gives more depth to a novel and I think it works really well in this genre. Because I do not want to spoil, I will not say who the other points of view are from, but it was definitely an interesting and clever choice.
The main theme of this book is memory. To the extent that it takes an even more important place than the space given to the romance. It is a beautiful story about memory, developed through the contrast between Eve, who remember everything, and Adam (the new patient whose name has been randomly – not so randomly – given by the workers at the care home) and the patients who remembers nothing. This book touches on Dementia and how individuals experience it – both the patients and their loved ones.
I really loved the characters of this book. I found myself in Eve in the sense that she is quite introverted and always want to help the people around her. Through her job, she tries to transform what she considers being a curse – her extraordinary memory – into a gift. I also loved that Eva Woods did not want to write their relationship in a cheesy and predictable way. Because that’s what I often dislike in romances : the predictability of things. Reading The Man I Can’t Forget, I had no idea how all this was going to end.
This book is certainly different from the usual romantic book. It is a heart-warming and lesson giving story. It makes you realise that you can make a difference to people’s lives if you want to and if you want to give a bit of your time for others.
4,5/5
When I started this book, I did not really know what to expect. The cover and the blurb definitely make it sound cheesier than it actually is. Having finished it, I can now say that if you are not a big of romances but you still like some elements of it in a book, Eva Wood’s most recent novel is made for you.
I love multiple points of view and I love it even more in romances. For me, having more than one point of view gives more depth to a novel and I think it works really well in this genre. Because I do not want to spoil, I will not say who the other points of view are from, but it was definitely an interesting and clever choice.
The main theme of this book is memory. To the extent that it takes an even more important place than the space given to the romance. It is a beautiful story about memory, developed through the contrast between Eve, who remember everything, and Adam (the new patient whose name has been randomly – not so randomly – given by the workers at the care home) and the patients who remembers nothing. This book touches on Dementia and how individuals experience it – both the patients and their loved ones.
I really loved the characters of this book. I found myself in Eve in the sense that she is quite introverted and always want to help the people around her. Through her job, she tries to transform what she considers being a curse – her extraordinary memory – into a gift. I also loved that Eva Woods did not want to write their relationship in a cheesy and predictable way. Because that’s what I often dislike in romances : the predictability of things. Reading The Man I Can’t Forget, I had no idea how all this was going to end.
This book is certainly different from the usual romantic book. It is a heart-warming and lesson giving story. It makes you realise that you can make a difference to people’s lives if you want to and if you want to give a bit of your time for others.
4,5/5
May 12, 2022
I was surprised at the end by how the story actually inspired me and left me with such a nostalgic feeling of love and just plain nostalgia. Our main character is a woman who cannot seem to forget anything after her parents died in a tragic accident. She works at an elderly home and uses her incredible memory to help out patients who have lost theirs. Her work is pure yet she feels she doesn't belong in this world due to her being a "freak." That is until she meets 'Adam' the new member of the elderly home, however he isn't elderly. The police found him in the road with a bump in his head and no recollection of who he is. Thus, Eve, sets to help him gain back his memory while secretly harboring feelings for him and knowing that the ending won't be good for her as he probably will have to return to his family, his home and maybe even his wife.
One of my realizations it that British authors write a little slower, and with more pace than American authors. At time I was a bit bored with the characters and didn't really feel the connection and chemistry between them for this to be a romance.
However, what did win me from this book was the incredible emphasis that is given to memories. That part is what really saved the book for me and left me with such a good impression after I closed it. The story inside is really okay, yet the meaning behind the interactions and the idea of losing your memories and seeing your family lose their memories - that is really what made the story real and raw for me.
One of my realizations it that British authors write a little slower, and with more pace than American authors. At time I was a bit bored with the characters and didn't really feel the connection and chemistry between them for this to be a romance.
However, what did win me from this book was the incredible emphasis that is given to memories. That part is what really saved the book for me and left me with such a good impression after I closed it. The story inside is really okay, yet the meaning behind the interactions and the idea of losing your memories and seeing your family lose their memories - that is really what made the story real and raw for me.
January 19, 2021
What a wonderful book!
I loved the way the author juxtaposed the idea of a memory which is failing because of dementia, with one which is exceptionally good.
The novel is set in Sunnyside care home, following the story of Eve. There's a lovely cast of supporting characters from the staff to the lovely residents with their intriguing, touching stories. I especially liked the mystery of who Graham was. Eve is blessed with an amazing memory and endeavours to help the residents piece together their past. The arrival of Adam at Sunnyside is a more challenging puzzle. He's a handsome man who was found wandering on the motorway with no memory of who he was and how he got there.
In the alternate chapters, we learn about Adam's real life as Simon, through his wife Rachel. They have a young daughter named Hannah. Rachel believes she may have seriously harmed Simon, so instead of contacting the police, she hires a private investigator.
When the two stories come together, I found it very emotional. Eve' has fallen in love with Adam, a man who doesn't never really existed and Simon returns to a life which he was trying to escape from.
The author had me hooked from the beginning .. Eve is one of those characters who stays with you and has you rooting for her throughout the story. This book made me laugh and cry and was a lovely escape from the difficult times we are in.
I can't wait to read more by this author.
I loved the way the author juxtaposed the idea of a memory which is failing because of dementia, with one which is exceptionally good.
The novel is set in Sunnyside care home, following the story of Eve. There's a lovely cast of supporting characters from the staff to the lovely residents with their intriguing, touching stories. I especially liked the mystery of who Graham was. Eve is blessed with an amazing memory and endeavours to help the residents piece together their past. The arrival of Adam at Sunnyside is a more challenging puzzle. He's a handsome man who was found wandering on the motorway with no memory of who he was and how he got there.
In the alternate chapters, we learn about Adam's real life as Simon, through his wife Rachel. They have a young daughter named Hannah. Rachel believes she may have seriously harmed Simon, so instead of contacting the police, she hires a private investigator.
When the two stories come together, I found it very emotional. Eve' has fallen in love with Adam, a man who doesn't never really existed and Simon returns to a life which he was trying to escape from.
The author had me hooked from the beginning .. Eve is one of those characters who stays with you and has you rooting for her throughout the story. This book made me laugh and cry and was a lovely escape from the difficult times we are in.
I can't wait to read more by this author.
February 22, 2022
I didn't have the opportunity to read and review this novel before publication (I am really sorry) but a recent holiday allowed me to read it at my leisure and enjoy this meaningful and emotional story. Eve was a lovely main character and I felt for her due to her past and her present situation.
Eva Woods has clearly done her research as she provides a believable portrayal of memory loss (through dementia and through trauma) and of the impact of loss and bereavement. Much of the book is set in a care home and the characters are touching, funny and thought provoking.
I enjoyed the book. It was a good holiday read. Thank you to the author, her publishers and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read it.
Eva Woods has clearly done her research as she provides a believable portrayal of memory loss (through dementia and through trauma) and of the impact of loss and bereavement. Much of the book is set in a care home and the characters are touching, funny and thought provoking.
I enjoyed the book. It was a good holiday read. Thank you to the author, her publishers and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read it.
March 18, 2022
'Adam' ends up at Sunnyside care home when he has an accident that has wiped his memory. He doesn't know who he is. But luckily for him, there's a lady at Sunnyside called Eve who is quite the opposite - she remembers everything. And she tries to help the dementia patients to remember things too ❤
But Adam must have had a life before the accident... Rachel and Hannah are wondering where he is. But Rachel knows more than she is able to tell the police.
This story was heartwarming and just what I needed when I couldn't get into my reading for a while. Eve is lovely and gives hope about the kindness out there. But I did find that there wasn't any huge turning point really, other other Rachel's secret, which wasn't too big.
But Adam must have had a life before the accident... Rachel and Hannah are wondering where he is. But Rachel knows more than she is able to tell the police.
This story was heartwarming and just what I needed when I couldn't get into my reading for a while. Eve is lovely and gives hope about the kindness out there. But I did find that there wasn't any huge turning point really, other other Rachel's secret, which wasn't too big.
February 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book it certainly was different from the usual romantic book.
It is dealing with dementia in a care home certainly hits home to what happens to them,
We have Eve who works there and is a great help to the residents in helping them with problems they have. Adam/Simon is there but only temporary until his memory returns he has sustained this through a injury.
Eve decides to help Adam as she really wants him to return to his life. Did something happen this injury and what was he like before his injury? Eve and Adam seem to have a connection.
Kept me guessing would Adam get better really had a good time reading this book.
It is dealing with dementia in a care home certainly hits home to what happens to them,
We have Eve who works there and is a great help to the residents in helping them with problems they have. Adam/Simon is there but only temporary until his memory returns he has sustained this through a injury.
Eve decides to help Adam as she really wants him to return to his life. Did something happen this injury and what was he like before his injury? Eve and Adam seem to have a connection.
Kept me guessing would Adam get better really had a good time reading this book.
February 1, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My heart was so full when I finished this. What a lovely, thought provoking read. It made you realise that however insignificant you feel, you can make a difference to people's lives and that we should not lose sight of the important things in life. There were some real laugh out loud moments throughout the book, as well as some real heart warming moments. Eve is honestly one of the sweetest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. I can't wait to read more from Eva Woods.
My heart was so full when I finished this. What a lovely, thought provoking read. It made you realise that however insignificant you feel, you can make a difference to people's lives and that we should not lose sight of the important things in life. There were some real laugh out loud moments throughout the book, as well as some real heart warming moments. Eve is honestly one of the sweetest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. I can't wait to read more from Eva Woods.
March 4, 2021
I liked the premise of this book - girl with a super-memory meets boy with no memory. I wasn't sure if the story would stack up to the hook, but it was interesting, poignant, fun and a bit sad read - it had it all. I especially like books where I don't know exactly how they will end and this was one of those. A few niggles in that a felt a couple of things never gotted wrapped up that well and other things were almost too easily resolved, but a different book and because of that I highly recommend it.
March 18, 2021
I initially bought this book thinking it was a romance but realized very early on that wasn't the case but I couldn't stop reading. I was intrigued by Eve and her photographic memory and what actually happened to Adam...and what about Rachel? I really liked how this book looked at dementia, I worked with dementia patients and this seemed very true to life. This would have been a five star book but the ending didn't work for me...but the journey to get there was very well done.
May 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and I've never read anything like it before.
I really loved Eve and Simons characters.
I enjoyed the change of point of views between Eve and Rachel. However, I wasn't a fan of Rachel as a character. Even though she was necessary for the story.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, I did have low expectations due to the last few romance novels I've read. However, this was a very enjoyable read (although sad at times).
I really loved Eve and Simons characters.
I enjoyed the change of point of views between Eve and Rachel. However, I wasn't a fan of Rachel as a character. Even though she was necessary for the story.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, I did have low expectations due to the last few romance novels I've read. However, this was a very enjoyable read (although sad at times).
September 7, 2022
Nice read throughout - the mystery of 'Adam' kept me going through most of the book. Have to admit the random recollections of Eve throughout did get a little tedious at times, taking me out of the read (though they made for great trivia fodder!), and the POV switches between Eve in 1st Person and Rachel in 3rd Person gave me a little whiplash, but the characters were well done and the story progressed throughout, despite it being at a rather slow pace
June 8, 2021
Really enjoyed the characters and the story. Whether it is a temporary or permanent memory loss, it is still heart breaking for everyone. The description of the residents with Alzheimer’s was spot on. Having lived with a loved one who had Alzheimer’s, it was sad, frustrating, funny and devastating. Losing your memory is hard to deal with. I liked the story and enjoyed the read.
July 26, 2021
This book is partly based in a care home with characters with dementia which meant I, as a career found them all super relatable. I loved eve as a character and how she just wanted to make everyone happy. I love how throughout I was routing for both eve and Rachel to have the best ending.
March 3, 2022
Liked the concept of this one and I am left wondering where does the love go? Eve reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine)and I think if I hadn't kept comparing the two I would have enjoyed this book more.
September 21, 2023
Even for an "easy reading" book, the story felt far-fetched with not much character development. A romance develops incredibly quickly but feels completely unrealistic. It's a very "surface level" story, without much depth.
November 5, 2023
Forgetting the past.
It's an interesting story which provides a fascinating insight into how the human brain can store things or lose things in order to protect itself.
Also shows how these memory glitches can also impact other people around you.
It's an interesting story which provides a fascinating insight into how the human brain can store things or lose things in order to protect itself.
Also shows how these memory glitches can also impact other people around you.
May 18, 2025
Having loved Eva woods other book I was looking forward to reading this one and certainly wasn't disappointed. This was a very poignant and well written book of memories friendship and hope for the future.
October 12, 2019
Lots of my favourite themes in this book- Memories, loss, motherhood, relationships. Makes me want to go and start working with oldies again!
February 22, 2021
What a lovely quirky read. So enjoyable.
March 10, 2021
Interesting concepts
August 5, 2021
I am fascinated by memory, so this plot really interested me and this author has a real gift for characterisation - I loved Eve by the end of page one. A lovely book and an easy 5 stars from me!
August 27, 2021
Ok reading but wouldn't read a second team
February 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this, it felt like it took me on quite an emotional rollercoaster.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
April 11, 2022
Not for me
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