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The Beautiful Fall
Read this now. Right now. Don’t even think of going near that door. Not until you know what’s going on. Your name is Robert Penfold. Age 31. The apartment you’re standing in is your home.
Every 179 days Robbie forgets everything. He knows this because last time it happened he wrote himself a letter explaining it. The disorientation. The fear. The bizarre circumstances imposed by the rare neurological condition he lives with.
To survive the forgetting—to cope with his recurring loss of identity—Robbie leads a solitary, regimented life. Lives alone. Speaks to no one if he can avoid it. Works to complete a strange herculean task set for him by his former self.
And then, with twelve days left before his next forgetting, Julie invades his life. Young, beautiful—the only woman he can ever remember meeting.
As the hour draws near, Robbie is forced to confront the fact that his past is very different from how he had imagined it. And when Julie reveals her own terrible secret, he must find a way to come to terms with the truth about himself.
The Beautiful Fall is a cinematic, page-turning romance. Both an intriguing puzzle and a compulsively readable love story, it will sweep you away.
Every 179 days Robbie forgets everything. He knows this because last time it happened he wrote himself a letter explaining it. The disorientation. The fear. The bizarre circumstances imposed by the rare neurological condition he lives with.
To survive the forgetting—to cope with his recurring loss of identity—Robbie leads a solitary, regimented life. Lives alone. Speaks to no one if he can avoid it. Works to complete a strange herculean task set for him by his former self.
And then, with twelve days left before his next forgetting, Julie invades his life. Young, beautiful—the only woman he can ever remember meeting.
As the hour draws near, Robbie is forced to confront the fact that his past is very different from how he had imagined it. And when Julie reveals her own terrible secret, he must find a way to come to terms with the truth about himself.
The Beautiful Fall is a cinematic, page-turning romance. Both an intriguing puzzle and a compulsively readable love story, it will sweep you away.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2021
10 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
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December 28, 2024
‘Your name is Robert Penfold. Age 31. The apartment you’re standing in is your home...”
Imagine standing in front of a door that you don’t recognise with a paper in your hand that tells you who you are. And that this is your home.
Memories. What makes you "you"? And me "me"? Are we just made up of our memories or are we more than that. In losing them, do we lose ourselves?
”Everyone thought it was a one-off thing, maybe a stroke. Then, 179 days later, the forgetting struck again. And then it happened again, another 179 days later.”
Robbie Penfold suffers from a neurological disorder which he has called the forgetting. Just on every six months, his memory is wiped clean. He has no idea who he is or what he does. There don’t appear to be any friends or family at hand to help him in this awful predicament. So Robbie as his present self, writes himself letters and draws maps for his future self to refer to, a set of instructions if you like, to prepare himself for when the next re-set occurs. Which he’ll then be reading what his past self wrote. It’s tough. As between each interval, he tries to rebuild a life by “muscle memory”. There are some things that the body simply doesn’t forget, even if the mind does.
”Memory fluttered, the beat of its wings brushing against the mind’s edge.”
This is such an utterly interesting, though utterly awful predicament. I cannot fathom the abject fear of being in the situation, and waiting for the next round of the forgetting to again appear. As if by clockwork.
Neale - who I buddy read this with - and I had such an interesting time trying to guess what Robbie’s job was before it all slipped through his fingers like water. Neither of us got it right, but we gave it our best shot! This is such an incredible book to read with someone, or as a Bookclub pick, as it asks so many questions that aren’t that easy to answer.
”...starting all over again at day zero. Everything falls. Everything is rebuilding.”
The book starts at Day Twelve and we journey with Robbie to Day Zero, the fateful day when everything begins again. And a lot happens in those twelve days. We learn about Robbie’s project, which he obsesses over day and night, containing ”...eighty three thousand, seven hundred and ninety dominoes...” We get inklings of who he was before this strange condition befell him. We meet Julie. With emerald green eyes, and jet black hair in a pixie cut, who seems to have a magnetic hold over Robbie, though he has no recollection of her whatsoever.
This book is just exquisite. I loved it. As I flew through the chapters and got to Day One, I had to pause. I said to Neale that I simply couldn’t bear to read Day Zero. I was scared to continue. Which of course I had to, and did.
”I’d tell a thousand lies, light a thousand fires, break a thousand laws...what wouldn’t you do?”
I love that the final chapter ends in such a way that you can put your own perspective on it. Perhaps if you read it at different times in your life, you’ll have a different view of what the ending really was.
This is such a quietly powerful book that is definitely under the radar at the moment. I truly hope that many more people discover it and read it, as it’s stunning. It holds a special place in my heart. The inside cover says that the author Hugh Breakey is a philosopher, and I guess in a weird kind of way this shows. He certainly takes us on a journey into our hearts and minds, and questions what makes us who we are, and if we’re still that same person if we no longer remember.
A beautiful fall for sure.
”We ran home through the streets and through the rain.
*** Shout out to the wonderful, talented Mr.Neale-ski who I buddy read this with. We enjoyed trying to determine what Robbie used to do for a living before the forgetting started, and all sorts of other ponderings.
Please make sure to read his fab reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.nealesbookblog.com/post/t... ***
Imagine standing in front of a door that you don’t recognise with a paper in your hand that tells you who you are. And that this is your home.
Memories. What makes you "you"? And me "me"? Are we just made up of our memories or are we more than that. In losing them, do we lose ourselves?
”Everyone thought it was a one-off thing, maybe a stroke. Then, 179 days later, the forgetting struck again. And then it happened again, another 179 days later.”
Robbie Penfold suffers from a neurological disorder which he has called the forgetting. Just on every six months, his memory is wiped clean. He has no idea who he is or what he does. There don’t appear to be any friends or family at hand to help him in this awful predicament. So Robbie as his present self, writes himself letters and draws maps for his future self to refer to, a set of instructions if you like, to prepare himself for when the next re-set occurs. Which he’ll then be reading what his past self wrote. It’s tough. As between each interval, he tries to rebuild a life by “muscle memory”. There are some things that the body simply doesn’t forget, even if the mind does.
”Memory fluttered, the beat of its wings brushing against the mind’s edge.”
This is such an utterly interesting, though utterly awful predicament. I cannot fathom the abject fear of being in the situation, and waiting for the next round of the forgetting to again appear. As if by clockwork.
Neale - who I buddy read this with - and I had such an interesting time trying to guess what Robbie’s job was before it all slipped through his fingers like water. Neither of us got it right, but we gave it our best shot! This is such an incredible book to read with someone, or as a Bookclub pick, as it asks so many questions that aren’t that easy to answer.
”...starting all over again at day zero. Everything falls. Everything is rebuilding.”
The book starts at Day Twelve and we journey with Robbie to Day Zero, the fateful day when everything begins again. And a lot happens in those twelve days. We learn about Robbie’s project, which he obsesses over day and night, containing ”...eighty three thousand, seven hundred and ninety dominoes...” We get inklings of who he was before this strange condition befell him. We meet Julie. With emerald green eyes, and jet black hair in a pixie cut, who seems to have a magnetic hold over Robbie, though he has no recollection of her whatsoever.
This book is just exquisite. I loved it. As I flew through the chapters and got to Day One, I had to pause. I said to Neale that I simply couldn’t bear to read Day Zero. I was scared to continue. Which of course I had to, and did.
”I’d tell a thousand lies, light a thousand fires, break a thousand laws...what wouldn’t you do?”
I love that the final chapter ends in such a way that you can put your own perspective on it. Perhaps if you read it at different times in your life, you’ll have a different view of what the ending really was.
This is such a quietly powerful book that is definitely under the radar at the moment. I truly hope that many more people discover it and read it, as it’s stunning. It holds a special place in my heart. The inside cover says that the author Hugh Breakey is a philosopher, and I guess in a weird kind of way this shows. He certainly takes us on a journey into our hearts and minds, and questions what makes us who we are, and if we’re still that same person if we no longer remember.
A beautiful fall for sure.
”We ran home through the streets and through the rain.
*** Shout out to the wonderful, talented Mr.Neale-ski who I buddy read this with. We enjoyed trying to determine what Robbie used to do for a living before the forgetting started, and all sorts of other ponderings.
Please make sure to read his fab reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.nealesbookblog.com/post/t... ***
June 5, 2021
Buddy Read 16 with the wonderful Nat K.
“Read this now. Right now. Don’t even think about going near that door until you know what’s going on.”
The letter is how Robbie copes with the recurring amnesia that he lives with, and a warning, because he has been found by the police before, wandering the streets lost and confused. Every 179 days Robert forgets everything, his brain a hard drive wiped clean. The letter, along with being a set of instructions on how to find his apartment, tells him about his condition, that he has no living relatives. Bad news is there is no cure. Good news is that the condition may not be permanent. So, he lives in hope. Regarding the incident with the police, a letter from his doctor stresses that if it happens again, he will end up in a home for his own safety. He is emphatic, paranoid, not to tell anybody about his condition, retain his independence. He realizes how easy it would be for somebody to manipulate him.
“Keep to yourself to keep your self.” A mantra that he lives by for protection.
“Memories are like armour – without them you have no control, nothing to hold your shape. You’ll become what anybody tells you to be. That’s why you have to be on your guard from the very first moments.”
The narrative structure takes the form of thirteen chapters. Each chapter is a day, starting with Day Twelve and then counting down to Day Zero. These chapters represent the last twelve days Robert has left until he will lose his memories again.
On day twelve a new delivery person delivers his groceries. They are delivered by a young attractive woman. More than attractive, Robert assesses, strikingly beautiful. Robert is instantly attracted to this woman and yet he is vigilant as well, never lowering his defence. Her name is Julie.
Robert is working on a project, which involves dominoes. The purpose of this project is intentionally vague, but Julie offers to help. The more she helps the more Robert realizes he is falling for her, inevitably cracks start to form in his defences, growing as he spends more time with her. And yet the timing could not be worse. In a few days his memory will be wiped, and he will forget her. Telling her about his condition, an option he is not willing to risk.
But does Julie know Robbie? Does Julie have her own agenda? Is Julie the perfect example why Robbie closes himself off to the world?
This is the type of novel that relies on the reader knowing virtually nothing to have the impact it strives for, so I will leave it at that.
Because of his condition, Robert almost feels like three completely different characters. His past self, his present self, and his future self. When he reads messages from his past self, it feels like a different character, and in a way it is. Similarly, when he writes a message to his future self, he is essentially writing to another character.
This novel makes you think deeply about memory. Memories are integral to our survival. Unlike other species we are not born with instincts. We must learn and memorize. But memories are so much more. Don’t our memories make us who we are? Are we not just a collection of memories? Without memories we would just be empty vessels. The author, Hugh Breakey, is a philosopher, and intentionally or not, these are the thoughts that this novel made me contemplate. “Memory” such a vital, amazing function of our brain that we really know nothing about.
This was another buddy read with the wonderful Nat K, and it had us both going down the wrong path, wrong guesses, incorrect assumptions, and that is why it's a great novel for a buddy read. Both characters are blank slates. Please check out her review when she posts it.
“Read this now. Right now. Don’t even think about going near that door until you know what’s going on.”
The letter is how Robbie copes with the recurring amnesia that he lives with, and a warning, because he has been found by the police before, wandering the streets lost and confused. Every 179 days Robert forgets everything, his brain a hard drive wiped clean. The letter, along with being a set of instructions on how to find his apartment, tells him about his condition, that he has no living relatives. Bad news is there is no cure. Good news is that the condition may not be permanent. So, he lives in hope. Regarding the incident with the police, a letter from his doctor stresses that if it happens again, he will end up in a home for his own safety. He is emphatic, paranoid, not to tell anybody about his condition, retain his independence. He realizes how easy it would be for somebody to manipulate him.
“Keep to yourself to keep your self.” A mantra that he lives by for protection.
“Memories are like armour – without them you have no control, nothing to hold your shape. You’ll become what anybody tells you to be. That’s why you have to be on your guard from the very first moments.”
The narrative structure takes the form of thirteen chapters. Each chapter is a day, starting with Day Twelve and then counting down to Day Zero. These chapters represent the last twelve days Robert has left until he will lose his memories again.
On day twelve a new delivery person delivers his groceries. They are delivered by a young attractive woman. More than attractive, Robert assesses, strikingly beautiful. Robert is instantly attracted to this woman and yet he is vigilant as well, never lowering his defence. Her name is Julie.
Robert is working on a project, which involves dominoes. The purpose of this project is intentionally vague, but Julie offers to help. The more she helps the more Robert realizes he is falling for her, inevitably cracks start to form in his defences, growing as he spends more time with her. And yet the timing could not be worse. In a few days his memory will be wiped, and he will forget her. Telling her about his condition, an option he is not willing to risk.
But does Julie know Robbie? Does Julie have her own agenda? Is Julie the perfect example why Robbie closes himself off to the world?
This is the type of novel that relies on the reader knowing virtually nothing to have the impact it strives for, so I will leave it at that.
Because of his condition, Robert almost feels like three completely different characters. His past self, his present self, and his future self. When he reads messages from his past self, it feels like a different character, and in a way it is. Similarly, when he writes a message to his future self, he is essentially writing to another character.
This novel makes you think deeply about memory. Memories are integral to our survival. Unlike other species we are not born with instincts. We must learn and memorize. But memories are so much more. Don’t our memories make us who we are? Are we not just a collection of memories? Without memories we would just be empty vessels. The author, Hugh Breakey, is a philosopher, and intentionally or not, these are the thoughts that this novel made me contemplate. “Memory” such a vital, amazing function of our brain that we really know nothing about.
This was another buddy read with the wonderful Nat K, and it had us both going down the wrong path, wrong guesses, incorrect assumptions, and that is why it's a great novel for a buddy read. Both characters are blank slates. Please check out her review when she posts it.
Read
July 30, 2021The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Beautiful Fall
‘This is a wonderful book - moving, intelligent and entertaining. I read it in a sitting.’
Graeme Simsion
‘A true romance, one written with heart and sensuality.’
Cass Moriarty
‘Romantic and quietly philosophical.’
Readings
'Hugh Breakey's The Beautiful Fall is one of the most deeply-considered romantic dramas I have read.'
Booklovers Book Reviews
'One of the most thought-provoking meditations on love you'll encounter in a long while.'
2SER Final Draft
‘An extraordinarily good novel.’
ABC RN Minefield
‘A fascinating idea that Breakey turns into both a philosophical inquiry and a thrilling race against time.’
Herald Sun
‘This is a wonderful book - moving, intelligent and entertaining. I read it in a sitting.’
Graeme Simsion
‘A true romance, one written with heart and sensuality.’
Cass Moriarty
‘Romantic and quietly philosophical.’
Readings
'Hugh Breakey's The Beautiful Fall is one of the most deeply-considered romantic dramas I have read.'
Booklovers Book Reviews
'One of the most thought-provoking meditations on love you'll encounter in a long while.'
2SER Final Draft
‘An extraordinarily good novel.’
ABC RN Minefield
‘A fascinating idea that Breakey turns into both a philosophical inquiry and a thrilling race against time.’
Herald Sun
March 31, 2021
THE BEAUTIFUL FALL by Hugh Breakey wasn’t for me at all. This novel is about Robbie who loses all his memories every 6 months. I initially really liked the premise for this book and the set up. I also liked the way the chapters in this book were a countdown to his next memory loss. It took quite a while for something interesting to happen which is when Robbie meets a woman. In essence this is a love story but I found both characters lacking. Robbie especially seemed robotic and maybe it’s because he’s mostly just discovering himself. I did not care for him or his relationship. Sorry I don’t recommend this book. I’d say watch 50 First Dates instead.
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Thank you to Text Publishing via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
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Thank you to Text Publishing via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
June 21, 2021
One of those quirky and different sort of romance novels, set in Australia.
The quirkiness gave me some The Rosie Project vibes.
Could well become one of my favourite romance novels, which is not a genre that I usually aim for.
In fact, I have no idea why I picked this up from the library, except maybe it was the intriguing premise.
A really quick easy read, read it in one sitting.
Recommended.
The quirkiness gave me some The Rosie Project vibes.
Could well become one of my favourite romance novels, which is not a genre that I usually aim for.
In fact, I have no idea why I picked this up from the library, except maybe it was the intriguing premise.
A really quick easy read, read it in one sitting.
Recommended.
February 11, 2024
In regelmäßigen Abständen verliert Robert sein Gedächtnis, dazwischen hat er knapp ein halbes Jahr Zeit, um sein Leben zu leben und sich auf das nächste Mal vorzubereiten. Unter diesen Umständen kann er weder das Haus verlassen noch Bekanntschaften pflegen, doch als er Julie kennenlernt, bricht er seine strengen Regeln.
Robert führt das Leben fort, das ihm sein früheres Ich hinterlassen hat und ist ganz zufrieden damit, die Dominosteine aufzubauen, aber es gibt auch immer ein paar kleine Details, die ihn ein wenig irritieren - warum passen ihm seine Schuhe eigentlich nicht? Solche Unstimmigkeiten machen schon klar, dass es in seiner Vergangenheit noch Geheimnisse gibt, doch auf wen kann er sich verlassen, wenn nicht auf sich selbst?
Ich fand die Fragen, die diese komplexe Liebesgeschichte aufgeworfen hat, wirklich sehr interessant: Wie viel von uns ist Produkt unserer Erfahrungen und Erinnerungen? Wie sehr kann man sich selbst vertrauen? Sollte man an der Vergangenheit und früheren Entscheidungen festhalten oder neue Wege gehen? Und andere Probleme, die Robert aufgrund seiner regelmäßigen Amnesie bewältigen muss.
Ich mochte die Themen, die hier angeschnitten wurden und auch die unerwarteten Wendungen und Enthüllungen haben mir gut gefallen, nur die Charaktere fand ich manchmal auch etwas schwierig, obwohl ich ihre Gefühle und Entscheidungen meistens schon nachvollziehen konnte.
Robert ist in einer sehr schwierigen Lage und weiß nicht, wie er mit seinen Gefühlen umgehen soll. Zu Beginn des Buches bleibt ihm nicht mehr viel Zeit bis zum nächsten Gedächtnisverlust und die letzten Monate - und gleichzeitig auch die einzigen Monate, an die er sich erinnern kann - hat er ohne besonders viel menschlichen Kontakt verbracht und er weiß ja auch ungefähr, was auf ihn zukommt und hat seinen Frieden damit gemacht. Sein Leben ist schon kompliziert genug, auch ohne Julie, die alles auf den Kopf stellt. Der Umgang mit Julie ist eine Herausforderung für ihn, aber sie lässt sich auch nicht so leicht aus seine Leben vertreiben. Zusammen sind sie schon ein verrücktes Paar, das auch für viele unterhaltsame Momente sorgt, aber ihre Beziehung war für mich irgendwie trotzdem einer der schwächsten Teile des Buches.
Fazit
Insgesamt bin ich schon sehr zufrieden mit dieser außergewöhnlichen Liebesgeschichte und auch Roberts Weg zu seinem eigenen Glück, aber ich fand auch, dass man aus dieser Idee noch mehr hätte herausholen können.
Robert führt das Leben fort, das ihm sein früheres Ich hinterlassen hat und ist ganz zufrieden damit, die Dominosteine aufzubauen, aber es gibt auch immer ein paar kleine Details, die ihn ein wenig irritieren - warum passen ihm seine Schuhe eigentlich nicht? Solche Unstimmigkeiten machen schon klar, dass es in seiner Vergangenheit noch Geheimnisse gibt, doch auf wen kann er sich verlassen, wenn nicht auf sich selbst?
Ich fand die Fragen, die diese komplexe Liebesgeschichte aufgeworfen hat, wirklich sehr interessant: Wie viel von uns ist Produkt unserer Erfahrungen und Erinnerungen? Wie sehr kann man sich selbst vertrauen? Sollte man an der Vergangenheit und früheren Entscheidungen festhalten oder neue Wege gehen? Und andere Probleme, die Robert aufgrund seiner regelmäßigen Amnesie bewältigen muss.
Ich mochte die Themen, die hier angeschnitten wurden und auch die unerwarteten Wendungen und Enthüllungen haben mir gut gefallen, nur die Charaktere fand ich manchmal auch etwas schwierig, obwohl ich ihre Gefühle und Entscheidungen meistens schon nachvollziehen konnte.
Robert ist in einer sehr schwierigen Lage und weiß nicht, wie er mit seinen Gefühlen umgehen soll. Zu Beginn des Buches bleibt ihm nicht mehr viel Zeit bis zum nächsten Gedächtnisverlust und die letzten Monate - und gleichzeitig auch die einzigen Monate, an die er sich erinnern kann - hat er ohne besonders viel menschlichen Kontakt verbracht und er weiß ja auch ungefähr, was auf ihn zukommt und hat seinen Frieden damit gemacht. Sein Leben ist schon kompliziert genug, auch ohne Julie, die alles auf den Kopf stellt. Der Umgang mit Julie ist eine Herausforderung für ihn, aber sie lässt sich auch nicht so leicht aus seine Leben vertreiben. Zusammen sind sie schon ein verrücktes Paar, das auch für viele unterhaltsame Momente sorgt, aber ihre Beziehung war für mich irgendwie trotzdem einer der schwächsten Teile des Buches.
Fazit
Insgesamt bin ich schon sehr zufrieden mit dieser außergewöhnlichen Liebesgeschichte und auch Roberts Weg zu seinem eigenen Glück, aber ich fand auch, dass man aus dieser Idee noch mehr hätte herausholen können.
January 9, 2026
Every 179 days Robbie forgets everything. To survive the recurring loss of identity Robbie leads a regimented life alone. Twelve days before his next forgetting, he meets the beautiful Julie, the only woman he can remember meeting.
Read
December 12, 2023Not going to rate this one because even though this is Kylie Scott's hubby, he couldn't make me care about the man forgetting his life all the time and his dominoes.
February 6, 2021
This story sucked me in from the first page, which opens with Robbie’s letter from his past self. It’s a clever way to communicate the issue of Robbie’s episodic amnesia — a form of memory loss that strikes every 6 months. The reader is given the same information as Robbie when he experiences the first moments of “the forgetting” before jumping into the last 12 days of his current memory cycle.
At the urgent recommendation of his previous self, Robbie survives through structure, control and isolation. Things change when Julie enters his life. She’s beautiful, flawed — and they have an undeniable connection. What follows is a story with twists and turns that explores love and identity.
I started this book because I was initially curious about Robbie’s amnesia, but kept reading to see how his relationship with Julie developed — and to see if we would get to experience a forgetting firsthand. This book kept me guessing in the best ways.
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for a fair review.
CW: alcoholism
At the urgent recommendation of his previous self, Robbie survives through structure, control and isolation. Things change when Julie enters his life. She’s beautiful, flawed — and they have an undeniable connection. What follows is a story with twists and turns that explores love and identity.
I started this book because I was initially curious about Robbie’s amnesia, but kept reading to see how his relationship with Julie developed — and to see if we would get to experience a forgetting firsthand. This book kept me guessing in the best ways.
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for a fair review.
CW: alcoholism
May 4, 2021
ARC received from Text Publishing for an honest review
I was very intrigued by the premise of The Beautiful Fall, and Robbie's life was something I wanted to know more about.
And whilst I liked the story, I did find that it was at times slow and dragged a bit in the middle.
Robbie, who I could understand why he was shut off from the world the way he was, just came across as a bit too robotic for me. I wanted him to feel more emotion than came across.
And domino obsession - yeah, I had a lot of trouble getting what that was all about.
I did like that as things were learned about Julie and more of his past, Robbie did come to life a bit, but for me it was a case of too little, too late.
It was like watching Groundhog Day and Fifty First Dates, but without the emotion these movies capture. It was too dry and clinical to really draw this reader in. The philosophy background of the author really comes through in the story.
But this is just my opinion, and others might really love all this.
I was very intrigued by the premise of The Beautiful Fall, and Robbie's life was something I wanted to know more about.
And whilst I liked the story, I did find that it was at times slow and dragged a bit in the middle.
Robbie, who I could understand why he was shut off from the world the way he was, just came across as a bit too robotic for me. I wanted him to feel more emotion than came across.
And domino obsession - yeah, I had a lot of trouble getting what that was all about.
I did like that as things were learned about Julie and more of his past, Robbie did come to life a bit, but for me it was a case of too little, too late.
It was like watching Groundhog Day and Fifty First Dates, but without the emotion these movies capture. It was too dry and clinical to really draw this reader in. The philosophy background of the author really comes through in the story.
But this is just my opinion, and others might really love all this.
January 19, 2021
This book was a true surprise.
The story begins when Robert finds a letter that explains who he is and why he can't remember anything. As it unfolds, we get to know very little about his past life, and even he doesn't seem to be too interested in knowing what his life was like before he started losing his memory. Then, he meets Julie and, bit by bit, we learn about his daily life, his work, his projects... And he gets to learn about himself, that he is just as flawed as everybody else.
A real page-turner, I highly recommend it.
Thanks NetGalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
The story begins when Robert finds a letter that explains who he is and why he can't remember anything. As it unfolds, we get to know very little about his past life, and even he doesn't seem to be too interested in knowing what his life was like before he started losing his memory. Then, he meets Julie and, bit by bit, we learn about his daily life, his work, his projects... And he gets to learn about himself, that he is just as flawed as everybody else.
A real page-turner, I highly recommend it.
Thanks NetGalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
December 28, 2022
Great premise, genuinely a fantastic overall idea for a book. Also, very well written.
Unfortunately, it was boring.
Essentially, a man has short (sort of long) term memory loss, as every sixish months he is basically reset. He writes letters to himself (wish there were more letters) so that he can get by. His supposed partner, who he has no knowledge of enters the picture, and he's uncertain about his relationship with her, whether she's lying, etc. He debates all of this for most of the book, making the same arguments, having the same concerns, over, and over, and over. What should have been sub-thoughts that are occasionally acknowledged are the main plot, and it's boring.
Honestly, this book could have been as amazing as The Rosie Project, if it had more depth and more plot.
spoiler:
Unfortunately, it was boring.
Essentially, a man has short (sort of long) term memory loss, as every sixish months he is basically reset. He writes letters to himself (wish there were more letters) so that he can get by. His supposed partner, who he has no knowledge of enters the picture, and he's uncertain about his relationship with her, whether she's lying, etc. He debates all of this for most of the book, making the same arguments, having the same concerns, over, and over, and over. What should have been sub-thoughts that are occasionally acknowledged are the main plot, and it's boring.
Honestly, this book could have been as amazing as The Rosie Project, if it had more depth and more plot.
spoiler:
March 31, 2021
The Beautiful Fall (Text Publishing 2021), the debut novel by Hugh Breakey, is a will-they or won’t-they romance with a difference – underneath the burgeoning romantic liaison is a nail-biting countdown and a puzzle comprised of secrets. This genre-bending book is not easily defined but will appeal to those who enjoy books such as Graeme Simsion’s The Rosie Project series.
The scenes in this book are quite filmic in quality and I imagine the story would lend itself to such a production. Breakey makes use of a page-turning countdown as a literary device to increase tension and it really works due to the high stakes involved.
The story centres on Robbie Penfold, and the opening chapter is a letter he has written to himself which includes vital information he needs to know. The importance of this letter is because Robbie suffers from a rare neurological condition and for the last few years, every 179 days, he completely forgets everything about his old life and is forced to begin again. This unusual circumstance has led to him leading a very solitary life. Holed up in his apartment, with his groceries delivered automatically and his bills paid via direct debit, he has virtually no need to venture outside, and only does so infrequently. He especially doesn’t go outside as the 179 days are coming to an end, because his fear of experiencing ‘the forgetting’ while outside, away from his familiar home, is frightening. When he does unlock his door, he makes sure he takes a backpack filled with important mementoes and documentation, so that if ‘the forgetting’ happens, he (and perhaps others) will at least be able to read his own notes about who he is and where he lives. One of his worst fears is forgetting, being found wandering, and then sent to an institution. To cope with the disorientation and his fears, his life is regimented and very familiar – same routine, same meals, same daily schedule.
When the book opens, we are at Day 12 of the countdown. Only 12 days left before ‘the forgetting’. And so once we become engaged in the story, every one of those 12 days counts, as it is a race against time for Robbie to achieve all he wants to do before his mind completely shuts down and resets. And it is on Day 12 that something unexpected occurs – Robbie meets Julie, a beautiful young woman who is the first (that he can remember) to get under his skin.
Julie begins helping Robbie with the huge task his previous self has set for his current self, a project involving dominoes that has been created, he assumes, to consume all his time, keep him busy, give him a sense of achievement and a task to complete before he forgets everything and starts over again. But the act of allowing Julie to help complicates matters. Suddenly there is another person for him to communicate with and to consider. As the days crawl by on the countdown, Robbie begins to confront his own fears about his identity and his past. And when Julie reveals her own terrible secret, each of them must face their own truths.
The author Hugh Breakey is a philosopher and this is apparent in the writing of this book. It is full of contemplation, thought-provoking moral and ethical dilemmas, questions about love, loss, lies and the meaning of life. In that way it is a kind of meditation on how we live and who we trust. Robbie must weigh known evidence (eg his pre-written documents) against his instinct. He must balance the things he knows to be true with the feelings that he develops. So it is a book that will make you think. It is also a puzzle of a book, with a mystery to be uncovered. And finally it is a true romance, one written with heart and sensuality, featuring themes of trust, truth, betrayal, forgiveness and self-identity.
The scenes in this book are quite filmic in quality and I imagine the story would lend itself to such a production. Breakey makes use of a page-turning countdown as a literary device to increase tension and it really works due to the high stakes involved.
The story centres on Robbie Penfold, and the opening chapter is a letter he has written to himself which includes vital information he needs to know. The importance of this letter is because Robbie suffers from a rare neurological condition and for the last few years, every 179 days, he completely forgets everything about his old life and is forced to begin again. This unusual circumstance has led to him leading a very solitary life. Holed up in his apartment, with his groceries delivered automatically and his bills paid via direct debit, he has virtually no need to venture outside, and only does so infrequently. He especially doesn’t go outside as the 179 days are coming to an end, because his fear of experiencing ‘the forgetting’ while outside, away from his familiar home, is frightening. When he does unlock his door, he makes sure he takes a backpack filled with important mementoes and documentation, so that if ‘the forgetting’ happens, he (and perhaps others) will at least be able to read his own notes about who he is and where he lives. One of his worst fears is forgetting, being found wandering, and then sent to an institution. To cope with the disorientation and his fears, his life is regimented and very familiar – same routine, same meals, same daily schedule.
When the book opens, we are at Day 12 of the countdown. Only 12 days left before ‘the forgetting’. And so once we become engaged in the story, every one of those 12 days counts, as it is a race against time for Robbie to achieve all he wants to do before his mind completely shuts down and resets. And it is on Day 12 that something unexpected occurs – Robbie meets Julie, a beautiful young woman who is the first (that he can remember) to get under his skin.
Julie begins helping Robbie with the huge task his previous self has set for his current self, a project involving dominoes that has been created, he assumes, to consume all his time, keep him busy, give him a sense of achievement and a task to complete before he forgets everything and starts over again. But the act of allowing Julie to help complicates matters. Suddenly there is another person for him to communicate with and to consider. As the days crawl by on the countdown, Robbie begins to confront his own fears about his identity and his past. And when Julie reveals her own terrible secret, each of them must face their own truths.
The author Hugh Breakey is a philosopher and this is apparent in the writing of this book. It is full of contemplation, thought-provoking moral and ethical dilemmas, questions about love, loss, lies and the meaning of life. In that way it is a kind of meditation on how we live and who we trust. Robbie must weigh known evidence (eg his pre-written documents) against his instinct. He must balance the things he knows to be true with the feelings that he develops. So it is a book that will make you think. It is also a puzzle of a book, with a mystery to be uncovered. And finally it is a true romance, one written with heart and sensuality, featuring themes of trust, truth, betrayal, forgiveness and self-identity.
February 11, 2021
What if every 179 days your life reset? What if everything you loved, held dear, worked for and dreamed of was forgotten and you were forced to start over? This is the life of 31 year old, Robert Penfold.
When we first meet Robert he is in a fresh state of amnesia, his former self has left detailed instructions in the form of a letter, with all of the directives that he needs to resume his life. A carefully regimented and solitary life designed to protect him in his almost infantile state. By design his reclusive existence involves as little contact as possible with the outside world - he’s far too vulnerable and perpetually living in fear of “The Forgetting” and the likely consequences should he not stick to the protocol.
With 12 days until the world as he knows it ends, Julie appears on his doorstep. But will her arrival upset all that Robert thought he knew about himself and his carefully laid plans?
𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
These are flawed characters, in a nightmarish situation. It’s hard not to empathise with the hand that life has dealt Robert. Although I thought the concept clever, I found the motif of his large project a little laborious and tad overdrawn in places, although that all became much clearer as the story unfolded.
Once the plot unraveled and the pieces shifted into place, my interest intensified and I had trouble putting it down. There is a real tangible sense of the ticking of time, as we count down the final days before The Forgetting. The unexpected twists had me clutching at my proverbial pearls, with a few unexpected revelations that entirely changed my affection for the characters.
An amazing premise which had intrigued! It really got me thinking about how precious our memory is and that without it, most things that we value in our lives would seem hollow and meaningless.
At the very core this is a love story, in the same vein as The Time Traveller’s Wife. You will find yourself holding your breath, right alongside the characters.
With gratitude to NetGalley, Text Publishing and author Hugh Breakey for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy, Thank you.
When we first meet Robert he is in a fresh state of amnesia, his former self has left detailed instructions in the form of a letter, with all of the directives that he needs to resume his life. A carefully regimented and solitary life designed to protect him in his almost infantile state. By design his reclusive existence involves as little contact as possible with the outside world - he’s far too vulnerable and perpetually living in fear of “The Forgetting” and the likely consequences should he not stick to the protocol.
With 12 days until the world as he knows it ends, Julie appears on his doorstep. But will her arrival upset all that Robert thought he knew about himself and his carefully laid plans?
𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
These are flawed characters, in a nightmarish situation. It’s hard not to empathise with the hand that life has dealt Robert. Although I thought the concept clever, I found the motif of his large project a little laborious and tad overdrawn in places, although that all became much clearer as the story unfolded.
Once the plot unraveled and the pieces shifted into place, my interest intensified and I had trouble putting it down. There is a real tangible sense of the ticking of time, as we count down the final days before The Forgetting. The unexpected twists had me clutching at my proverbial pearls, with a few unexpected revelations that entirely changed my affection for the characters.
An amazing premise which had intrigued! It really got me thinking about how precious our memory is and that without it, most things that we value in our lives would seem hollow and meaningless.
At the very core this is a love story, in the same vein as The Time Traveller’s Wife. You will find yourself holding your breath, right alongside the characters.
With gratitude to NetGalley, Text Publishing and author Hugh Breakey for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy, Thank you.
August 16, 2021
I kept seeing this book at Dymocks and decided to get it on Libby - I was curious about a book written by a philosophy professor being stocked in the romance section!
Robbie has a condition that causes memory loss (think 50 first dates but 6 monthly intervals). He has a rigid life that he’s set up to protect himself - he doesn’t go out and he spends hours lining up dominoes. Robbie suddenly gets a new grocery delivery person, Julie, and his last few days before The Forgetting become very complicated.
Things I liked:
- The exploration of trust in relationships - this is so important and the way trust/truth was unpacked was really good
- The book being structured as a countdown until Robbie’s reset was very cool. I liked the structure, and the premise
- Both characters were deeply flawed, real people - it wasn’t a “everyone is rich and hot” story. Refreshing!
- I think alcoholism was explored delicately
Things I didn’t like:
- It was more of a “love story” than a romance. I would have LOVED chapters shapes as flashbacks into Robbie’s prior lives to paint a full picture of the entire Robbie/Julie arc
- Although I enjoyed the book, I didn’t find it particularly gripping. It took time for me to warm up to it, and even towards the end I still wasn’t sold on the domino thing
In short: A good read by an Aussie author, but would have liked more philosophy and more romance!
Robbie has a condition that causes memory loss (think 50 first dates but 6 monthly intervals). He has a rigid life that he’s set up to protect himself - he doesn’t go out and he spends hours lining up dominoes. Robbie suddenly gets a new grocery delivery person, Julie, and his last few days before The Forgetting become very complicated.
Things I liked:
- The exploration of trust in relationships - this is so important and the way trust/truth was unpacked was really good
- The book being structured as a countdown until Robbie’s reset was very cool. I liked the structure, and the premise
- Both characters were deeply flawed, real people - it wasn’t a “everyone is rich and hot” story. Refreshing!
- I think alcoholism was explored delicately
Things I didn’t like:
- It was more of a “love story” than a romance. I would have LOVED chapters shapes as flashbacks into Robbie’s prior lives to paint a full picture of the entire Robbie/Julie arc
- Although I enjoyed the book, I didn’t find it particularly gripping. It took time for me to warm up to it, and even towards the end I still wasn’t sold on the domino thing
In short: A good read by an Aussie author, but would have liked more philosophy and more romance!
February 17, 2021
I'm a big fan of "Groundhog Day" and "50 First Dates" type stories, where you get to relive the same day over and over and see how it could change, so of course, when I was able to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley, I was excited to dive into it. I'm so thankful I did.
I enjoyed feeling like I was going through this "new cycle" with Robbie, reading the same letter along with him that explained who he was and what was going on. You immediately start to empathize with him - how could you not? Especially when he meets Julie. Suddenly, you went from thinking, "Poor guy. This must be so hard for his loved ones to witness over and over," to thinking, "This poor man! Hasn't he been through enough?" I was on edge waiting to see where Robbie's story would take us, and it was worth every anxious breath.
I enjoyed feeling like I was going through this "new cycle" with Robbie, reading the same letter along with him that explained who he was and what was going on. You immediately start to empathize with him - how could you not? Especially when he meets Julie. Suddenly, you went from thinking, "Poor guy. This must be so hard for his loved ones to witness over and over," to thinking, "This poor man! Hasn't he been through enough?" I was on edge waiting to see where Robbie's story would take us, and it was worth every anxious breath.
February 28, 2021
I received this prerelease copy, from NetGalley, for the promise of an honest review.
This an amazing journey over a short period in time. Robert Penfold leads many lives forgetting all of his befores. He is an intense character scared of life, love and fitting all of the above into time. Nothing can prepare you for this disjointed adventure. Hold on, it’s an intense ride. 3.5/5
This an amazing journey over a short period in time. Robert Penfold leads many lives forgetting all of his befores. He is an intense character scared of life, love and fitting all of the above into time. Nothing can prepare you for this disjointed adventure. Hold on, it’s an intense ride. 3.5/5
August 2, 2021
This book was very confusing and ultimately underwhelming. I was holding out for an ending that would save it but it never pulled through.
July 5, 2024
The Beautiful Fall is written so beautifully that you start to fall in love with this awkward main character - Robbie. Robbie has a medical condition in which he forgets almost all his memories and gets completely lost, almost restarting his life.
We start with 12 days before his forgetting (that's what he calls it) and he meets a beautiful woman the interactions are nothing less than awkward but beautiful, his brain and heart are fighting two different things. Where he feels like it is a lure because his past self warned him his heart doesn't quite feel the same. Julie is RObbie's love interest, or potentially something more (I won't spoil it). All I know is there was a beautiful quote that will sum up how their relationship goes;
"But Robbie I have to know. If you've made a decision, you have to say the words. Because I'm dying here.'
'Yes,' I said.
'Yes, you've made a decision? or yes to me?'" ...
The dominoes are a key part of this novel, a work of art, a beautiful scene that seems like a hobby at the start but once Robbie finds out the truth about himself and those in his life he starts falling into this feeling as if he is a puppet, waiting to be controlled by his predecessor or someone to shape him - his biggest fear, yet it is also his biggest accomplishment as him, Robbie.
We start with 12 days before his forgetting (that's what he calls it) and he meets a beautiful woman the interactions are nothing less than awkward but beautiful, his brain and heart are fighting two different things. Where he feels like it is a lure because his past self warned him his heart doesn't quite feel the same. Julie is RObbie's love interest, or potentially something more (I won't spoil it). All I know is there was a beautiful quote that will sum up how their relationship goes;
"But Robbie I have to know. If you've made a decision, you have to say the words. Because I'm dying here.'
'Yes,' I said.
'Yes, you've made a decision? or yes to me?'" ...
The dominoes are a key part of this novel, a work of art, a beautiful scene that seems like a hobby at the start but once Robbie finds out the truth about himself and those in his life he starts falling into this feeling as if he is a puppet, waiting to be controlled by his predecessor or someone to shape him - his biggest fear, yet it is also his biggest accomplishment as him, Robbie.
October 12, 2023
'The Beautiful Fall' was an unexpectedly pleasant and heartfelt read.
The book takes place within the last twelve days before the main character, Robbie, forgets everything he knows, including himself. He calls this 'the forgetting.'
It turns out that he forgets every 179 days, and to prepare himself for this, he leads a solitary and structured life.
That is until his wife reenters the picture.
He gives her one day to show him what their life together was and could be, but on one condition - she must tell him the truth about everything - so that he can make an informed decision about what he wants out of life.
However, a letter from his past self and an array of seemingly meaningless collectibles have hidden her from his knowledge. What does this mean? Can she can be trusted?
In the background, Robbie is working tirelessly on an art piece comprised of dominoes - something that gives him purpose and will survive the forgetting. Something he refers to as 'the beautiful fall.'
But allowing himself to fall in love, that might be the real fall, and more beautiful then anything he could have imagined.
A highly recommended read for those who believe in the persistence of love above all else.
The book takes place within the last twelve days before the main character, Robbie, forgets everything he knows, including himself. He calls this 'the forgetting.'
It turns out that he forgets every 179 days, and to prepare himself for this, he leads a solitary and structured life.
That is until his wife reenters the picture.
He gives her one day to show him what their life together was and could be, but on one condition - she must tell him the truth about everything - so that he can make an informed decision about what he wants out of life.
However, a letter from his past self and an array of seemingly meaningless collectibles have hidden her from his knowledge. What does this mean? Can she can be trusted?
In the background, Robbie is working tirelessly on an art piece comprised of dominoes - something that gives him purpose and will survive the forgetting. Something he refers to as 'the beautiful fall.'
But allowing himself to fall in love, that might be the real fall, and more beautiful then anything he could have imagined.
A highly recommended read for those who believe in the persistence of love above all else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
Different. Sometimes a bit wordy and a bit long for me. Am interested to see what the rest of Bookclub think :)
July 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this story but did find the first number of pages a bit boring and repetitive.
May 10, 2021
Think this sounds like a nice light read? I did, and was wrong. From a Text release, of course I expected a little more substance than Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore’s 50 First Dates, but was caught off guard by just how deep and meaningful Hugh Breakey manages to dive in The Beautiful Fall.
The evocative opening immediately engages readers in Robbie’s plight. His endearingly candid first-person narrative only amplifies the readers’ awareness of the narrow confines of ‘his life’, a period bounded by amnesiac events. That narrow viewpoint cultivates intrigue and suspense – What doesn’t Robbie know? – as does the implicit countdown to the next forgetting.
And while remaining highly accessible, Breakey’s prose displays an appealing flair, most evident in his descriptions of people and settings.
The Beautiful Fall features plenty of light entertainment, those deliciously awkward and heartwarming moments that fuel the rom-com genre. But, it’s not all sunshine and roses, and Breakey (a philosopher) interrogates the bigger questions about love and life – identity, agency, white lies, trust, power and control. And in the context of Robbie’s neurological condition, there are no easy answers and several gut-punch moments for readers. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
The evocative opening immediately engages readers in Robbie’s plight. His endearingly candid first-person narrative only amplifies the readers’ awareness of the narrow confines of ‘his life’, a period bounded by amnesiac events. That narrow viewpoint cultivates intrigue and suspense – What doesn’t Robbie know? – as does the implicit countdown to the next forgetting.
And while remaining highly accessible, Breakey’s prose displays an appealing flair, most evident in his descriptions of people and settings.
The Beautiful Fall features plenty of light entertainment, those deliciously awkward and heartwarming moments that fuel the rom-com genre. But, it’s not all sunshine and roses, and Breakey (a philosopher) interrogates the bigger questions about love and life – identity, agency, white lies, trust, power and control. And in the context of Robbie’s neurological condition, there are no easy answers and several gut-punch moments for readers. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
May 4, 2021
This book was very different to what I have read in the past. It follows Robbie, who loses his memory every 6 months.
Going into this book I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but it surely wasn’t that. I really liked the mysterious aspect to Julie especially when she just happens to bump into his life. She’s strong headed and overall such a sweet woman who deserves so much. I loved their relationship and that plot twist I DID NOT see coming.
I think the writing was fantastic and I would highly recommend this book. It was something new and refreshing, and I would defiantly pick up another book from this author.
[ARC provided by text publishing in exchange for an honest review.]
Going into this book I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but it surely wasn’t that. I really liked the mysterious aspect to Julie especially when she just happens to bump into his life. She’s strong headed and overall such a sweet woman who deserves so much. I loved their relationship and that plot twist I DID NOT see coming.
I think the writing was fantastic and I would highly recommend this book. It was something new and refreshing, and I would defiantly pick up another book from this author.
[ARC provided by text publishing in exchange for an honest review.]
May 5, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for the chance of reading this book.
The synopsis gave me such 50 first dates vibes but with the roles reversed.
He is the one who lost his memory, at least every 6 months, so to help himself he write the things down and limit his contact with the outside word but that chances when a girl knocks at his door and he remember her but she has something to hide.
The story is good but the love story since is written by a man isn't thaaaaat romantic but isn't bad.
If you are a fan of 50 first dates, read this one, IMO, way better.
The synopsis gave me such 50 first dates vibes but with the roles reversed.
He is the one who lost his memory, at least every 6 months, so to help himself he write the things down and limit his contact with the outside word but that chances when a girl knocks at his door and he remember her but she has something to hide.
The story is good but the love story since is written by a man isn't thaaaaat romantic but isn't bad.
If you are a fan of 50 first dates, read this one, IMO, way better.
April 6, 2021
Every 179 days Robbie forgets everything. His name. Where he lives. Everyone he knows. And who he is. To cope with the impending memory loss Robbie prepares himself as best as he can; with letters and a journal for his future self, and by living a solitary and very scheduled life.
It was tricky figuring out how I feel about this one. The first sentences had me hooked. Reading the first few paragraphs I was so excited to get lost in Robbie's world. The story starts with Robbie having just 12 days left before he forgets it all and the tension and apprehension is palpable.
And then the dominoes talk begun. Pages and pages and pages of talking about dominoes. It becomes clear quickly that dominoes are very important to Robbie and that he's attempting to set up something very special with thousands of dominoes. But I just did not care. This part of the book really dragged for me.
About halfway through the pace quickens. The dominoes are still there but it's much less in your face. Instead the story now focuses on a woman Robbie has accidentally become friends with - Julie. As there relationship develops, Robbie gets closer and closer to forgetting it all. Each chapter counts down a day, building the sense of urgency and intrigue about what will happen next for Robbie.
My thoughts flipped-flopped on both Julie and Robbie. Sometimes he felt a bit robotic and other times I felt for him. Sometimes I liked Julie, other times she seemed like straight up trouble. Sometimes I rooted for them, and other times I really did not.
In saying that, the book got better and better as it progressed. And I really like the way it ended.
The Beautiful Fall poses some interesting questions around memories and the way memories shape our identity. Who are we really if we don't know anything about ourself and our past? Would we still be the same person if we no longer remembered who that was?
If you're a fan of The Rosie Project you'll probably like this one. It's easy to read, fun in parts and shines a fairly lighthearted look on social interactions between people.
3.5 stars
It was tricky figuring out how I feel about this one. The first sentences had me hooked. Reading the first few paragraphs I was so excited to get lost in Robbie's world. The story starts with Robbie having just 12 days left before he forgets it all and the tension and apprehension is palpable.
And then the dominoes talk begun. Pages and pages and pages of talking about dominoes. It becomes clear quickly that dominoes are very important to Robbie and that he's attempting to set up something very special with thousands of dominoes. But I just did not care. This part of the book really dragged for me.
About halfway through the pace quickens. The dominoes are still there but it's much less in your face. Instead the story now focuses on a woman Robbie has accidentally become friends with - Julie. As there relationship develops, Robbie gets closer and closer to forgetting it all. Each chapter counts down a day, building the sense of urgency and intrigue about what will happen next for Robbie.
My thoughts flipped-flopped on both Julie and Robbie. Sometimes he felt a bit robotic and other times I felt for him. Sometimes I liked Julie, other times she seemed like straight up trouble. Sometimes I rooted for them, and other times I really did not.
In saying that, the book got better and better as it progressed. And I really like the way it ended.
The Beautiful Fall poses some interesting questions around memories and the way memories shape our identity. Who are we really if we don't know anything about ourself and our past? Would we still be the same person if we no longer remembered who that was?
If you're a fan of The Rosie Project you'll probably like this one. It's easy to read, fun in parts and shines a fairly lighthearted look on social interactions between people.
3.5 stars
April 25, 2021
(I was kindly sent this in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley)
The plot was good, such an interesting concept, but I think it could’ve been a bit shorter. There were a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming, regarding Julie, and I also didn’t see where the dominoes storyline was going at all.
The ending took a turn I wasn’t expecting, but I wasn’t mad about it, it was kind of nice. I think me not really liking Julie had something to do with expecting something different.
As for the characters, I think my feelings about Robbie are very neutral, he wasn’t the most likable character, but at the same time he wasn’t unlikable either. I get the way he behaved because he was always so confused and lost because he had lost all of his memories, but he did get a bit on my nerves at times.
As for Julie, I did never fully trust her; from minute 1 I knew there was something shady about her, and I think Robbie did too, except we didn’t know what it was until about halfway through.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but at times I felt that it dragged out a little bit.
The plot was good, such an interesting concept, but I think it could’ve been a bit shorter. There were a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming, regarding Julie, and I also didn’t see where the dominoes storyline was going at all.
The ending took a turn I wasn’t expecting, but I wasn’t mad about it, it was kind of nice. I think me not really liking Julie had something to do with expecting something different.
As for the characters, I think my feelings about Robbie are very neutral, he wasn’t the most likable character, but at the same time he wasn’t unlikable either. I get the way he behaved because he was always so confused and lost because he had lost all of his memories, but he did get a bit on my nerves at times.
As for Julie, I did never fully trust her; from minute 1 I knew there was something shady about her, and I think Robbie did too, except we didn’t know what it was until about halfway through.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but at times I felt that it dragged out a little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
Part Time Traveller’s Wife, part 50 First Dates, part something else altogether! The Beautiful Fall is a surprising and intriguing tale.
Robbie lives with a condition that causes him to lose his memory every 179 days. Each time, he forgets everything and has to restart his life. Luckily, he knows this because one of his past selves left a note which also sets Robbie a mysterious and almost impossible task to complete before his time is up. Robbie lives a solitary life with a diligent routine, his sole purpose being to master thousands of dominoes, achieving the task set by his former self. As his deadline nears, he meets a beautiful young woman named Julie who alters his carefully planned course.
I’ll admit that throughout the first third of this book, I often found myself wondering ‘What am I reading?’. There’s a lot of talk about dominoes and the art of lining them up - yes, really, but stick with it! - The Beautiful Fall comes together in a beautifully set up sequence that reflects the domino fall Robbie creates throughout the novel.
The story builds to a truly beautiful crescendo that I’m not even going to try to explain because I don’t want to ruin it for future readers who discover this book.
The Beautiful Fall is an artfully constructed, hopeful and tender love story. It left me wowed by its conclusion and the secrets revealed along the way.
I received an uncorrected proof of this novel from the publisher.
Robbie lives with a condition that causes him to lose his memory every 179 days. Each time, he forgets everything and has to restart his life. Luckily, he knows this because one of his past selves left a note which also sets Robbie a mysterious and almost impossible task to complete before his time is up. Robbie lives a solitary life with a diligent routine, his sole purpose being to master thousands of dominoes, achieving the task set by his former self. As his deadline nears, he meets a beautiful young woman named Julie who alters his carefully planned course.
I’ll admit that throughout the first third of this book, I often found myself wondering ‘What am I reading?’. There’s a lot of talk about dominoes and the art of lining them up - yes, really, but stick with it! - The Beautiful Fall comes together in a beautifully set up sequence that reflects the domino fall Robbie creates throughout the novel.
The story builds to a truly beautiful crescendo that I’m not even going to try to explain because I don’t want to ruin it for future readers who discover this book.
The Beautiful Fall is an artfully constructed, hopeful and tender love story. It left me wowed by its conclusion and the secrets revealed along the way.
I received an uncorrected proof of this novel from the publisher.
February 6, 2021
Why haven't see anyone waiting for The Beautiful Fall to come out?! I feel as if this book will be an underrated book, let's change that! It tells a beautiful story about personality, free choices, life decisions, marriage and so much more!
The main character Robbie loses his memory every 179 days. We live his last 12 days before another forgetting with him throughout the book. And of course his encounter and their kinda weird but captivating relationship. Speaking of captivating; it absolutely grasps the reader with the opening of a letter written by his "past-self" as its first lines. Read this now. Right now. Don't even think of going near that door until you know what's going on. Language and how everything made sense as I read was truly beautiful. However, I have some issues with it. I'll mark them as spoilers for talking more freely.
The main character Robbie loses his memory every 179 days. We live his last 12 days before another forgetting with him throughout the book. And of course his encounter and their kinda weird but captivating relationship. Speaking of captivating; it absolutely grasps the reader with the opening of a letter written by his "past-self" as its first lines. Read this now. Right now. Don't even think of going near that door until you know what's going on. Language and how everything made sense as I read was truly beautiful. However, I have some issues with it. I'll mark them as spoilers for talking more freely.
February 18, 2021
The premise of the story is promising. I was actually glued from the start to the end. The story was well written but the world-building seems abridged. I want to know more about the MCs' family/support system, their relationship before the forgetting, and the reason behind Julie's addiction.
I love how Robbie coped up with his medical condition even if it means being secluded from the outside world until Julie came back to his life.
The ending seems a bit abrupt like I want to know more now that they are together when a new episode of forgetting sets in.
Overall, this was a page-turner and a pleasure to read.
Thank you, author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion of this book.
I love how Robbie coped up with his medical condition even if it means being secluded from the outside world until Julie came back to his life.
The ending seems a bit abrupt like I want to know more now that they are together when a new episode of forgetting sets in.
Overall, this was a page-turner and a pleasure to read.
Thank you, author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion of this book.
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