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I Remember
Over the span of 50 years, different tenants come and go. A silent observer sees it all. This tale of grief, joy, and longing tells a story of the human experience from a new and unexpected perspective. From growing up, to mourning an untimely loss, to falling in love, this debut novel delves into the full spectrum of emotions and will take you on a journey that, at times, might feel familiar.
205 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 23, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This a quick read with an intriguing perspective. It's poignant and nostalgic, an exploration of private human dramas behind closed doors. Over the 50 years of the novel, there are a dozen or more characters, who all feel fleshed out and memorable. Hoffmann has an eye for the ordinary details of domestic living that are so revealing of personality and situation.
It's a bold choice to have a narrator who is placed in the centre of the novel but can only observe. She is not able to act on the events of the story, either on behalf of the various tenants we meet or for herself, only to experience their impact. Nevertheless, Hoffmann does an excellent job of keeping the reader emotionally engaged through the narrator's joy, pain, regret and hope.
At times I felt the first part of the novel, focusing on the Morgan family, was too nice. It's a sweet snapshot of an old-fashioned, idyllic family growing up over the course of a generation, but without high stakes or tension. However this section provided an emotional foundation for later events in the novel and the drama entered in part two. From that point on, I was hooked.
This a quick read with an intriguing perspective. It's poignant and nostalgic, an exploration of private human dramas behind closed doors. Over the 50 years of the novel, there are a dozen or more characters, who all feel fleshed out and memorable. Hoffmann has an eye for the ordinary details of domestic living that are so revealing of personality and situation.
It's a bold choice to have a narrator who is placed in the centre of the novel but can only observe. She is not able to act on the events of the story, either on behalf of the various tenants we meet or for herself, only to experience their impact. Nevertheless, Hoffmann does an excellent job of keeping the reader emotionally engaged through the narrator's joy, pain, regret and hope.
At times I felt the first part of the novel, focusing on the Morgan family, was too nice. It's a sweet snapshot of an old-fashioned, idyllic family growing up over the course of a generation, but without high stakes or tension. However this section provided an emotional foundation for later events in the novel and the drama entered in part two. From that point on, I was hooked.
May 11, 2022
Interesting Concept
Loved the idea of the house as the narrator. The story is well written. However, the narration made me feel distant from the characters because there was no elaboration on their thoughts and emotions. I felt like a fly on a wall during everyday scenarios; yet I was hoping for more climax.
Loved the idea of the house as the narrator. The story is well written. However, the narration made me feel distant from the characters because there was no elaboration on their thoughts and emotions. I felt like a fly on a wall during everyday scenarios; yet I was hoping for more climax.
October 16, 2023
I wondered about the depth of the storyline when everything was picture perfect but I really enjoyed this layered story. Well executed, it was heartbreaking at times, but hopeful and good as a whole.
December 15, 2021
Emotionally satisfying
I didn’t know what to expect from this but it filled my heart with every emotion under the sun. The perspective that Emily chose to write in is new and refreshing. This is the fresh new voice the writing world needs. She had me hugging the walls of my home and having to remind myself to keep it together.
I didn’t know what to expect from this but it filled my heart with every emotion under the sun. The perspective that Emily chose to write in is new and refreshing. This is the fresh new voice the writing world needs. She had me hugging the walls of my home and having to remind myself to keep it together.
December 1, 2021
This is such a good idea for a book you will wonder why it’s never been done before. Emily has a way of effortlessly bringing her characters to life and making them relatable, yet unpredictable. You’ll never expect the dark turns this one takes. I can’t remember the last time I read this many pages this quickly. I just couldn’t put it down and that’s all I ever ask for from my novels.
February 18, 2022
Beautiful story told from a unique perspective. It hit home... a house is more than just a place to hang your hat. It's a living, breathing thing with a heart and soul that grows and expands with everyone who makes it a home.
November 29, 2022
If these walls could talk
Heartfelt and well-written. This emotional memoir of a house that observes and grows to love each of its inhabitants though the decades brings laughter and tears. A thoughtfully crafted ode to the family home.
Heartfelt and well-written. This emotional memoir of a house that observes and grows to love each of its inhabitants though the decades brings laughter and tears. A thoughtfully crafted ode to the family home.
November 23, 2021
Beautiful and Emotional
This book hit pretty much every emotion for me. I cried at least twice and even though you aren’t with any of the characters for very long, I was invested in each part of the story. Beautifully written. Everyone should be able to relate to at least one character.
This book hit pretty much every emotion for me. I cried at least twice and even though you aren’t with any of the characters for very long, I was invested in each part of the story. Beautifully written. Everyone should be able to relate to at least one character.
October 6, 2022
Life as a house. Literally.
Emily Hoffman has a house as a living, breathing entity watching the families that live within it, becoming attached to them, horrified when tragedy strikes. Even a star-crossed couple who sneak in when the house sits vacant. Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, it's one of the cleverest stories I've read in a while.
Emily Hoffman has a house as a living, breathing entity watching the families that live within it, becoming attached to them, horrified when tragedy strikes. Even a star-crossed couple who sneak in when the house sits vacant. Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, it's one of the cleverest stories I've read in a while.
December 5, 2021
I remember is a great novel. For the opening pages my curiosity was sparked, who is the narrator. I’m not going to spoil it, but Emily has an amazing imagination.
The story after it didn’t disappoint. With both great inspiration, to deep tragedy, the narrator survived though so many things that will make you cheer and cry.
I recommend this book!
The story after it didn’t disappoint. With both great inspiration, to deep tragedy, the narrator survived though so many things that will make you cheer and cry.
I recommend this book!
August 25, 2022
Fantastic book!! Love the idea of the house being the narrator. Brilliant!! Such a roller coaster of emotions with each new family moving in. Very well written. Thoroughly enjoyed it!! Can’t wait for the next book!!
October 15, 2022
What an amazing read! This book doesn’t remind me of any book I’ve ever read, it has such a unique POV. I loved every page of it. Don’t let the first part fool you—if it feels too perfect, that’s clearly intentional once you get past Part One. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
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January 14, 2022I Remember...
I was intrigued by the perspective of this book right away. Very different from anything I've read before. Well written and thoughtful. I really liked it!
I was intrigued by the perspective of this book right away. Very different from anything I've read before. Well written and thoughtful. I really liked it!
April 28, 2025
F*ck Amazon, St0ryGraph is better but we need to support smaller authors however possible.
SG: jillmey14
SG: jillmey14
June 20, 2022
A book told from a different perspective, one that had me in tears with each chapter. Such a heartfelt novel and an unforgettable read.
July 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. If felt like it was written for me. I am nostalgic and just really connected with the feelings and emotions that can come from buying/living/leaving a home. The individual stories were interesting and kept me reading. The book had an overall feeling of longing and nostalgia and while parts of it were sad it was so enjoyable. It’s a book where I paused after I read it to process and look back on my own home and experiences.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews