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The Forgetting
From the bestselling author of If Only I Could Tell You comes the story of two women feeling trapped and powerless. Can they find their way back to life?
When Anna Bradshaw wakes up in a hospital bed in London, she remembers nothing, not even her loving husband, Stephen. The doctors say her amnesia is to be expected, but Anna feels cut adrift from her entire life.
In Bristol, Livvy Nicholson is newly married to Dominic and eager to get back to work after six months’ maternity leave. But when Dominic’s estranged mother appears, making a series of unnerving claims, Livvy is sucked into a version of herself she doesn’t recognise.
A hundred miles apart, both women feel trapped and disorientated, and their stories are about to collide. Can they uncover the secret that connects them and reconstruct their fractured lives?
When Anna Bradshaw wakes up in a hospital bed in London, she remembers nothing, not even her loving husband, Stephen. The doctors say her amnesia is to be expected, but Anna feels cut adrift from her entire life.
In Bristol, Livvy Nicholson is newly married to Dominic and eager to get back to work after six months’ maternity leave. But when Dominic’s estranged mother appears, making a series of unnerving claims, Livvy is sucked into a version of herself she doesn’t recognise.
A hundred miles apart, both women feel trapped and disorientated, and their stories are about to collide. Can they uncover the secret that connects them and reconstruct their fractured lives?
331 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2023
6256 people are currently reading
16927 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Beckerman
10 books611 followersHannah Beckerman is an author, journalist, event chair and broadcaster. In the UK she writes for a range of publications including The Observer and The FT Weekend Magazine, and appears as a book critic on BBC Radio 2 and Times Radio. She regularly chairs at literary events and panels across the UK and has judged numerous book prizes including the Costa Book Awards.
Before becoming a writer, Hannah was a TV and film producer both in the UK and the US.
She lives in London.
Before becoming a writer, Hannah was a TV and film producer both in the UK and the US.
She lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,721 reviews
March 15, 2023
3.5 STARS
My First Reads pick for March 2023
A domestic drama that focuses on two women who seem trapped in their marriages and timid in their behavior.
I disliked the men and felt like the women needed to wake up. They both gave their husbands too much control. The story moves a steady pace and kept me reading to see how their stories would connect.
The shocker happens after 75% and it did catch me off guard! I had that feeling of someone pulling the wool over my eyes! What?!
There is just a bit of tension throughout, some emotional abuse, steady pace and a satisfying ending (though mostly far-fetched).
If you enjoy those Lifetime movies that keep you hooked, you may also enjoy this family drama. I can easily imagine this one on the screen.
My First Reads pick for March 2023
A domestic drama that focuses on two women who seem trapped in their marriages and timid in their behavior.
I disliked the men and felt like the women needed to wake up. They both gave their husbands too much control. The story moves a steady pace and kept me reading to see how their stories would connect.
The shocker happens after 75% and it did catch me off guard! I had that feeling of someone pulling the wool over my eyes! What?!
There is just a bit of tension throughout, some emotional abuse, steady pace and a satisfying ending (though mostly far-fetched).
If you enjoy those Lifetime movies that keep you hooked, you may also enjoy this family drama. I can easily imagine this one on the screen.
September 29, 2023
I quite enjoyed the change of pace in this book!
This story is a slow unfold but not quite a slow burn. The storyline is interesting, filled with familial drama which envelops you almost immediately. I definitely felt curious about how things were going to connect as I turned the pages but I wasn’t shell shocked like some really good plot twist thrillers. I thought this was going to be more of a mystery thriller but it is definitely more of a drama mystery.
I liked the writing style of the author and the storyline was really good. I always love to mix up my readings and this fit the bill for me. I typically love me some good suspense and plot twists that keep me feverishly turning the page, but this felt more like a mellow glass of wine that you slow sip and enjoy so it lasts a little longer.
I only took off one star because I think the development of the story could have been a little better, but I would definitely read more from this author.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story is a slow unfold but not quite a slow burn. The storyline is interesting, filled with familial drama which envelops you almost immediately. I definitely felt curious about how things were going to connect as I turned the pages but I wasn’t shell shocked like some really good plot twist thrillers. I thought this was going to be more of a mystery thriller but it is definitely more of a drama mystery.
I liked the writing style of the author and the storyline was really good. I always love to mix up my readings and this fit the bill for me. I typically love me some good suspense and plot twists that keep me feverishly turning the page, but this felt more like a mellow glass of wine that you slow sip and enjoy so it lasts a little longer.
I only took off one star because I think the development of the story could have been a little better, but I would definitely read more from this author.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
EXCERPT: 'Is she going to be okay?' The anonymous man stands at the end of my bed, his voice hesitant, cautious.
'There's nothing immediately concerning. All her vital signs look good. But she's had a significant concussion so we'll want to keep her under observation for a while.' The nurse turns back to me. 'I'll get the doctor to come and look at you now. Try not to worry - you're over the worst. '
The nurse disappears through the blue curtain. The man steps towards the side of the bed, takes hold of my hand, raises it to his lips. I snatch my hand free,not wanting this stranger to touch me, suddenly aware of my vulnerability beneath the thin hospital gown and stark white hospital sheet. 'Who are you?' The words scrape at my throat, as if hauling their way up the scree slope of a mountain.
The man looks at me with mournful eyes, breathes deeply before replying. 'It's me, Anna. I'm your husband.'
I stare at the face of the man leaning over me - the lines around his eyes, the thick eyebrows, the firm slant of his nose - and panic tightens its grip around my throat.
I have no recollection of ever seeing him before.
ABOUT 'THE FORGETTING': When Anna Bradshaw wakes up in a hospital bed in London, she remembers nothing, not even her loving husband, Stephen. The doctors say her amnesia is to be expected, but Anna feels cut adrift from her entire life.
In Bristol, Livvy Nicholson is newly married to Dominic and eager to get back to work after six months’ maternity leave. But when Dominic’s estranged mother appears, making a series of unnerving claims, Livvy is sucked into a version of herself she doesn’t recognise.
A hundred miles apart, both women feel trapped and disorientated, and their stories are about to collide. Can they uncover the secret that connects them and reconstruct their fractured lives?
MY THOUGHTS: The Forgetting is about memory, amnesia and relationships, including the topic of controlling and coercive behaviour. It's a somewhat disturbing tale with an important message and one that kept me wondering just what the connection between Anna in London and Livvy in Bristol could possibly be. Nothing that I came up with was even close to the truth and I never saw the twist near the end coming.
The plot progresses at a steady pace. The couples, Anna and Stephen, Livvy and Dominic at first seem to have little in common. But as the story progresses both men start to show the negative aspects of their personalities clothed, of course, in concern for the well-being of their spouses.
The Forgetting took a very different turn to what I was expecting and, while I didn't love this book, I did like it. I was kept interested throughout and wondering. I was never completely sure what was happening or where the author was taking us.
My favourite quote: 'My parents always warned me: be careful who you have kids with. Mortgages, joint bank accounts, marriages - you can extricate yourself from all of it. But have a child with someone and you're linked to them for the rest of your life.'
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheForgetting #NetGalley
I: @hannahbeckermanauthor @amazonpublishing
T: @hannahbeckerman @Amazonpub
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #friendship #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Hannah Beckerman is an author, journalist, event chair and broadcaster.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing, Lake Union, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
'There's nothing immediately concerning. All her vital signs look good. But she's had a significant concussion so we'll want to keep her under observation for a while.' The nurse turns back to me. 'I'll get the doctor to come and look at you now. Try not to worry - you're over the worst. '
The nurse disappears through the blue curtain. The man steps towards the side of the bed, takes hold of my hand, raises it to his lips. I snatch my hand free,not wanting this stranger to touch me, suddenly aware of my vulnerability beneath the thin hospital gown and stark white hospital sheet. 'Who are you?' The words scrape at my throat, as if hauling their way up the scree slope of a mountain.
The man looks at me with mournful eyes, breathes deeply before replying. 'It's me, Anna. I'm your husband.'
I stare at the face of the man leaning over me - the lines around his eyes, the thick eyebrows, the firm slant of his nose - and panic tightens its grip around my throat.
I have no recollection of ever seeing him before.
ABOUT 'THE FORGETTING': When Anna Bradshaw wakes up in a hospital bed in London, she remembers nothing, not even her loving husband, Stephen. The doctors say her amnesia is to be expected, but Anna feels cut adrift from her entire life.
In Bristol, Livvy Nicholson is newly married to Dominic and eager to get back to work after six months’ maternity leave. But when Dominic’s estranged mother appears, making a series of unnerving claims, Livvy is sucked into a version of herself she doesn’t recognise.
A hundred miles apart, both women feel trapped and disorientated, and their stories are about to collide. Can they uncover the secret that connects them and reconstruct their fractured lives?
MY THOUGHTS: The Forgetting is about memory, amnesia and relationships, including the topic of controlling and coercive behaviour. It's a somewhat disturbing tale with an important message and one that kept me wondering just what the connection between Anna in London and Livvy in Bristol could possibly be. Nothing that I came up with was even close to the truth and I never saw the twist near the end coming.
The plot progresses at a steady pace. The couples, Anna and Stephen, Livvy and Dominic at first seem to have little in common. But as the story progresses both men start to show the negative aspects of their personalities clothed, of course, in concern for the well-being of their spouses.
The Forgetting took a very different turn to what I was expecting and, while I didn't love this book, I did like it. I was kept interested throughout and wondering. I was never completely sure what was happening or where the author was taking us.
My favourite quote: 'My parents always warned me: be careful who you have kids with. Mortgages, joint bank accounts, marriages - you can extricate yourself from all of it. But have a child with someone and you're linked to them for the rest of your life.'
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheForgetting #NetGalley
I: @hannahbeckermanauthor @amazonpublishing
T: @hannahbeckerman @Amazonpub
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #friendship #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Hannah Beckerman is an author, journalist, event chair and broadcaster.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing, Lake Union, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
April 15, 2023
A genre (psychological thrillers) I have been going slow on in the recent months. This book has some solid aspects to its credit– good character development & very good coverage of how modern-day abuse can look like.
The story is told in two separate threads involving Anna Bradshaw, her husband Stephen in London and Livvy Nicholson, her husband Dominic and young child Leo in Bristol. Anna finds herself in a hospital in London and is not able to recognize Stephen who claims to be her husband. They were in a car crash, and Stephen blames himself as he was driving. Anna is soon discharged and feels disoriented at their home as nothing seems familiar, though Stephen tells her they have been living there for a year. He mentions that Anna worked as a librarian but lost her job and they have been married 12 years. He is very concerned about her and tells her to take it easy. Livvy has been married to Dominic for about a year and they have a young son Leo in Bristol. Dominic is frequently away on building projects. Livvy is looking forward to getting back to work, especially since she has been offered a promotion. She is concerned about caring for Leo, though her parents and sister Bea have offered to help. Livvy is also confused when Dominic’s mother Imogen makes an appearance, as Dominic confides that he has had a difficult childhood.
The guess I made regarding how the stories would converge was only partly correct, and there was a good surprise in the last 20% of the book. As happens in such stories, the author uses literary devices to keep you guessing. The pace is quite slow, but the character development is very good. The story covers aspects of coercion & control – a modern form of bad abuse very well.
Overall, a worthwhile read; among the better written stories in this genre in recent months.
Thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author for a free electronic review copy.
The story is told in two separate threads involving Anna Bradshaw, her husband Stephen in London and Livvy Nicholson, her husband Dominic and young child Leo in Bristol. Anna finds herself in a hospital in London and is not able to recognize Stephen who claims to be her husband. They were in a car crash, and Stephen blames himself as he was driving. Anna is soon discharged and feels disoriented at their home as nothing seems familiar, though Stephen tells her they have been living there for a year. He mentions that Anna worked as a librarian but lost her job and they have been married 12 years. He is very concerned about her and tells her to take it easy. Livvy has been married to Dominic for about a year and they have a young son Leo in Bristol. Dominic is frequently away on building projects. Livvy is looking forward to getting back to work, especially since she has been offered a promotion. She is concerned about caring for Leo, though her parents and sister Bea have offered to help. Livvy is also confused when Dominic’s mother Imogen makes an appearance, as Dominic confides that he has had a difficult childhood.
The guess I made regarding how the stories would converge was only partly correct, and there was a good surprise in the last 20% of the book. As happens in such stories, the author uses literary devices to keep you guessing. The pace is quite slow, but the character development is very good. The story covers aspects of coercion & control – a modern form of bad abuse very well.
Overall, a worthwhile read; among the better written stories in this genre in recent months.
Thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author for a free electronic review copy.
April 1, 2023
If you’re as addicted to page-turning thrillers that you absolutely won’t be able to put down (and keep on thinking about until you are able to read them again) as I am, then The Forgetting is the book for you. I was pleasantly surprised at how well-written this was.
Two women; Anna Bradshaw in London and Livvy Nicholson in Bristol are about to cross paths in the near future. But there are a lot of twist, turns and personal struggle for them both to get through.
Anna awakes in hospital after a car accident robbed of her memories of her life. She doesn’t even recognise her husband, Stephen, who has to slowly remind her of everything she has been through in the past. But why is he taking his time with it? Will she be able to cope with what she is told?
Livvy is a newlywed to a seemingly picture-perfect husband called Dominic. They have a six month old son Leo and she is desperate to get back to work after maternity leave. Life seems to be clicking into place for her as she is offered a job promotion when she returns to work. But then things take a turn when Dominic’s estranged mother shows up one day and then starts making phone calls/sending text messages. She is eager to reconnect with Dominic after the death of his Father and wants to meet Livvy and Leo. But Dominic is having none of it, he cut off his parents years ago for reasons that aren’t entirely known; just that his father had been abusive.
Both men appear to be keeping their fair share of secrets. But how will this all unravel? Things aren’t quite what they seem.
I always struggle with deciding what to read next out of my extensive Kindle library, so I’ve decided that I’m going to try and read the Amazon First Reads book I select every month. As in the past I’ve just left them in my library and even forgotten which ones they were lol 😅
This was a solid start, I’m rating it 5 stars and adding it to my favourites shelf! Might even be a contender for one of my top favourite thriller books of the year and I’ve read some great ones so far! I’m a sucker for a good twist…
tw:// controlling/abusive relationship
Two women; Anna Bradshaw in London and Livvy Nicholson in Bristol are about to cross paths in the near future. But there are a lot of twist, turns and personal struggle for them both to get through.
Anna awakes in hospital after a car accident robbed of her memories of her life. She doesn’t even recognise her husband, Stephen, who has to slowly remind her of everything she has been through in the past. But why is he taking his time with it? Will she be able to cope with what she is told?
Livvy is a newlywed to a seemingly picture-perfect husband called Dominic. They have a six month old son Leo and she is desperate to get back to work after maternity leave. Life seems to be clicking into place for her as she is offered a job promotion when she returns to work. But then things take a turn when Dominic’s estranged mother shows up one day and then starts making phone calls/sending text messages. She is eager to reconnect with Dominic after the death of his Father and wants to meet Livvy and Leo. But Dominic is having none of it, he cut off his parents years ago for reasons that aren’t entirely known; just that his father had been abusive.
Both men appear to be keeping their fair share of secrets. But how will this all unravel? Things aren’t quite what they seem.
I always struggle with deciding what to read next out of my extensive Kindle library, so I’ve decided that I’m going to try and read the Amazon First Reads book I select every month. As in the past I’ve just left them in my library and even forgotten which ones they were lol 😅
This was a solid start, I’m rating it 5 stars and adding it to my favourites shelf! Might even be a contender for one of my top favourite thriller books of the year and I’ve read some great ones so far! I’m a sucker for a good twist…
tw:// controlling/abusive relationship
April 15, 2023
3.5 rounded up
This was an easy, enjoyable, glide through read although I did want to scream at the central character Libby to wake up and smell the roses! It required some suspension of disbelief but none the less entertaining!
Amazon Prime First Read - March 2023
This was an easy, enjoyable, glide through read although I did want to scream at the central character Libby to wake up and smell the roses! It required some suspension of disbelief but none the less entertaining!
Amazon Prime First Read - March 2023
April 21, 2023
Rating ⭐⭐.5 This one just wasn't for me!
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
🧑🤝🧑 2 POVs: Anna who wakes up in the hospital with no memory, even her husband Stephen. Livvy, who slowly feels trapped in her relationship with Dominic.
🎭 Domestic drama with a side of mystery
❌ Not really a thriller. Didn’t feel suspenseful.
~ Thoughts ~
This was more of a drama with a side of mystery. I never felt much tension or suspense which is what I was really looking for. The first chapter was interesting because I wanted to know what happened to Anna. But when she returns home it’s quite dull.
Both female characters are a little frustrating as I’m just waiting for them to question more and open their eyes.
If you want a page turner then I’d recommend Before I go to sleep by S.J. Watson.
Note that I am in the minority for this one! If you're ok with more of a drama then I'd recommend this for you!
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
🧑🤝🧑 2 POVs: Anna who wakes up in the hospital with no memory, even her husband Stephen. Livvy, who slowly feels trapped in her relationship with Dominic.
🎭 Domestic drama with a side of mystery
❌ Not really a thriller. Didn’t feel suspenseful.
~ Thoughts ~
This was more of a drama with a side of mystery. I never felt much tension or suspense which is what I was really looking for. The first chapter was interesting because I wanted to know what happened to Anna. But when she returns home it’s quite dull.
Both female characters are a little frustrating as I’m just waiting for them to question more and open their eyes.
If you want a page turner then I’d recommend Before I go to sleep by S.J. Watson.
Note that I am in the minority for this one! If you're ok with more of a drama then I'd recommend this for you!
March 8, 2023
This book was a free Kindle First Reads offer, and I am so disappointed. A relatively quick read, I called the plot by chapter 3. I of course didn't have every detail worked out, but it's an unoriginal plot that I found impossibly easy to untangle right from the beginning. In part of the story, Livvy is being groomed by her husband to be submissive in her marriage and go along with all of the things he tries to convince her they both want/need. His manipulation tactics are overt and not clever, and I'd be surprised if anyone felt shocked by the outcome of the book. Overall, I was happy with the way the author resolved the story, but the fact that I called the main plot line from the first few chapters is unforgivable. Hopefully I'll be forgetting the time I wasted reading The Forgetting.
May 18, 2025
After finishing Hannah Beckerman's "Three Mothers"(2025), I wanted more.
Yes, I wanted to read more books by this talented author.
Unfolding from two POVs, "The Forgetting" was NOT a "forgettable" amnesia book.
This intricately plotted and unsettling psychological thriller's character development was stellar, and its messaging was powerful.
The book’s final twist/reveal was emotionally jolting.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Kristin Atherton.
TW: Domestic violence.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
1) Although the character development of the book's female protagonists was strong, a deeper insight into the male antagonist was lacking.
2) This was an 11-hour audiobook that easily could have been a 9-hour book.
March 3, 2023
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This was a dramatic read and I found I could not turn the pages quick enough. It was a story that had me gripped and with the short chapters, I could not put this pacy book down. It was addictive.
This was a dramatic read and I found I could not turn the pages quick enough. It was a story that had me gripped and with the short chapters, I could not put this pacy book down. It was addictive.
April 7, 2023
This book was recommended by my daughter who throughly enjoyed it and knew that it was my kind of book. She was right, it was twisty and creepy and very very readable. I found myself unable to put it down as I wanted to find out what would happen next. I hope Hannah writes more books as I’m very keen to read more. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 16, 2023
Livvy is quite a dipsh*t of a character. You can skip half the unnecessary narration.
May 11, 2023
Enjoyed the writing and pacing even though the twist was predictable
March 5, 2023
**** FIRST READS DOWNLOAD FOR MARCH 2023 ****
This was my months selection for First Reads and oh my god what a readdddd! Very happy I downloaded this and gave it a go. Also I must add the plot twist was very good- I went most of the way through the book thinking one thing (that Dominic was leading a double life) but when I found out what actually occurred I for some reason didn’t see it coming so was legitimately shocked when I read it.
The Plot:
Shifts between two perspectives. The first being Livvy, happily married (seemingly) to Dominic with their 6 month old Son Leo in Bristol and the second to Anna Bradshaw who has recently awoken from a car crash with amnesia and can’t recall anything about her past life. Both women go on a road of discovery about their lives and how aspects of it aren’t quite what they appear to be- and they discover how they are inexplicably linked: but how?
What I liked about the book:
* I got into it straight away, I really liked the authors writing style and characters. I felt emotional connections to them and building a relationship and I wanted to find out more.
* Both characters of Livvy and Anna and their developments and stories and also the reveal of how they were linked.
* The sinister elements of spousal control- well written and explored. It was actually quite scary how much a person can control women’s lives and make them feel like they are not their own person.
What I disliked about the book:
* The suggested reason for Dominic’s behaviour wasn’t really explored. Kinda felt a bit flat as an explanation for his controlling behaviour. Personally would have liked to have known or read some more of the situations which shaped him into a person.
This was my months selection for First Reads and oh my god what a readdddd! Very happy I downloaded this and gave it a go. Also I must add the plot twist was very good- I went most of the way through the book thinking one thing (that Dominic was leading a double life) but when I found out what actually occurred I for some reason didn’t see it coming so was legitimately shocked when I read it.
The Plot:
Shifts between two perspectives. The first being Livvy, happily married (seemingly) to Dominic with their 6 month old Son Leo in Bristol and the second to Anna Bradshaw who has recently awoken from a car crash with amnesia and can’t recall anything about her past life. Both women go on a road of discovery about their lives and how aspects of it aren’t quite what they appear to be- and they discover how they are inexplicably linked: but how?
What I liked about the book:
* I got into it straight away, I really liked the authors writing style and characters. I felt emotional connections to them and building a relationship and I wanted to find out more.
* Both characters of Livvy and Anna and their developments and stories and also the reveal of how they were linked.
* The sinister elements of spousal control- well written and explored. It was actually quite scary how much a person can control women’s lives and make them feel like they are not their own person.
What I disliked about the book:
* The suggested reason for Dominic’s behaviour wasn’t really explored. Kinda felt a bit flat as an explanation for his controlling behaviour. Personally would have liked to have known or read some more of the situations which shaped him into a person.
March 3, 2023
Rating: 2.0/5
"The Forgetting" is a domestic drama dealing with controlling and coercive behaviour. Although it is positioned as a domestic suspense, that is not a sensation that I found myself experiencing. It felt more than a bit protracted at times, but not especially suspenseful. The explanation around the story's "twist" is on the contrived side and a little hard to swallow, while the "twist" itself will become apparent to regular readers of the genre quite early in the piece. On the whole, this is okay, but doesn't really stand out from the crowd.
"The Forgetting" is a domestic drama dealing with controlling and coercive behaviour. Although it is positioned as a domestic suspense, that is not a sensation that I found myself experiencing. It felt more than a bit protracted at times, but not especially suspenseful. The explanation around the story's "twist" is on the contrived side and a little hard to swallow, while the "twist" itself will become apparent to regular readers of the genre quite early in the piece. On the whole, this is okay, but doesn't really stand out from the crowd.
April 25, 2023
2 stars
Long, boring, predictable.
Unhinged, needy, selfish, delusional man meets spineless, naive, borderline stupid woman. The end.
Long, boring, predictable.
Unhinged, needy, selfish, delusional man meets spineless, naive, borderline stupid woman. The end.
April 23, 2023
۴.۵
آنا توی بیمارستانی در لندن بیدار میشه و چیزی از گذشتهش به یاد نمیاره. آنا توی تصادفی بوده که منجر به پاک شدن موقتی حافظهش شده و حتی مردی رو که باهاش ازدواج کرده نمیشناسه.
از طرف دیگه با داستان زندگی لیوی رو به رو هستیم، زنی که به تازگی پسرش لئو رو به دنیا آورده و با همسرش دومنیک زندگی میکنه.
رفته رفته با جریان زندگی لیوی و همینطور آنا آشنا میشیم و میبینیم که شاید همه چیز اونطور که از اول به نظر میاد نبوده.
روند داستان جذاب و سریعه و خواننده رو کسل نمیکنه. این کتاب از نظر بررسی آثار خشونت خانگی رفتاری به نظر من اثر مهمی محسوب میشه و در کنار اون هیجان خوبی رو به مخاطب منتقل میکنه.
گرچه پایان بندی میتونست خیلی پر تنشتر باشه اما در کل من رو راضی کرد و خوشحالم که خوندمش.
آنا توی بیمارستانی در لندن بیدار میشه و چیزی از گذشتهش به یاد نمیاره. آنا توی تصادفی بوده که منجر به پاک شدن موقتی حافظهش شده و حتی مردی رو که باهاش ازدواج کرده نمیشناسه.
از طرف دیگه با داستان زندگی لیوی رو به رو هستیم، زنی که به تازگی پسرش لئو رو به دنیا آورده و با همسرش دومنیک زندگی میکنه.
رفته رفته با جریان زندگی لیوی و همینطور آنا آشنا میشیم و میبینیم که شاید همه چیز اونطور که از اول به نظر میاد نبوده.
روند داستان جذاب و سریعه و خواننده رو کسل نمیکنه. این کتاب از نظر بررسی آثار خشونت خانگی رفتاری به نظر من اثر مهمی محسوب میشه و در کنار اون هیجان خوبی رو به مخاطب منتقل میکنه.
گرچه پایان بندی میتونست خیلی پر تنشتر باشه اما در کل من رو راضی کرد و خوشحالم که خوندمش.
April 24, 2023
The premise of this book really caught my attention, though I usually shy away from amnesia focused plots. The story is told in dual POVs, which I enjoy and which was done seamlessly. I don't want to give anything away, but I did guess the twist about halfway through, so it lost some steam for me, hence the three stars. I did think the writing was good, though, and the story moved pretty quickly, so I would certainly be open to reading something else by the author in the future.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Forgetting in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Forgetting in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2023
I have read the whole book today, I couldn't stop reading! I thought I knew what was happening, but am delighted to have been so wrong. A great read 😊
March 24, 2023
This book is so tense! I got through it at lightening speed as I really, really needed to know where it was going. And I thought I knew where it was going, but I was WRONG!
Anna wakes up in a hospital bed with amnesia, her husband Stephen required to help her piece her life back together. Meanwhile, Libby is newly married to Dominic & is hiding his coercive & controlling nature from her family.
They live 100 miles apart but what is the secret binding them together?
A hugely tense & palpitation inducing, fast-paced domestic thriller. Another Hannah Beckerman hit!
Anna wakes up in a hospital bed with amnesia, her husband Stephen required to help her piece her life back together. Meanwhile, Libby is newly married to Dominic & is hiding his coercive & controlling nature from her family.
They live 100 miles apart but what is the secret binding them together?
A hugely tense & palpitation inducing, fast-paced domestic thriller. Another Hannah Beckerman hit!
August 10, 2023
Awww.. the woman in a coma trope never gets old.
Despite the fact that I had a feeling what the twist was going to be, this two character narrative(Anna &Livia) set in Bristol/London kept me hooked.
Goodreads review published 10/08/23
Despite the fact that I had a feeling what the twist was going to be, this two character narrative(Anna &Livia) set in Bristol/London kept me hooked.
Goodreads review published 10/08/23
March 8, 2023
I did not like this book. It was like watching a train wreck in extremely slow motion - very disturbing. And halfway through, I figured out what was going on.
August 19, 2023
2.5 / 5
I initially thought this book was going to be a banger, but holy moly this was bad. I really hate how they showcase the coercive abusive relationship in this book. There’s so many red flags, it was frustrating to read the plot.
The plot is about ‘two’ women, one is Anna Bradshaw who wakes up in a hospital not remembering anything that has happened. It is revealed that she had survived a car crash, where her husband left unscathed from the accident. In Bristol, Livvy had just married her husband Dominic, who wants to return to work after 6 months of maternity leave. However, Dom’s estranged mum returns back in there life, where the stories she shares differs drastically to the story Dom had told livvy. Things aren’t adding up, and both share a secret which connects them together.
I really hated this plot, for the LONGEST time it felt like I was reading two separate plots and it’s not until the last 50 pages where the twist is revealed. I long suspected the plot from a mile away. It was too predictable, too easy. Honestly it felt as though the blurb was misleading. I didn’t feel connected to the writing in all honestly, there was something about it that didn’t sit with me well. Another thing which triggered me slightly was Livvy wanting to return to work and her husband just dismissing her job as not important, and she shouldn’t rush returning. He doubts her and implies she should be a SAHM that was another annoying aspect to read. He constantly tries to twist and manipulate situations so he ultimately wins leaving no room for Livvy to have her say. It’s safe to say I’ll be avoiding books that are about coercive couples it’s too infuriating to read.
I initially thought this book was going to be a banger, but holy moly this was bad. I really hate how they showcase the coercive abusive relationship in this book. There’s so many red flags, it was frustrating to read the plot.
The plot is about ‘two’ women, one is Anna Bradshaw who wakes up in a hospital not remembering anything that has happened. It is revealed that she had survived a car crash, where her husband left unscathed from the accident. In Bristol, Livvy had just married her husband Dominic, who wants to return to work after 6 months of maternity leave. However, Dom’s estranged mum returns back in there life, where the stories she shares differs drastically to the story Dom had told livvy. Things aren’t adding up, and both share a secret which connects them together.
I really hated this plot, for the LONGEST time it felt like I was reading two separate plots and it’s not until the last 50 pages where the twist is revealed. I long suspected the plot from a mile away. It was too predictable, too easy. Honestly it felt as though the blurb was misleading. I didn’t feel connected to the writing in all honestly, there was something about it that didn’t sit with me well. Another thing which triggered me slightly was Livvy wanting to return to work and her husband just dismissing her job as not important, and she shouldn’t rush returning. He doubts her and implies she should be a SAHM that was another annoying aspect to read. He constantly tries to twist and manipulate situations so he ultimately wins leaving no room for Livvy to have her say. It’s safe to say I’ll be avoiding books that are about coercive couples it’s too infuriating to read.
March 4, 2023
Fun, fast-paced read. Was predictable but still enjoyable; I liked getting to know the characters. I love a good thriller/mystery, and this scratched that itch at its surface.
April 24, 2023
I'm not very good at writing reviews, I seem to just write what comes into my head so apologies this won't be concise but it will be honest.
This was a tedious book to read with an extremely annoying main character. It was obvious from the start that both husbands of Livvy and Anna were the same person. I didn't see the other twist until about 25% the way through. So still early on but not right at the start
Livvy is a housewife who had a baby 9 months ago. She is married to Dominc and they live in a nice house together. From the start you learn that Livvy only met Dominc after a 2 year relationship broke up. Within 6 weeks he told her he loved her and she was pregnant. Soon after the birth of their little boy they're married and living in Dominic's house. It's clear Livvy's sister is not too keen on Dominic and for very good reason. It's obvious from the start he is controlling and manipulative.
Livvy wants to go back to work. Apparently, she had a brilliant job before she went on maternity leave. She is now being offered a promotion and she is very excited to take. In comes her "loving" husband who shows her he isn't impressed she wants to be back at work full time, nevermind anew demanding job. They argue about it, she digs her heels in and says she will be taking it. But Dominc is not happy.
All the red flags flying here, why would you let anyone dictate how you make a living? Her sister and family encourage her to take the job, her husband doesn't support it.
He then suggests she change her hair, thinks another style would suit her. So off she goes and chops her hair. The husband leaves notes around the house "reminding" her to do things. Put the clothes in the dryer, call the council, make sure the baby is in bed and asleep when he comes home. Leaving notes on the biscuits to tell her not to eat them. I mean the notes are just insanity! Why this didn't make anyone want to leave was another story.
I understand the writer was portraying how a loving husband can actually be controlling as opposed to loving and helpful. But Livvy was an idiot. Her sister and parents she's known all her life, are concerned, but she keeps defending him non stop. It's pathetic. She's in her 30's for crying out loud!
He then surprises her and says he has a new job and they're moving away from her family and friends and her job for him to have this career. No discussion, just a decision he has made.
When she tells her family this and they act upset she becomes angry with them which is just infuriating. They know her best, known her all her life yet she listens to someone she got pregnant with 6 weeks after meeting him.
One thing that annoyed me a lot was how he tried to turn her against her sister. He kept telling her she was jealous of everything Livvy had. How she was lonely with no husband or kids and wanted Livvy to then be miserable like she was. This just infuriated me because she believed him despite her sister supporting her, offering to mind her child and doting on her nephew. Her sister did not come across as someone who was missing out on anything in life. I felt Livvy should have known that, know her sister and not believed Dominic.
Other red flags is Dominc has no friends or family. He says he was abused as a child and doesn't talk to his parents. So his mother obviously turns up in the story looking for him. His dad is sick and about to die. She approaches Livvy thought not Dominic. So he makes up a story about them being abusive.
What was frustrating about this story was the fact that the mother kept approaching Livvy and mentioned she didn't know everything. But she never explained what Livvy didn't know. And there was no big secret. Dominic just made up stories cos he's insane.
The other story is about Anna and her husband Stephen. She was in a car accident and has no memory. After it seems 2 days in hospital she is released to her husband and his home and that's it. He tells her she can't leave the house, she may get lost. She has no access to her phone, it got smashed in the crash yet her husband does not get her another. She has no family or friends who visit, this is because her husband tells her she is an orphan, only child. Doesn't explain why no friends have come to see her.
There is no pictures in the house or nothing personal to them despite Stephen claiming they have lived there for 12 years.
She asked why they have no children. Stephen informs her they're infertile
She then finds pictures of her holding a baby, Stephen explains they did have a baby, he died at 4 months old from meningitis.
The whole thing is ridiculous. How she didn't demand more information, more about her life. He left her literally locked up in the house. He left her notes of what to eat, what books to read.
This was the first hint that I knew Stephen was Dominic.
When he called her a bird or fish in a bowl, I can't remember the term he used. I knew Anna and Livvy were the same person.
The Big Reveal
Dominic and Livvy were driving to London to move into their new house. Livvy had no idea where it was, Dominc wouldn't tell her. Wanted it to be a total surprise. They left their son with her parents on moving day. The parents were also not privy to the address they were moving to.
They got into an accident and Livvy hit her head. Miraculously Dominc was okay. He found a golden opportunity then to tell her she was called Anna and he was Stephen and kept her prisoner for a couple of weeks.
Her official name transpires is Anna Elizabeth, nobody calls her Anna, so he knew it wouldn't jog any memories.
For the 2 weeks she has lost her memory, let's just clarify again this all happened in the space of 2 weeks. She loses her memory, he invents a whole personality, a life of them both. When she finally twigs what's happened and confronts him his explanation is absolutely ridiculous. He thought they could just enjoy being a couple the two of them for some time and get settled into their new home without her family and their child interrupting him.
It's bonkers! It begs the question: did he actually plan it this way, plan to get into a car accident and she would lose her memory or did he just see an opportunity and run with it?
It's so farfetched and ridiculous. The entire time "Anna" has no memory Dominc was using her phone to send texts to her parents and sister telling them she was busy with the new house and didn't have time to talk on the phone or collect her son from them. This would have been a massive red flag for me and I would have called the police if my daughter was refusing to come pick up her son who she dotes on.
I gave it 2 stars because it had potential to be a good book. I just hated Livvy so much. Hated her immaturity and naiivety.
This was a tedious book to read with an extremely annoying main character. It was obvious from the start that both husbands of Livvy and Anna were the same person. I didn't see the other twist until about 25% the way through. So still early on but not right at the start
Livvy is a housewife who had a baby 9 months ago. She is married to Dominc and they live in a nice house together. From the start you learn that Livvy only met Dominc after a 2 year relationship broke up. Within 6 weeks he told her he loved her and she was pregnant. Soon after the birth of their little boy they're married and living in Dominic's house. It's clear Livvy's sister is not too keen on Dominic and for very good reason. It's obvious from the start he is controlling and manipulative.
Livvy wants to go back to work. Apparently, she had a brilliant job before she went on maternity leave. She is now being offered a promotion and she is very excited to take. In comes her "loving" husband who shows her he isn't impressed she wants to be back at work full time, nevermind anew demanding job. They argue about it, she digs her heels in and says she will be taking it. But Dominc is not happy.
All the red flags flying here, why would you let anyone dictate how you make a living? Her sister and family encourage her to take the job, her husband doesn't support it.
He then suggests she change her hair, thinks another style would suit her. So off she goes and chops her hair. The husband leaves notes around the house "reminding" her to do things. Put the clothes in the dryer, call the council, make sure the baby is in bed and asleep when he comes home. Leaving notes on the biscuits to tell her not to eat them. I mean the notes are just insanity! Why this didn't make anyone want to leave was another story.
I understand the writer was portraying how a loving husband can actually be controlling as opposed to loving and helpful. But Livvy was an idiot. Her sister and parents she's known all her life, are concerned, but she keeps defending him non stop. It's pathetic. She's in her 30's for crying out loud!
He then surprises her and says he has a new job and they're moving away from her family and friends and her job for him to have this career. No discussion, just a decision he has made.
When she tells her family this and they act upset she becomes angry with them which is just infuriating. They know her best, known her all her life yet she listens to someone she got pregnant with 6 weeks after meeting him.
One thing that annoyed me a lot was how he tried to turn her against her sister. He kept telling her she was jealous of everything Livvy had. How she was lonely with no husband or kids and wanted Livvy to then be miserable like she was. This just infuriated me because she believed him despite her sister supporting her, offering to mind her child and doting on her nephew. Her sister did not come across as someone who was missing out on anything in life. I felt Livvy should have known that, know her sister and not believed Dominic.
Other red flags is Dominc has no friends or family. He says he was abused as a child and doesn't talk to his parents. So his mother obviously turns up in the story looking for him. His dad is sick and about to die. She approaches Livvy thought not Dominic. So he makes up a story about them being abusive.
What was frustrating about this story was the fact that the mother kept approaching Livvy and mentioned she didn't know everything. But she never explained what Livvy didn't know. And there was no big secret. Dominic just made up stories cos he's insane.
The other story is about Anna and her husband Stephen. She was in a car accident and has no memory. After it seems 2 days in hospital she is released to her husband and his home and that's it. He tells her she can't leave the house, she may get lost. She has no access to her phone, it got smashed in the crash yet her husband does not get her another. She has no family or friends who visit, this is because her husband tells her she is an orphan, only child. Doesn't explain why no friends have come to see her.
There is no pictures in the house or nothing personal to them despite Stephen claiming they have lived there for 12 years.
She asked why they have no children. Stephen informs her they're infertile
She then finds pictures of her holding a baby, Stephen explains they did have a baby, he died at 4 months old from meningitis.
The whole thing is ridiculous. How she didn't demand more information, more about her life. He left her literally locked up in the house. He left her notes of what to eat, what books to read.
This was the first hint that I knew Stephen was Dominic.
When he called her a bird or fish in a bowl, I can't remember the term he used. I knew Anna and Livvy were the same person.
The Big Reveal
Dominic and Livvy were driving to London to move into their new house. Livvy had no idea where it was, Dominc wouldn't tell her. Wanted it to be a total surprise. They left their son with her parents on moving day. The parents were also not privy to the address they were moving to.
They got into an accident and Livvy hit her head. Miraculously Dominc was okay. He found a golden opportunity then to tell her she was called Anna and he was Stephen and kept her prisoner for a couple of weeks.
Her official name transpires is Anna Elizabeth, nobody calls her Anna, so he knew it wouldn't jog any memories.
For the 2 weeks she has lost her memory, let's just clarify again this all happened in the space of 2 weeks. She loses her memory, he invents a whole personality, a life of them both. When she finally twigs what's happened and confronts him his explanation is absolutely ridiculous. He thought they could just enjoy being a couple the two of them for some time and get settled into their new home without her family and their child interrupting him.
It's bonkers! It begs the question: did he actually plan it this way, plan to get into a car accident and she would lose her memory or did he just see an opportunity and run with it?
It's so farfetched and ridiculous. The entire time "Anna" has no memory Dominc was using her phone to send texts to her parents and sister telling them she was busy with the new house and didn't have time to talk on the phone or collect her son from them. This would have been a massive red flag for me and I would have called the police if my daughter was refusing to come pick up her son who she dotes on.
I gave it 2 stars because it had potential to be a good book. I just hated Livvy so much. Hated her immaturity and naiivety.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
I KNEW IT. Just under 15% of the way in I had a theory on how the book would play out and I ended up being right. But about 30% of the way in I was completely confused and started coming up with other theories because I didn’t understand how my original theory would work out. Then time went on, pieces started to come together and fit like a puzzle and it was just sickening, truthfully. The only reason I rated it a 4 instead of a 5 is because about halfway through I caught myself wondering if I was going to DNF, it was extremely slow moving and you don’t get to “the point” until the very end, like 80-85% of the way through. I was just getting irritated. Although, I will say that I just kept pushing because I just needed to know the end because the author did do a great job of keeping you guessing and theorizing potential endings. I’d recommend!
March 14, 2023
This was my Kindle First offering I selected for the month. Not an author I've read before but I will be reading more by her. Just when you think you know it all and can see what's coming a country mile away, you learn you're wrong (as usual).....which is exactly why I'm a reader and will never be a writer !! Hehehe.....
SUCH a pretty cover as well, till the publishers start messing around and put it out there with a differing one, I'm sure. If I was an author and they did that to me, I'd go berserk !
Both the husbands in this story are real prizes.....I know gaslighting is a relatively new phrase but yep, that's this pair or utter charmers. I chuckled about Dominic and his spreadsheets as well.....men love themselves a spreadsheet, don't they ?
I did highlight some awful English when Anna says, "Why aren't I wearing a wedding ring ?" Ouch....I now people do speak like that but it doesn't usually find its way to the written word. I made mention of when Livvy got married and didn't get around to updating her Facebook, too. I don't believe that would ever happen. I liked Zahira, she was a godsend when Anna needed a friend, though I was a little suspicious of her as well.
As for mistakes, there were hardly any. I noticed an a when it should've been an an then, "...organisation of rest of the house" lost an additional the but that was it so sterling work there. And a rarity to see these days, sadly.
An intriguing, grippy tale and, as I said, I will definitely read more by her.
SUCH a pretty cover as well, till the publishers start messing around and put it out there with a differing one, I'm sure. If I was an author and they did that to me, I'd go berserk !
Both the husbands in this story are real prizes.....I know gaslighting is a relatively new phrase but yep, that's this pair or utter charmers. I chuckled about Dominic and his spreadsheets as well.....men love themselves a spreadsheet, don't they ?
I did highlight some awful English when Anna says, "Why aren't I wearing a wedding ring ?" Ouch....I now people do speak like that but it doesn't usually find its way to the written word. I made mention of when Livvy got married and didn't get around to updating her Facebook, too. I don't believe that would ever happen. I liked Zahira, she was a godsend when Anna needed a friend, though I was a little suspicious of her as well.
As for mistakes, there were hardly any. I noticed an a when it should've been an an then, "...organisation of rest of the house" lost an additional the but that was it so sterling work there. And a rarity to see these days, sadly.
An intriguing, grippy tale and, as I said, I will definitely read more by her.
April 19, 2023
y’all I just…
I did not care for this one at all. I know I read a lot of psychological thrillers and mysteries but figuring out the entire plot after just a few chapters was disappointing. Stephen and Dominic were insufferable, there was so many moments deserving of aggressive eye rolls in this that it made it hard to stick with. Normally the presence of the mystery would keep me going but since I didn’t have that, all I was left with was disgusting men and I struggled to finish it.
I did not care for this one at all. I know I read a lot of psychological thrillers and mysteries but figuring out the entire plot after just a few chapters was disappointing. Stephen and Dominic were insufferable, there was so many moments deserving of aggressive eye rolls in this that it made it hard to stick with. Normally the presence of the mystery would keep me going but since I didn’t have that, all I was left with was disgusting men and I struggled to finish it.
April 3, 2024
Implausible, slow and just incredibly long and borring .
March 30, 2023
There’s something I find really disconcerting about people who have amnesia. They're open to all kinds of manipulation. How can you be sure the people are telling you the truth? What if they rewrite the history you have no memory of? It’s such a tangled web and one that Hannah Beckerman tackles in the most delicious, disturbing way!
The story focuses on Anna, who wakes up in a hospital bed with amnesia after a car accident. She doesn’t even remember or recognise her husband, Stephen. A hundred miles away, Libby is newly married to Dominic, a husband who manipulates with his controlling behaviour. Their lives are about to collide, but how? Why?
I enjoy a domestic thriller which focuses on toxic relationships. All those secrets, coercive control and tension. It feels grubby and uncomfortable being the ‘fly on the wall’, but it helps make for a tense and dark story. I read a lot of domestic thrillers so the plot’s a familiar one, but there was that all important ‘OMG that twist I never seen that coming’ moment! And I thought I had it all worked out!!! Very clever. Hannah Beckerman’s execution of the plot and the sense of unease and slow-burning menace that grows at each turn of the page made this book such a compulsive read.
You can follow me at
http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Or read more of my reviews on my Instagram page at
https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
The story focuses on Anna, who wakes up in a hospital bed with amnesia after a car accident. She doesn’t even remember or recognise her husband, Stephen. A hundred miles away, Libby is newly married to Dominic, a husband who manipulates with his controlling behaviour. Their lives are about to collide, but how? Why?
I enjoy a domestic thriller which focuses on toxic relationships. All those secrets, coercive control and tension. It feels grubby and uncomfortable being the ‘fly on the wall’, but it helps make for a tense and dark story. I read a lot of domestic thrillers so the plot’s a familiar one, but there was that all important ‘OMG that twist I never seen that coming’ moment! And I thought I had it all worked out!!! Very clever. Hannah Beckerman’s execution of the plot and the sense of unease and slow-burning menace that grows at each turn of the page made this book such a compulsive read.
You can follow me at
http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Or read more of my reviews on my Instagram page at
https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
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