The Things We Keep

Title: The Things We Keep
Author: Sally Hepworth
Published: January 19, 2016 by St. Martin's Press
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 4/5
Goodreads

Anna Forster, in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease at only thirty-eight years old, knows that her family is doing what they believe to be best when they take her to Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. She also knows there's just one another resident her age, Luke. What she does not expect is the love that blossoms between her and Luke even as she resists her new life at Rosalind House. As her disease steals more and more of her memory, Anna fights to hold on to what she knows, including her relationship with Luke.

When Eve Bennett is suddenly thrust into the role of single mother she finds herself putting her culinary training to use at Rosalind house. When she meets Anna and Luke she is moved by the bond the pair has forged. But when a tragic incident leads Anna's and Luke's families to separate them, Eve finds herself questioning what she is willing to risk to help them.

My review:

I was excited to read this sophomore novel by Ms. Hepworth, her debut The Secrets of Midwives was a favorite of mine last year (review here). This was also a great read. The author knows how to keep the reader engaged and turning pages to find out what happens to her characters. There are two concurrent stories within this book, one being that of Anna (which actually progresses from an earlier time to the present) and Eve. While the focus of the story is on Anna, I have to say that for me, it was Eve (and her adorable daughter Clementine) who stole the book. While the love story between Anna and Luke was sweet and well written, I really never bought into it. I kept feeling that it was more born out of the circumstances that they were in, than any great love story. I also really liked the glimpses we got into the lives of the other residents of the facility, particularly Baldy and his growing connection with little Clem, and Laurie and Clara, whose love story had much greater resonance with me. The first person narrative of Anna amid the progression of her disease was very well depicted, but this novel was not as sad and gloomy as you might expect. There were several moments of happiness, as we followed and cheered for each of the characters to achieve milestones, and happiness.

A well depicted chronicle of the progression of early onset Alzheimer's. While I was not as invested in the love story as the author may have hoped, I found so many other parts of the book to satisfy me. Loved this quote, which sums up the title:

"In the end, you just remember the moments of joy.
When all is said and done, those are the things we keep."