January 16, 2016

The Things We Keep Sally Hepworth

book cover
The Things We Keep
Sally Hepworth
Published: St Martin's Press
Date: January 19th 2016
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
4.5 stars Add to 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 other 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 thoughts banner
The story of two young people with early onset alzheimers. It breaks my heart to read such a story, but warms it at the same time. 

It is also the story of Eve and her recovery from a husband who has through shady financial dealings deprived Eve and her daughter of their home and through a subsequent action  -  a husband and father.  Through his financial dealings he has left many others penniless  as well. One of those awful stories you read about in the paper. In this story we catch a glimpse of those left behind dealing with the fall out. 

Being robbed of memory, life as one might expect - so many losses and most of all the loss of dignity - being treated as if you aren't there. Carers who don't really care and treat you not like the person you are. Being left in the hands of people who are mostly trustworthy but what of those who are not? However thank goodness for those with the eye of compassion and realisation of what really matters. My heart also went out to Jack (Anna's brother) and his family as they struggle to find their way through Anna's illness.

I liked the varying points of view - especially that of Anna before she loses her memory considerably. It adds a sadness and a realisation of the person lost in the illness.  It also gives us the truth, the truth that other characters don't have. Eve who has had a huge challenge thrown at her, but brings a compassionate pair of eyes to the situation at Rosalind Home. Clementine the daughter of Eve - the eye of innocence and charm that can relate to the people of the home in a way others can't and also experiences the cruelty of the school playground. And must struggle with the loss of her father and who he was for her.

I disliked Eric the manager of Rosalind House from the get go and have to admit, suspected him of more than what he finally is brought down for.

Once I started reading this book I had to keep going, I felt sad as I reached the final page, and yet thankful for the gift of the story.

Heart Breaking page turner book icon Thought Provoking book icon Romantic book icon

26 comments:

  1. This is the third review in a row of this book in my blog feed! I am definitely going to have to read it!

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    1. It publishes on the 19th so I guess quite a few reviews will be out there! Hope you do give it a go.

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  2. Kathryn I interviewed Sally about this book and its on my shelf just waiting for the right time to read it. Great review!

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    1. Hope you get to it soon Debbie, so well worth it.

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  3. I loved this one, too! I also thought Eric would be brought down for more than what actually happened...he was thoroughly evil, IMO.

    Thanks for sharing...glad you enjoyed this one.

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    1. Yes, I've been thinking about him. Because he was never mentioned for what we suspected doesn't mean to say he didn't.

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  4. I'm on the fence about this one. It sounds like a wonderful story but the idea of early onset Alzheimer's is so terrifying I tend to avoid even the thought of it! I'm trying to read a little outside of my comfort zone this year and this sounds like the kind of book I should try. Great review!

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    1. Yes, same with me Katherine, and I have to admit I normally avoid too. However this one was very good and I never felt scared or afraid while reading it.

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  5. I watched my father-in-law succumb to Alzheimer's so I've been hesitant to pick this up. Your review has me rethinking that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    1. Mary that must have been very hard, I think for you it has to be not easy facing into a book like this. However it is a very compassionate approach that Sally Hepworth takes.

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  6. I work with dementia patients, and even once a teenager with dementia (part of her Neimann-Pick disease), and it's often hard to watch the changes the illness brings. It's easier, as a caregiver, than it is for family, and there can be moments of beauty and grace in caring for someone who is suffering.

    This sounds like a lovely and heart-breaking story.

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    1. Kate that is really interesting. I admire anyone who can be so compassionate and savour those moments of beauty and grace.

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  7. Wasn't Eric a sleaze? So many sad moments, but uplifting too.

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  8. It is a sad illness. I'm glad you enjoy this book, I'm sure it gives insights into what it must be like and it sounds like it had some truly interesting characters.

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    1. It is a sad illness that is so true. Characters were great.

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  9. Lovely review Kathryn, a beautiful story ... sad, but I laughed too. Eric was a total waste of oxygen!
    Have you read Lisa Genova's Still Alice ... I cried :(

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    1. I haven't read Still Alice, perhaps now I have read this one, I might be brave enough.

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  10. This sounds like a book that will bring out some feelings, which I love. When an author makes me feel, I really think it's something. Now, the subject matter is tough in general though, isn't it? I had a family member who lived with alzheimers and its not pretty. I am wondering what the other conflict is all about too, with Eve and her husband. Thanks for your review.

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    1. Yes when someone in the family has it, must be very difficult.

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  11. Very nice review, Kathryn. Thanks.

    I enjoyed this book too.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Blog

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  12. The Things We Keep sounds like a really heartbreaking book, but one you kind of have to read, and won't regret. I think I've heard too much positive feedback on this one to not give it a read at some point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    Reading With Jade

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  13. I've organized programs with seniors with Alzheimers. Loved that job! Even with so much memory loss, folks with Alzheimers can still contribute so much to other's lives. This books sounds good although heartbreaking.

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  14. This book has my attention. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

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