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Remember Me
They never found Leah Parata. Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth.
A close-knit community is ripped apart by disturbing revelations that cast new light on a young woman's disappearance twenty-five years ago.
After years of living overseas, Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand to care for her father, Felix, who suffers from dementia. As his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past. Truths she'd rather were kept buried.
From the author shortlisted for Best Crime Novel in the Ngaio Marsh Awards for Crime Fiction, and for Best International Crime Fiction in the Ned Kelly Awards
A heartfelt, page-turning suspense novel from the bestselling author of The Secrets of Strangers - ideal reading-group fiction, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty.
A close-knit community is ripped apart by disturbing revelations that cast new light on a young woman's disappearance twenty-five years ago.
After years of living overseas, Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand to care for her father, Felix, who suffers from dementia. As his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past. Truths she'd rather were kept buried.
From the author shortlisted for Best Crime Novel in the Ngaio Marsh Awards for Crime Fiction, and for Best International Crime Fiction in the Ned Kelly Awards
A heartfelt, page-turning suspense novel from the bestselling author of The Secrets of Strangers - ideal reading-group fiction, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty.
306 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2022
102 people are currently reading
2331 people want to read
About the author
Charity Norman
19 books581 followersCharity was born in Uganda, brought up in draughty vicarages in Yorkshire and Birmingham, met her future husband under a lorry in the Sahara. She worked as a barrister in York Chambers, until - realising that her three children had barely met her - she moved with her family to New Zealand and began to write.
After the Fall/Second Chances was a Richard & Judy and World Book Night title, The New Woman/ The Secret Life of Luke Livingstone a BBC Radio 2 choice. See You in September (2017) was shortlisted in the Ngaio Marsh Awards. The Secrets of Strangers was a Radio 2 choice and shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh and Ned Kelly Awards. Her seventh, Remember Me, was published in March 2022.
After the Fall/Second Chances was a Richard & Judy and World Book Night title, The New Woman/ The Secret Life of Luke Livingstone a BBC Radio 2 choice. See You in September (2017) was shortlisted in the Ngaio Marsh Awards. The Secrets of Strangers was a Radio 2 choice and shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh and Ned Kelly Awards. Her seventh, Remember Me, was published in March 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
January 11, 2022
*4.5 stars*
So in the latter chapters, we finally discover exactly what happened to Leah Parata. She was a seasoned walker, well used to the area, as she set off with her backpack 25 years ago, but she never returned. But forgive me for jumping the gun. There is a lot to learn about a small New Zealand community and Leah before we reach this point.
Emily Kirkland is an illustrator for a series of children’s books in the UK, something that she loves. However, she returns to New Zealand to care for her father Felix, who has dementia. Felix was a much loved and respected doctor in the community, well known for going above and beyond for his patients.
Emily has two siblings, Carmen and Eddie, both living in New Zealand, but they don’t want to give up their lives to look after Dad, and besides they think he’d be better in a care facility.
As Emily begins to connect with a father who was absent in most senses of the word for most of her life (Felix never showed any interest in any of his children, never shared in their achievements or disappointments) she starts to get a glimpse of what made this man who he was, and why. In addition there are many secrets to be revealed, some with earth shattering consequences.
Well, I have to say, this novel far exceeded my expectations, the storyline was quite unique (I thought I knew exactly where it was headed but I was very wrong). The New Zealand landscape was beautifully described, yet the beauty was tinged with sadness. The characters were perfect in their parts, each of them believable as they interact along the way, none more so than Felix, as Alzheimer’s slowly steals the essence of who and what he was. Although this could never be described as fast paced, it nevertheless managed to produce tension throughout, as the mystery of Leah Parata headed towards its conclusion. And if you read this conclusion without a box of tissues to hand, then you’re a much stronger person than me! Highly recommended!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Allen & Unwin for an ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
So in the latter chapters, we finally discover exactly what happened to Leah Parata. She was a seasoned walker, well used to the area, as she set off with her backpack 25 years ago, but she never returned. But forgive me for jumping the gun. There is a lot to learn about a small New Zealand community and Leah before we reach this point.
Emily Kirkland is an illustrator for a series of children’s books in the UK, something that she loves. However, she returns to New Zealand to care for her father Felix, who has dementia. Felix was a much loved and respected doctor in the community, well known for going above and beyond for his patients.
Emily has two siblings, Carmen and Eddie, both living in New Zealand, but they don’t want to give up their lives to look after Dad, and besides they think he’d be better in a care facility.
As Emily begins to connect with a father who was absent in most senses of the word for most of her life (Felix never showed any interest in any of his children, never shared in their achievements or disappointments) she starts to get a glimpse of what made this man who he was, and why. In addition there are many secrets to be revealed, some with earth shattering consequences.
Well, I have to say, this novel far exceeded my expectations, the storyline was quite unique (I thought I knew exactly where it was headed but I was very wrong). The New Zealand landscape was beautifully described, yet the beauty was tinged with sadness. The characters were perfect in their parts, each of them believable as they interact along the way, none more so than Felix, as Alzheimer’s slowly steals the essence of who and what he was. Although this could never be described as fast paced, it nevertheless managed to produce tension throughout, as the mystery of Leah Parata headed towards its conclusion. And if you read this conclusion without a box of tissues to hand, then you’re a much stronger person than me! Highly recommended!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Allen & Unwin for an ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
April 17, 2022
Ready the tissues, and brace yourself for a volley of emotions.
On the 17th June 1994, Dr. Leah Parata embarked alone on a three-day tramp through the Ruahine Range, situated in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. An experienced hiker and mountain climber, it’s a trek the 26-year-old Conservationist had done a million times, having grown up on a farm at the base of Ruahine, on the outskirts of the small town of Tawanui. So in spite of the rainy weather on the Friday evening she set off, no one was concerned for her safety. That is, until Monday when she failed to return home. Following numerous ground and air searches, and an extensive police investigation, Leah Parata was presumed dead, most likely the victim of an unfortunate accident in an unforgiving environment.
February 2019 – Having lived in London for years, a reluctant Emily Kirkland returns home to Tawanui to care for her father Felix – who is displaying advanced signs of Alzheimers. Emily has always had a strained relationship with her father, the workaholic Tawanui town doctor, who cared more about the needs and well-being of his patients than his wife and children. The Parata’s closest neighbours for years, the two families have always been close, in fact Emily (five years younger than Leah) was the last person to see the young woman that fateful Friday. Being back in Tawanui soon stirs up old memories, as Emily begins to wonder whether there was something more sinister to Leah’s disappearance.
Moving and resonating, Remember Me was an addictive read that has shot straight to the top of my 2022 favourites list. Upon finishing I was an emotional wreck for the remainder of the day. This was definitely a novel that will stay with me for a long time. I would categorise it as a character and family-driven drama, containing juicy and shocking secrets, with a cold crime mystery at its heart. A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller it was not, but for me it was absorbing, and unputdownable from beginning to end. And, wow, those last chapters really threw me for a loop. The clues were all there, but I missed every single one of them, and fell for some red herrings instead. Charity Norman did a superb job of throwing the reader off.
I really became attached to both the Kirkland and Parata families, and the townspeople of Tawanui. The beautiful and detailed descriptions of the setting and environment made me long for that part of the country. Need to plan another visit!
The entire book was narrated by Emily in 2019, with the occasional rewind to 1994. Chapters were medium length, and mainly focused on Emily and Felix, with only a couple of handfuls of secondary characters to keep track of, whose ties to one another were clearly defined as each was introduced – so an easy-to-follow plot. Emily’s tumultuous relationship with her father Felix was both heartbreaking and rewarding, but also shouldered in doubt and uncertainty as she began to question his character and integrity. I felt Felix’s mood, personality changes, and memory loss was portrayed accurately and devastatingly as was Emily’s struggles to come to terms with her father’s diagnosis, and the day-to-day all-consuming challenges, obstacles, and emotions associated with being a full-time carer for someone you love.
The title, Remember Me, was brilliant on so many levels, and was a running theme throughout the novel in so many interconnecting ways. I rated See You in September 5 stars last year, but Remember Me was even better, and in my opinion unmissable.
On the 17th June 1994, Dr. Leah Parata embarked alone on a three-day tramp through the Ruahine Range, situated in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. An experienced hiker and mountain climber, it’s a trek the 26-year-old Conservationist had done a million times, having grown up on a farm at the base of Ruahine, on the outskirts of the small town of Tawanui. So in spite of the rainy weather on the Friday evening she set off, no one was concerned for her safety. That is, until Monday when she failed to return home. Following numerous ground and air searches, and an extensive police investigation, Leah Parata was presumed dead, most likely the victim of an unfortunate accident in an unforgiving environment.
February 2019 – Having lived in London for years, a reluctant Emily Kirkland returns home to Tawanui to care for her father Felix – who is displaying advanced signs of Alzheimers. Emily has always had a strained relationship with her father, the workaholic Tawanui town doctor, who cared more about the needs and well-being of his patients than his wife and children. The Parata’s closest neighbours for years, the two families have always been close, in fact Emily (five years younger than Leah) was the last person to see the young woman that fateful Friday. Being back in Tawanui soon stirs up old memories, as Emily begins to wonder whether there was something more sinister to Leah’s disappearance.
Moving and resonating, Remember Me was an addictive read that has shot straight to the top of my 2022 favourites list. Upon finishing I was an emotional wreck for the remainder of the day. This was definitely a novel that will stay with me for a long time. I would categorise it as a character and family-driven drama, containing juicy and shocking secrets, with a cold crime mystery at its heart. A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller it was not, but for me it was absorbing, and unputdownable from beginning to end. And, wow, those last chapters really threw me for a loop. The clues were all there, but I missed every single one of them, and fell for some red herrings instead. Charity Norman did a superb job of throwing the reader off.
I really became attached to both the Kirkland and Parata families, and the townspeople of Tawanui. The beautiful and detailed descriptions of the setting and environment made me long for that part of the country. Need to plan another visit!
The entire book was narrated by Emily in 2019, with the occasional rewind to 1994. Chapters were medium length, and mainly focused on Emily and Felix, with only a couple of handfuls of secondary characters to keep track of, whose ties to one another were clearly defined as each was introduced – so an easy-to-follow plot. Emily’s tumultuous relationship with her father Felix was both heartbreaking and rewarding, but also shouldered in doubt and uncertainty as she began to question his character and integrity. I felt Felix’s mood, personality changes, and memory loss was portrayed accurately and devastatingly as was Emily’s struggles to come to terms with her father’s diagnosis, and the day-to-day all-consuming challenges, obstacles, and emotions associated with being a full-time carer for someone you love.
The title, Remember Me, was brilliant on so many levels, and was a running theme throughout the novel in so many interconnecting ways. I rated See You in September 5 stars last year, but Remember Me was even better, and in my opinion unmissable.
January 13, 2022
On the 17th of June 1994 Dr Leah Parata sets of hiking into the Ruahine range in the North Island of New Zealand, to further her studies of Marchants snails and vanishes off the face of the earth her body never to be found. Emily Kirkland is the last person to see her alive. Fast forward to London in February 2019 and Emily receives a phone call from Leah’s mother Raewyn to inform her that her father Felix has Alzheimer’s and is now a danger to himself. Emily flies home to stay with her father for a while to assess the situation and goes on a shattering journey that explains a great deal, both about him and the past.
I have enjoyed Charity Norman’s books over the years and I think her storytelling just gets better and better. This one is incredibly hard to put down and it takes you on a heartbreaking journey. The novel has multiple layers entwined together seamlessly with the ‘remember me‘ theme at the heart of it. Pervading all is the mystery of Leah with the impact of her loss being done extremely well. This mystery deepens and this is done as a natural development alongside Felix’s dementia and it doesn’t feel contrived at all.
The character development is excellent from Felix with the reality of Alzheimer’s wrapping it’s evil claws around him a bit more tightly as time passes to Emily who is a really good person and Raewyn who is simply wonderful. The less said about Emilys siblings the better, they are a pair and a half but their portrayal is very good. Emily‘s mother Lillian (divorced from Felix) gives some good insights into Felix‘s past which is very illuminating.
It’s hard not to be allured by the superb New Zealand setting the quality of the writing makes you feel as if you are there so vivid and colourful are the beautiful descriptions are a perfect match for the storyline.
Parts of the novel are undoubtedly heartbreaking especially if you have a family member with Alzheimer’s. The chats between Emily and Felix strike such a chord and as time goes on and the plot unfolds it becomes even more sad, tragic and heart shattering. You feel personally invested in the discoveries of the secrets, suppressed truths and dilemmas that follow on and you really admire the courage of some characters.
Finally, this is a powerful story which really makes you feel something. In places it makes you smile and others you want to weep. This it’s a very compelling and beautifully written novel from beginning to end.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I have enjoyed Charity Norman’s books over the years and I think her storytelling just gets better and better. This one is incredibly hard to put down and it takes you on a heartbreaking journey. The novel has multiple layers entwined together seamlessly with the ‘remember me‘ theme at the heart of it. Pervading all is the mystery of Leah with the impact of her loss being done extremely well. This mystery deepens and this is done as a natural development alongside Felix’s dementia and it doesn’t feel contrived at all.
The character development is excellent from Felix with the reality of Alzheimer’s wrapping it’s evil claws around him a bit more tightly as time passes to Emily who is a really good person and Raewyn who is simply wonderful. The less said about Emilys siblings the better, they are a pair and a half but their portrayal is very good. Emily‘s mother Lillian (divorced from Felix) gives some good insights into Felix‘s past which is very illuminating.
It’s hard not to be allured by the superb New Zealand setting the quality of the writing makes you feel as if you are there so vivid and colourful are the beautiful descriptions are a perfect match for the storyline.
Parts of the novel are undoubtedly heartbreaking especially if you have a family member with Alzheimer’s. The chats between Emily and Felix strike such a chord and as time goes on and the plot unfolds it becomes even more sad, tragic and heart shattering. You feel personally invested in the discoveries of the secrets, suppressed truths and dilemmas that follow on and you really admire the courage of some characters.
Finally, this is a powerful story which really makes you feel something. In places it makes you smile and others you want to weep. This it’s a very compelling and beautifully written novel from beginning to end.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 24, 2022
I devoured this book. I am not fast to read my physical books these days, but this impressive book did not last long in my hands.
An intricate tale woven together by a daughter returning home to a remote farming town in New Zealand, with a harsh climate where the mountains preserve an even harsher story amongst its clouds. The landscape is described with beauty and wonder, I have not travelled to this part of the world, but I feel I was transported there for the duration.
Emily returns home from England to care for her father. He was always gruff while growing up, she didn’t feel close to him at all. Her parents had divorced, and Felix is now no longer able to care for himself, he really hadn’t been coping solo at all, hadn’t it been for their lovely lifelong neighbours Raewyn and her son Ira who loved their family as much as their own. So much tragedy had befallen this neighbouring family, who had lost their father and husband, and daughter and sister, both in very sad circumstances. These folk were more like family than simply sharing a fence line.
This story is steeped in family and connection, kinship and love, deception and mystery and not to disregard also the mental and physical frailty of the human body and brain. The insipid disease of Huntington's is also a theme.
Felix was the first to lead a search for gorgeous and talented Leah, an academic with the world ahead of her, he knew the mountains like he knew his own soul. She headed out one stormy day to conduct her beloved research, but she was never to return. Missing for decades, her dedicated family need to know what happened in these glorious mountains, but it seems this strange disappearance holds its own secrets, as it seems has Felix who is showing markedly lessening moments of clarity.
The tragedy of Alzheimer’s has captured Felix who knows his life is nearing the end, he was the town’s doctor so long. Respected but guarded man, always holding his family at a distance. We witness Emily and her twin siblings disagree about the power of attorney that Emily has been granted, we witness the demise of Felix’s health and the love, care, and respect between these families.
This story had a perfect ending, I enjoyed every moment of this easy to read novel and recommend it highly to those who enjoy all facets of contemporary fiction as this seems to have it all. Fractured relationships, hidden truths, an excellent component of mystery and likable characters.
I enjoyed the strength of Emily’s character. Her siblings were never very kind to her. On watching them arrive to discuss their failing father’s estate and to push their father into a care facility that Emily would not allow as she had begun to grow so close to her dad again, she remarked, Did my brother feel even a moment’s shame, I wondered, as he drove beneath our climbing tree? He’d knowingly pushed his younger sibling to the ground from a high level causing years of symptoms. Her sister also was complicit in this. I loved Emily and her kindness. This was a most rewarding novel.
Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof, who provide the most terrific advance copies.
An intricate tale woven together by a daughter returning home to a remote farming town in New Zealand, with a harsh climate where the mountains preserve an even harsher story amongst its clouds. The landscape is described with beauty and wonder, I have not travelled to this part of the world, but I feel I was transported there for the duration.
Emily returns home from England to care for her father. He was always gruff while growing up, she didn’t feel close to him at all. Her parents had divorced, and Felix is now no longer able to care for himself, he really hadn’t been coping solo at all, hadn’t it been for their lovely lifelong neighbours Raewyn and her son Ira who loved their family as much as their own. So much tragedy had befallen this neighbouring family, who had lost their father and husband, and daughter and sister, both in very sad circumstances. These folk were more like family than simply sharing a fence line.
This story is steeped in family and connection, kinship and love, deception and mystery and not to disregard also the mental and physical frailty of the human body and brain. The insipid disease of Huntington's is also a theme.
Felix was the first to lead a search for gorgeous and talented Leah, an academic with the world ahead of her, he knew the mountains like he knew his own soul. She headed out one stormy day to conduct her beloved research, but she was never to return. Missing for decades, her dedicated family need to know what happened in these glorious mountains, but it seems this strange disappearance holds its own secrets, as it seems has Felix who is showing markedly lessening moments of clarity.
The tragedy of Alzheimer’s has captured Felix who knows his life is nearing the end, he was the town’s doctor so long. Respected but guarded man, always holding his family at a distance. We witness Emily and her twin siblings disagree about the power of attorney that Emily has been granted, we witness the demise of Felix’s health and the love, care, and respect between these families.
This story had a perfect ending, I enjoyed every moment of this easy to read novel and recommend it highly to those who enjoy all facets of contemporary fiction as this seems to have it all. Fractured relationships, hidden truths, an excellent component of mystery and likable characters.
I enjoyed the strength of Emily’s character. Her siblings were never very kind to her. On watching them arrive to discuss their failing father’s estate and to push their father into a care facility that Emily would not allow as she had begun to grow so close to her dad again, she remarked, Did my brother feel even a moment’s shame, I wondered, as he drove beneath our climbing tree? He’d knowingly pushed his younger sibling to the ground from a high level causing years of symptoms. Her sister also was complicit in this. I loved Emily and her kindness. This was a most rewarding novel.
Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof, who provide the most terrific advance copies.
March 7, 2022
Twenty five years ago Leah Parata disappeared. Emily Kirkland was the last person to see her as Leah had entered the service station where Emily worked and bought chocolate, talking about her trip up into the mountains, her quest to find the certain snails which were endangered. She was an experienced hiker, had done the same trip many times. But she didn’t return and with all the searching, days and weeks of it, she was never found.
Now Emily was back in her small village in New Zealand to care for her father, Dr Felix Kirkland, an eminent professional all his life, a well-loved doctor who now had dementia. His memory was slipping – good days and bad – but Emily was determined to care for him as he deteriorated. Initially only going to stay for three weeks, she delayed her return to England to be by his side. Gradually, as Felix dipped further into the past, Emily heard things she was sure were fabrication. But what was the truth? And who could she tell about these strange revelations?
Remember Me by Charity Norman is a unique and twisty psychological suspense novel which had me engrossed. I read late into the night, unable to put it down until I had found out the answers. I have read four of the author’s previous books and loved them, and this one was no different. Excellent, well-crafted characters, Felix played his part extremely well. I loved Emily’s character, also the next door neighbour, Raewyn. An excellent book, Remember Me is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Now Emily was back in her small village in New Zealand to care for her father, Dr Felix Kirkland, an eminent professional all his life, a well-loved doctor who now had dementia. His memory was slipping – good days and bad – but Emily was determined to care for him as he deteriorated. Initially only going to stay for three weeks, she delayed her return to England to be by his side. Gradually, as Felix dipped further into the past, Emily heard things she was sure were fabrication. But what was the truth? And who could she tell about these strange revelations?
Remember Me by Charity Norman is a unique and twisty psychological suspense novel which had me engrossed. I read late into the night, unable to put it down until I had found out the answers. I have read four of the author’s previous books and loved them, and this one was no different. Excellent, well-crafted characters, Felix played his part extremely well. I loved Emily’s character, also the next door neighbour, Raewyn. An excellent book, Remember Me is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2022
I have to say this book was very good. Its a heartfelt book which covers a lot of topics. It has a mystery element to it which really keeps you reading more as it connects to all the characters.
Its a book about Alzheimers, I fortunately havent had this disease in my family but I have known people or have friends whose parents have it. Its a disease which is there is no cure. Emily returns to look after her father who is suffering from it.
It talks about aging parents a topic myself and my friends are going through , what to do with your parents , do you care for them at home , or do you put them in a nursing home. Its such a relatable story.
Its a story about family relationships and dynamics. Who is able to care for them.?
Its about secrets and how sometimes secrets can fester hostillity when you should really talk about things.
I loved Charity Normans writing style , it was so capitivating and engaging.
It has a timeline of 1994- 2019. From when Leah went missing and 2019 the present life.
I loved how all the characters were connected from the past and caught up in the future.
This book is set in NZ and I could picture the farms and mountains whilst reading it.
I was capitivated and immersed in this family's journey even to the point I felt like I was a part of the family.
Highly recommend.
Its a book about Alzheimers, I fortunately havent had this disease in my family but I have known people or have friends whose parents have it. Its a disease which is there is no cure. Emily returns to look after her father who is suffering from it.
It talks about aging parents a topic myself and my friends are going through , what to do with your parents , do you care for them at home , or do you put them in a nursing home. Its such a relatable story.
Its a story about family relationships and dynamics. Who is able to care for them.?
Its about secrets and how sometimes secrets can fester hostillity when you should really talk about things.
I loved Charity Normans writing style , it was so capitivating and engaging.
It has a timeline of 1994- 2019. From when Leah went missing and 2019 the present life.
I loved how all the characters were connected from the past and caught up in the future.
This book is set in NZ and I could picture the farms and mountains whilst reading it.
I was capitivated and immersed in this family's journey even to the point I felt like I was a part of the family.
Highly recommend.
July 19, 2022
Leah Parata, a young scientist, disappeared in the mountains near Tawanui, NZ in 1994. Only a couple of years earlier her father had died from hereditary disease Huntingtons. Twenty five years later, her friend Emily returns home after living and working in England for many years to care for her father who has Alzheimers. I was immediately drawn into this novel, the characters are well written, the pacing is excellent and it was one of those books I found hard to put down and stayed up too late to finish. It’s very emotional and the treatment of caring for people with alzheimers was beautifully done.
November 15, 2022
In brief - I don't often do 5 stars these days...
Family, secrets, love and very well written, beautifully at times
In full
Set in New Zealand, 25 years ago Leah Parata disappeared when she was 26. She was heading into the local range to spend some time doing ecology work. Just before she left her home town she bought some sweets in the local garage and talked to her friend Emily who worked there. She must have been one of the last people who saw Leah before her disappearance. Now - 25 years on - Emily has returned to New Zealand to see her aging father Felix. He was "the" local doctor and now has Alzheimer's. As his condition gets worse Emily ends up caring for him. In doing this her relationship with, and understanding of, her father changes. Has he kept any secrets over the years?
I found the start of this intriguing. Leah chatted to Emily at the garage before she vanished and Emily clearly remembers the conversation. The town is small and despite 25 years having passed the fate of Leah is still a current topic. What remains of Leah's family - her mother and brother - are Felix's neighbours and good friends. With Emily living there for a while she picks up some of the friendships that have lapsed with distance and time. Deciding to stay with her father is both a simple and a hard decision. She has her life and work back in the UK and her father was never a particularly warm person.
However he is her father and their changing relationship is a major part of this story. I really loved the interaction between Emily and her father. Emily's twin siblings have their own agendas about their father and his safety and again that is part of this story and the tensions within it. The book follows Felix's gradual deterioration in Emily's care. Emily can't help reflecting on Leah's disappearance. As time goes by it gets harder and harder to get it out of her mind.
This book does switch time lines on occasion however I didn't find that an issue. As with many stories there is a gradual reveal. Did I have some theories about what might be revealed - yes. Was I right - no! I really liked Emily as a character. I felt she was credible and convincing. The same can definitely be said of Felix for me. The sense of place in a small isolated town in New Zealand was good and well used. Ultimately the writing here is of a very high standard as far as I am concerned. At times there is a beauty to it and tranquillity too.
While this book is about a disappearance 25 years ago it is equally about the changing relationship between a daughter and her father. I'd previously read and enjoyed Charity Norman's book The Secrets of Strangers so I was pleased to be able to read this one. For me this book is probably even better than that one. Anyone who is already a fan of this author should really enjoy it. Those who have not come across her work could easily try this one out and should find it a very good introduction.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
Family, secrets, love and very well written, beautifully at times
In full
Set in New Zealand, 25 years ago Leah Parata disappeared when she was 26. She was heading into the local range to spend some time doing ecology work. Just before she left her home town she bought some sweets in the local garage and talked to her friend Emily who worked there. She must have been one of the last people who saw Leah before her disappearance. Now - 25 years on - Emily has returned to New Zealand to see her aging father Felix. He was "the" local doctor and now has Alzheimer's. As his condition gets worse Emily ends up caring for him. In doing this her relationship with, and understanding of, her father changes. Has he kept any secrets over the years?
I found the start of this intriguing. Leah chatted to Emily at the garage before she vanished and Emily clearly remembers the conversation. The town is small and despite 25 years having passed the fate of Leah is still a current topic. What remains of Leah's family - her mother and brother - are Felix's neighbours and good friends. With Emily living there for a while she picks up some of the friendships that have lapsed with distance and time. Deciding to stay with her father is both a simple and a hard decision. She has her life and work back in the UK and her father was never a particularly warm person.
However he is her father and their changing relationship is a major part of this story. I really loved the interaction between Emily and her father. Emily's twin siblings have their own agendas about their father and his safety and again that is part of this story and the tensions within it. The book follows Felix's gradual deterioration in Emily's care. Emily can't help reflecting on Leah's disappearance. As time goes by it gets harder and harder to get it out of her mind.
This book does switch time lines on occasion however I didn't find that an issue. As with many stories there is a gradual reveal. Did I have some theories about what might be revealed - yes. Was I right - no! I really liked Emily as a character. I felt she was credible and convincing. The same can definitely be said of Felix for me. The sense of place in a small isolated town in New Zealand was good and well used. Ultimately the writing here is of a very high standard as far as I am concerned. At times there is a beauty to it and tranquillity too.
While this book is about a disappearance 25 years ago it is equally about the changing relationship between a daughter and her father. I'd previously read and enjoyed Charity Norman's book The Secrets of Strangers so I was pleased to be able to read this one. For me this book is probably even better than that one. Anyone who is already a fan of this author should really enjoy it. Those who have not come across her work could easily try this one out and should find it a very good introduction.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
September 27, 2022
Leah Parata disappeared twenty-five years ago and Emily Kirkland was the last person to see her. Search teams scoured areas far and wide looking for something that might help lead them to Leah, but after tireless hours of searching, they found nothing. It was like Leah had vanished off the face of the earth without a trace.
Remember Me by Charity Norman is one of those books that stays with you days after you have finished it. The intensity, intrigue and suspense were all cleverly woven together in this book which had me turning the pages quickly, as I was desperate to know how it ended and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. A fabulous read which I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
Remember Me by Charity Norman is one of those books that stays with you days after you have finished it. The intensity, intrigue and suspense were all cleverly woven together in this book which had me turning the pages quickly, as I was desperate to know how it ended and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. A fabulous read which I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
March 4, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Remember Me by Charity Norman is a powerful and beautifully written story about the changing relationship between a daughter and her ailing father and the mystery of a missing young woman.
Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand to care for her ageing father Felix who has dementia and is not coping well alone. Felix was a respected doctor in the community but he always seemed to be absent while Emily and her siblings, Carmen and Eddie were growing up.
In 1994, twenty five years earlier Dr. Leah Parata aged twenty six sets off on a hike to continue her study of Marchant’s snails and vanishes never to be seen again. Emily was the last person to see Leah.
As her father’s memory fades in and out Emily begins to learn more about the father that always seemed so distant, maybe more than she ever wanted to.
There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters. The ending is very confronting and I’m still thinking about it days later! Remember Me is a unique novel but it wasn’t what I thought it would be, it was more of a slow paced mystery, emotional and highly recommended.
Publication date 01 March 2022
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book
Remember Me by Charity Norman is a powerful and beautifully written story about the changing relationship between a daughter and her ailing father and the mystery of a missing young woman.
Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand to care for her ageing father Felix who has dementia and is not coping well alone. Felix was a respected doctor in the community but he always seemed to be absent while Emily and her siblings, Carmen and Eddie were growing up.
In 1994, twenty five years earlier Dr. Leah Parata aged twenty six sets off on a hike to continue her study of Marchant’s snails and vanishes never to be seen again. Emily was the last person to see Leah.
As her father’s memory fades in and out Emily begins to learn more about the father that always seemed so distant, maybe more than she ever wanted to.
There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters. The ending is very confronting and I’m still thinking about it days later! Remember Me is a unique novel but it wasn’t what I thought it would be, it was more of a slow paced mystery, emotional and highly recommended.
Publication date 01 March 2022
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book
May 10, 2022
Remember Me is a fascinating read, straddling the contemporary, family drama and psychological mystery-thriller genres.
Emily Kirkland, a London-based children's book illustrator, receives a call from her childhood neighbour, Raewyn Parata, who still lives close by Emily's father near the town of Tawanui on New Zealand's North Island. Raewyn conveys the news that retired doctor Felix Kirkland has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is deteriorating rapidly, to the extent that he will soon be unable to live independently. Emily's older siblings, twins Carmen and Eddie, both live and work in New Zealand, but are unwilling or unable to offer their father any support. Raewyn requests that Emily make the journey home to spend time with her father, before it's too late.
Emily reluctantly makes the trip across the world, intending to stay in Tawanui for three weeks, which she hopes will be long enough to make arrangements for her father's ongoing care. Felix has always been a distant and undemonstrative parent and Emily has more than a few reservations about spending this time alone with him, while she should be concentrating on finalising the illustrations for her next project, Admiral Flufflebum and the Christmas Kitten (I really wish this series existed in real life, as it sounds fabulous!).
As expected, Emily finds that Felix is displaying all the signs of advancing dementia - he sometimes struggles to recognise her, he frequently repeats information and tends to become increasingly confused later in the day (a process referred to as "sundowning"). However, his illness has diminished some of the more guarded aspects of Felix's personality, and Emily finds a growing rapport with and understanding of her father as they spend time together chatting and playing chess. She resists the efforts of her siblings to pack Felix off to a locked ward at the local nursing home, and extends her stay in New Zealand indefinitely.
Overshadowing all of this is the disappearance of Leah Parata, Raewyn's daughter, then in her mid twenties, twenty-five years previously. Emily had been the last person known to have seen Leah alive, as she set out for a research expedition into the nearby Ruahine range, an expedition from which she never returned. Despite extensive searching, no trace of Leah has ever been found. Discovering several items within the family home, and witnessing her father's growing distress and preoccupation with Leah's disappearance in his late night ramblings, Emily begins to develop worrying suspicions. What was the nature of Felix's relationship with Leah, and does he know more about the circumstances of her disappearance than he's ever revealed in the past?
Charity Norman's plotting is well-paced, balancing a first-person present day narrative with occasional flashbacks to the past. The narrative is fascinating and engrossing, with plenty of subtle foreshadowing and the skilful use of misdirection as the story unfolds. The central character of Emily is three-dimensional and sympathetic and Norman's depiction of the increasingly-confused Felix and the effects of his progressive illness are sensitively handled. Supporting characters are also well imagined, from the stoic and practical Raewyn to Emily's materialistic and self-absorbed siblings. The setting in rural Hawkes Bay, on the eastern side of New Zealand's North Island is integral to the story, and Norman develops it beautifully, presenting a tantalising juxtaposition between the safety and predictability of agricultural and domestic cultivation and the rugged beauty and the danger presented by the wild.
Remember Me is a memorable read, combining many of the elements I most enjoy in fiction - an underlying historical mystery, dramatic tensions both between characters and internal to the narrator, a unique and powerful setting and a satisfying, if bittersweet, conclusion. I'd enthusiastically recommend Remember Me to any reader who enjoys psychological mysteries, relationship-based dramas (non romance) and immersive rural-bush settings.
Emily Kirkland, a London-based children's book illustrator, receives a call from her childhood neighbour, Raewyn Parata, who still lives close by Emily's father near the town of Tawanui on New Zealand's North Island. Raewyn conveys the news that retired doctor Felix Kirkland has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is deteriorating rapidly, to the extent that he will soon be unable to live independently. Emily's older siblings, twins Carmen and Eddie, both live and work in New Zealand, but are unwilling or unable to offer their father any support. Raewyn requests that Emily make the journey home to spend time with her father, before it's too late.
Emily reluctantly makes the trip across the world, intending to stay in Tawanui for three weeks, which she hopes will be long enough to make arrangements for her father's ongoing care. Felix has always been a distant and undemonstrative parent and Emily has more than a few reservations about spending this time alone with him, while she should be concentrating on finalising the illustrations for her next project, Admiral Flufflebum and the Christmas Kitten (I really wish this series existed in real life, as it sounds fabulous!).
As expected, Emily finds that Felix is displaying all the signs of advancing dementia - he sometimes struggles to recognise her, he frequently repeats information and tends to become increasingly confused later in the day (a process referred to as "sundowning"). However, his illness has diminished some of the more guarded aspects of Felix's personality, and Emily finds a growing rapport with and understanding of her father as they spend time together chatting and playing chess. She resists the efforts of her siblings to pack Felix off to a locked ward at the local nursing home, and extends her stay in New Zealand indefinitely.
Overshadowing all of this is the disappearance of Leah Parata, Raewyn's daughter, then in her mid twenties, twenty-five years previously. Emily had been the last person known to have seen Leah alive, as she set out for a research expedition into the nearby Ruahine range, an expedition from which she never returned. Despite extensive searching, no trace of Leah has ever been found. Discovering several items within the family home, and witnessing her father's growing distress and preoccupation with Leah's disappearance in his late night ramblings, Emily begins to develop worrying suspicions. What was the nature of Felix's relationship with Leah, and does he know more about the circumstances of her disappearance than he's ever revealed in the past?
Charity Norman's plotting is well-paced, balancing a first-person present day narrative with occasional flashbacks to the past. The narrative is fascinating and engrossing, with plenty of subtle foreshadowing and the skilful use of misdirection as the story unfolds. The central character of Emily is three-dimensional and sympathetic and Norman's depiction of the increasingly-confused Felix and the effects of his progressive illness are sensitively handled. Supporting characters are also well imagined, from the stoic and practical Raewyn to Emily's materialistic and self-absorbed siblings. The setting in rural Hawkes Bay, on the eastern side of New Zealand's North Island is integral to the story, and Norman develops it beautifully, presenting a tantalising juxtaposition between the safety and predictability of agricultural and domestic cultivation and the rugged beauty and the danger presented by the wild.
Remember Me is a memorable read, combining many of the elements I most enjoy in fiction - an underlying historical mystery, dramatic tensions both between characters and internal to the narrator, a unique and powerful setting and a satisfying, if bittersweet, conclusion. I'd enthusiastically recommend Remember Me to any reader who enjoys psychological mysteries, relationship-based dramas (non romance) and immersive rural-bush settings.
April 10, 2022
Remember Me by Charity Norman
Synopsis /
They never found Leah Parata. Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth.
A close-knit community is ripped apart by disturbing revelations that cast new light on a young woman's disappearance twenty-five years ago.
After years of living overseas, Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand to care for her father, Felix, who suffers from dementia. As his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past. Truths she'd rather were kept buried.
My Thoughts /
Major spoiler alert - you will need tissues handy for this read!
This novel has ticked off a couple of firsts for me. First time I have read a book which is set in New Zealand and, the first time I have read something written by Charity Norman. Although it isn't the first time I've ever shed a tear reading a book, I can say that this would be the first time I have ever felt hugely emotionally attached to an author's story telling. This novel oozes and radiates empathy. The writer has an absolutely gift for portraying a deeper understanding of human emotion - both their strengths and their weaknesses. I truly have never read anything quite like it. The story shifts back and forth between the present day and twenty-five years earlier.
Now - The story opens with us meeting Emily Kirkland. Emily, the youngest of three siblings is travelling from the UK back to her childhood home of Tawanui, a small town in New Zealand, to care for her ageing father, Dr Felix Kirkland, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Then - The time is 1994, and Dr Leah Parata (aged twenty six) sets off on a hike into the wild hill country around her family's property to continue her study of Marchant’s snails. She vanishes never to be seen again. Emily was the last person to see Leah alive. Leah Parata has never been found - Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth.
Back to the present day, and it's now the 25th anniversary of Leah's disappearance and the media think it would be prudent to re-interview everyone involved with Leah at the time she went missing. From the outset, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is going to be a story about finding a missing woman. Which it is (kind of) but as you read on, Norman unveils her secrets a little at a time. From the vivid and real written descriptions of the New Zealand countryside, through to the emotionally charged relationship between Emily and her father, this novel doesn't miss a beat. Growing up, Emily's father preferred a more hands-off approach to parenting. He was around, but his work at the town's local GP was his preferred choice over family life. Coming home, Emily figures she will finally get that second chance to bond with her father, before the slow and painful descent into Alzheimer's begins to get a stronghold. While caring for Felix, Emily learns a lot more about her father than she would ever have imagined possible. It is in these passages that the author offers us, as readers, a poignant portrayal of Alzheimer’s and what is involved in the caring for a loved one with a degenerative illness.
The author has blessed this novel with a strong sense of place, with the backdrop of the imposing Ruahine Mountains dominating. Meaning 'wise woman', this New Zealand setting, became exquisitely vivid and real to me – though I’ve never had the opportunity to go there, I felt like I was transported to this place and time by the descriptive prose delicately written by the author.
And the reveal? At the end, do we finally get to learn what happened to Leah Parata? Well, that reveal is as heartbreaking as the tales of the people being brought down by age and genetics. Remember Me deals with grief and loss, secrets and betrayal and takes the reader on an emotionally charged rollercoaster story full of compassion, warmth and, forgiveness.
Synopsis /
They never found Leah Parata. Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth.
A close-knit community is ripped apart by disturbing revelations that cast new light on a young woman's disappearance twenty-five years ago.
After years of living overseas, Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand to care for her father, Felix, who suffers from dementia. As his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past. Truths she'd rather were kept buried.
My Thoughts /
Major spoiler alert - you will need tissues handy for this read!
This novel has ticked off a couple of firsts for me. First time I have read a book which is set in New Zealand and, the first time I have read something written by Charity Norman. Although it isn't the first time I've ever shed a tear reading a book, I can say that this would be the first time I have ever felt hugely emotionally attached to an author's story telling. This novel oozes and radiates empathy. The writer has an absolutely gift for portraying a deeper understanding of human emotion - both their strengths and their weaknesses. I truly have never read anything quite like it. The story shifts back and forth between the present day and twenty-five years earlier.
Now - The story opens with us meeting Emily Kirkland. Emily, the youngest of three siblings is travelling from the UK back to her childhood home of Tawanui, a small town in New Zealand, to care for her ageing father, Dr Felix Kirkland, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Then - The time is 1994, and Dr Leah Parata (aged twenty six) sets off on a hike into the wild hill country around her family's property to continue her study of Marchant’s snails. She vanishes never to be seen again. Emily was the last person to see Leah alive. Leah Parata has never been found - Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth.
Back to the present day, and it's now the 25th anniversary of Leah's disappearance and the media think it would be prudent to re-interview everyone involved with Leah at the time she went missing. From the outset, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is going to be a story about finding a missing woman. Which it is (kind of) but as you read on, Norman unveils her secrets a little at a time. From the vivid and real written descriptions of the New Zealand countryside, through to the emotionally charged relationship between Emily and her father, this novel doesn't miss a beat. Growing up, Emily's father preferred a more hands-off approach to parenting. He was around, but his work at the town's local GP was his preferred choice over family life. Coming home, Emily figures she will finally get that second chance to bond with her father, before the slow and painful descent into Alzheimer's begins to get a stronghold. While caring for Felix, Emily learns a lot more about her father than she would ever have imagined possible. It is in these passages that the author offers us, as readers, a poignant portrayal of Alzheimer’s and what is involved in the caring for a loved one with a degenerative illness.
The author has blessed this novel with a strong sense of place, with the backdrop of the imposing Ruahine Mountains dominating. Meaning 'wise woman', this New Zealand setting, became exquisitely vivid and real to me – though I’ve never had the opportunity to go there, I felt like I was transported to this place and time by the descriptive prose delicately written by the author.
And the reveal? At the end, do we finally get to learn what happened to Leah Parata? Well, that reveal is as heartbreaking as the tales of the people being brought down by age and genetics. Remember Me deals with grief and loss, secrets and betrayal and takes the reader on an emotionally charged rollercoaster story full of compassion, warmth and, forgiveness.
March 17, 2022
Four and a half stars
In 1994 Leah Parada disappeared. The last anyone saw of her was when she bought a bar of chocolate from Emily Kirkland before she set off on a hike. And then Leah vanished. Search teams found no trace of her.
When Emily Kincaid comes home in 2019, it was intended to be just a sort visit to check in on her father who is suffering from dementia. Dr Felix Kirkland had been a father who put his work and his patients before his wife and three children, the twins Eddie and Carmen and Emily. Emily’s plans for a short visit are changed as Emily realises how bad her father’s memory has become. And when she finds something belonging to Leah and an envelope to be opened after his death, she is left with some hard decisions to make.
The characters are very real. I particularly liked Raewyn, mother of Leah and Ira. Raewyn has had some hard things to deal with in life, including caring for her husband who suffered over the years from Huntington’s disease before he died. Raewyn has been a good friend to Felix and to Emily as well. It was heartbreaking to read the effects of Alzheimer's and the changes in makes in a personality. Such a dreadful disease for all concerned to cope with, as is the Huntington’s.
This story had me interested from the start, though I could have done without the smattering of the f word., which may not worry other people as much. The longer the book went on, the more the story captured my interest and towards the end I was riveted. A book guaranteed to tug at the emotions.
My thanks to Allen&Unwin for my ARC to read and review. An absorbing read set in New Zealand with well drawn characters. This recommended read will set readers wondering and thinking, particularly towards the end.
In 1994 Leah Parada disappeared. The last anyone saw of her was when she bought a bar of chocolate from Emily Kirkland before she set off on a hike. And then Leah vanished. Search teams found no trace of her.
When Emily Kincaid comes home in 2019, it was intended to be just a sort visit to check in on her father who is suffering from dementia. Dr Felix Kirkland had been a father who put his work and his patients before his wife and three children, the twins Eddie and Carmen and Emily. Emily’s plans for a short visit are changed as Emily realises how bad her father’s memory has become. And when she finds something belonging to Leah and an envelope to be opened after his death, she is left with some hard decisions to make.
The characters are very real. I particularly liked Raewyn, mother of Leah and Ira. Raewyn has had some hard things to deal with in life, including caring for her husband who suffered over the years from Huntington’s disease before he died. Raewyn has been a good friend to Felix and to Emily as well. It was heartbreaking to read the effects of Alzheimer's and the changes in makes in a personality. Such a dreadful disease for all concerned to cope with, as is the Huntington’s.
This story had me interested from the start, though I could have done without the smattering of the f word., which may not worry other people as much. The longer the book went on, the more the story captured my interest and towards the end I was riveted. A book guaranteed to tug at the emotions.
My thanks to Allen&Unwin for my ARC to read and review. An absorbing read set in New Zealand with well drawn characters. This recommended read will set readers wondering and thinking, particularly towards the end.
November 8, 2022
This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won’t be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery set in New Zealand, it has a cast of wonderful characters and digs deep into the way they cope with life as it is thrown at them.
Twenty five years ago a young woman, Leah Parata went missing and nothing was ever found, there was no trace of her at all, leaving her family and close friends to cope as best they could, her mother Raewyn and brother Ira never give up hope.
Emily Kirkland lived next door to the Parata family growing up but these days she lives in England were she illustrates kids’ books, but when Raewyn rings her to let her know that her father, Dr. Felix Kirkland is not well and has dementia, Emily makes the trip back home, her father’s health shocks her and she makes the decision to stay longer and care for him.
As her father’s memory fades more he has times where he opens up about his past and things that have happened and Emily is learning more but some of what he is saying is very hard for Emily to understand and believe, add to that the boxes of keepsakes she has found and the envelope he has given her that is not to be opened till after his death, Emily is beside herself with worry, and the big question is should she keep it all to herself?
This story is so well written, it pulled me in and there was no way I could put it down till I got to know exactly what had happened, Emily is such a fabulous character, the strength she shows and Felix there is so much going on with him, I really felt for him. This is one that I highly recommend and I will be reading more of this authors books.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
Twenty five years ago a young woman, Leah Parata went missing and nothing was ever found, there was no trace of her at all, leaving her family and close friends to cope as best they could, her mother Raewyn and brother Ira never give up hope.
Emily Kirkland lived next door to the Parata family growing up but these days she lives in England were she illustrates kids’ books, but when Raewyn rings her to let her know that her father, Dr. Felix Kirkland is not well and has dementia, Emily makes the trip back home, her father’s health shocks her and she makes the decision to stay longer and care for him.
As her father’s memory fades more he has times where he opens up about his past and things that have happened and Emily is learning more but some of what he is saying is very hard for Emily to understand and believe, add to that the boxes of keepsakes she has found and the envelope he has given her that is not to be opened till after his death, Emily is beside herself with worry, and the big question is should she keep it all to herself?
This story is so well written, it pulled me in and there was no way I could put it down till I got to know exactly what had happened, Emily is such a fabulous character, the strength she shows and Felix there is so much going on with him, I really felt for him. This is one that I highly recommend and I will be reading more of this authors books.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
March 18, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am now keen to read more.
The story is set in New Zealand, Emily, living in London gets a call from her father's neighbour begging her to come home. Emily begrudgingly agrees to return for a couple of weeks and is shocked upon her arrival at her father's rural property that he doesn't initially recognise her. It soon becomes apparent that Felix has quite advanced dementia and that his neighbours Raewyn and her adult son Ira are doing a lot to keep Felix out of the local nursing home, where Emily's older siblings Eddie and Carmen are determined to put him.
While at home Emily starts to think about Leah Parata, their neighbour (Raewyn's daughter) that went missing nearly 25 years earlier. As Felix's mind deteriorates, and Emily decides to stay longer, some sinister clues start to emerge that Felix may have been a lot more involved in the disappearance of Leah than she would have thought possible.
This book resonated with me, my own mother now has dementia and it is cruel to see her sharp mind and wit slowly slipping away. There are confrontations and it becomes increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction as events become jumbled in her mind. I really felt for Felix, a retired doctor, who is used to being so organised and in control.
This is a wonderful, heart breaking story on many levels. Thank you Allen & Unwin for the uncorrected paperback proof that I won.
The story is set in New Zealand, Emily, living in London gets a call from her father's neighbour begging her to come home. Emily begrudgingly agrees to return for a couple of weeks and is shocked upon her arrival at her father's rural property that he doesn't initially recognise her. It soon becomes apparent that Felix has quite advanced dementia and that his neighbours Raewyn and her adult son Ira are doing a lot to keep Felix out of the local nursing home, where Emily's older siblings Eddie and Carmen are determined to put him.
While at home Emily starts to think about Leah Parata, their neighbour (Raewyn's daughter) that went missing nearly 25 years earlier. As Felix's mind deteriorates, and Emily decides to stay longer, some sinister clues start to emerge that Felix may have been a lot more involved in the disappearance of Leah than she would have thought possible.
This book resonated with me, my own mother now has dementia and it is cruel to see her sharp mind and wit slowly slipping away. There are confrontations and it becomes increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction as events become jumbled in her mind. I really felt for Felix, a retired doctor, who is used to being so organised and in control.
This is a wonderful, heart breaking story on many levels. Thank you Allen & Unwin for the uncorrected paperback proof that I won.
May 29, 2022
4.5 Stars
August 8, 2022
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**4.5 stars**
Remember Me by Charity Norman. (2022).
Twenty-five years ago, young woman Leah disappeared without a trace. The close-knit community has never forgotten and her family still hope to find out what happened.
After years of living overseas, Emily returns to New Zealand to care for her father, Felix, who suffers from dementia. As his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past. Truths she'd rather were kept buried...
I'm a big fan of this author and loved this latest novel. I always find the concept of a loved one with dementia to be quite sad, and I felt the author depicted Felix's deterioration and Emily's feelings towards it both realistically and respectfully. The narrative is well-paced and the ongoing mystery of Leah's disappearance adds a layer of tension to everything. The story is super engrossing with well-written and relatable characters, and I had trouble putting it down the few times I had to. Beware of starting this one at night because you'll be easily tempted to stay up way too late to finish it!
Overall: highly recommend for those readers that enjoy a bit of mystery with an emotional domestic drama.
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**4.5 stars**
Remember Me by Charity Norman. (2022).
Twenty-five years ago, young woman Leah disappeared without a trace. The close-knit community has never forgotten and her family still hope to find out what happened.
After years of living overseas, Emily returns to New Zealand to care for her father, Felix, who suffers from dementia. As his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past. Truths she'd rather were kept buried...
I'm a big fan of this author and loved this latest novel. I always find the concept of a loved one with dementia to be quite sad, and I felt the author depicted Felix's deterioration and Emily's feelings towards it both realistically and respectfully. The narrative is well-paced and the ongoing mystery of Leah's disappearance adds a layer of tension to everything. The story is super engrossing with well-written and relatable characters, and I had trouble putting it down the few times I had to. Beware of starting this one at night because you'll be easily tempted to stay up way too late to finish it!
Overall: highly recommend for those readers that enjoy a bit of mystery with an emotional domestic drama.
March 20, 2022
Remember Me is a family drama wrapped around a crime mystery – perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty (especially The Husband’s Secret). It’s perfectly paced to pull the reader through, and I loved the small-town Kiwi setting. Norman offers a tender treatment of dementia and adult care-giving, highly commendable!
My full review of Remember Me can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Remember Me can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
February 23, 2022
My review is published in the March edition of goodREADING magazine. :-)
March 4, 2022
Ugandan born Charity Norman, raised in England but who now lives in New Zealand, is the author of six novels including bestsellers ‘See You in September’ and more recently ‘The Secrets of Strangers’. “REMEMBER ME” is Charity’s latest offering and is a heart wrenching suspense story set in a close-knit rural New Zealand town, that just oozes atmospheric detail and superb natural descriptions.
- “They never found Leah Parata. Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth” —
The story features quite prominently, debilitating illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and the traumatic effects mentally and physically, they have on the individual patient and their friends and families. Remember Me is truly poignant and is very much a character driven story that comfortably makes you feel you’re a part of the New Zealand small town community. Sympathetically written, I could understand Felix Kirkland’s concerns and loss of memory function from what I’ve learned about the disease and it’s symptoms. The brain mist that lies low on bad days and clears on good days is exactly what Dementia sufferers experience and the worrying emotions that Felix’s daughter Emily endures, felt distinctly realistic and sadly heartbreaking.
I was engrossed from the opening prologue, as we are introduced to Leah on the last day she is seen alive, gently drawing the reader in as to what happened twenty five years ago. There’s a major family secret that Emily realises is tormenting her father to despair and this slowly reveals itself through the dual timelines of 1994 and 2019.
Expertly researched, executed and a denouement that forced a tear from my eye, Remember Me is perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult. An excellent example of women’s contemporary fiction, this book is an emotive page-turner, full of beautiful landscapes but still manages to ratchet up the tension regarding Leah’s disappearance.
#RememberMe - 5 stars
- “They never found Leah Parata. Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth” —
The story features quite prominently, debilitating illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and the traumatic effects mentally and physically, they have on the individual patient and their friends and families. Remember Me is truly poignant and is very much a character driven story that comfortably makes you feel you’re a part of the New Zealand small town community. Sympathetically written, I could understand Felix Kirkland’s concerns and loss of memory function from what I’ve learned about the disease and it’s symptoms. The brain mist that lies low on bad days and clears on good days is exactly what Dementia sufferers experience and the worrying emotions that Felix’s daughter Emily endures, felt distinctly realistic and sadly heartbreaking.
I was engrossed from the opening prologue, as we are introduced to Leah on the last day she is seen alive, gently drawing the reader in as to what happened twenty five years ago. There’s a major family secret that Emily realises is tormenting her father to despair and this slowly reveals itself through the dual timelines of 1994 and 2019.
Expertly researched, executed and a denouement that forced a tear from my eye, Remember Me is perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult. An excellent example of women’s contemporary fiction, this book is an emotive page-turner, full of beautiful landscapes but still manages to ratchet up the tension regarding Leah’s disappearance.
#RememberMe - 5 stars
April 21, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
With a heartbreaking narrative that echoes the work of affective writer Lisa Genova, Remember Me is a moving story that covers the emotions surrounding ageing and degenerative illness. Powerful, intense, conflicting and deeply atmospheric, Remember Me is an extraordinary tale that I rate very highly.
A suspenseful mystery unfolds in Remember Me, the latest release from New Zealand based author Charity Norman. When a local woman named Leah Parata goes missing one day, it sends shockwaves through her home town. Leah is unable to be located and despite the passage of time, the local community have not forgotten this tragedy. When Leah’s former neighbour Emily returns home after making a new life for herself overseas, Leah’s disappearance comes back to haunt her. As Emily tries to care of her failing father Felix, she is also moved by a series of revelations that link back to Leah’s disappearance over two decades ago. As Emily tries to make sense of her father’s ramblings, a shocking truth begins to emerge. Will the past finally be unveiled and what will the consequences be for this father and daughter?
Charity Norman’s seventh novel doesn’t fall short in any shape or form. I greatly respect and value this author’s work and writing style, so I was very much looking forward to this one. I did have to ensure I was in the right mood and frame of mind for Remember Me. This novel does feature some difficult to swallow content around illness and ageing. I’m glad I waited to read this novel at a time where I had a relatively clear head.
Remember Me is a psychological based fiction novel, as much as it is a suspense crime mystery novel. I think family relationships, rifts, communication, personal conflicts, responsibility, stress, strain, care, mental health, personal wellbeing and independence all have a strong part to play in this moral thriller. Norman balances the truth to the direct impact of an ageing disease and another degrative illness within a community mystery novel. I liked how Norman presented the facts with emotion and sensitivity. It can be a fine line to walk with a story of this nature, but Norman is a considerate storyteller.
Setting wise, this story all plays out under the magnificent and breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s stunning blue skies, clear streams, valleys and mountains. I am not someone who has tried hiking before, but after reading Remember Me I have a strong inclination to add a NZ hiking trip to my travel bucket list. Norman does an amazing job with articulating her location base. I could smell the fresh and pure air, I basked in the glory of the native bushland region, I imagined the crystal-clear streams and I could hear the local wildlife that surrounds this evocative setting. It certainly illuminated the stirring atmosphere of this intriguing mystery novel.
Norman’s characterisation is solid and I found a lasting connection to lead character Emily, her father Felix and the other side protagonists of this tale. The ups and downs of parental relationships, along with exhausting care of an ageing parent are all covered extremely well within Remember Me. Leah Parata, the figure who is at the centre of the overall mystery element, was presented with authenticity and credibility. I appreciated Norman’s dips in and out of the present back to the past, as it extended the storyline arcs of the core character set. I didn’t see the final moments of this story coming, though I do admit feeling a sense of dread that something inevitability tragic would happen by the close of Remember Me.
Magnetic, mysterious, thought provoking and stirring, Remember Me is a distinctive novel that speaks volumes about the way we deal with family emotions, ageing and degenerative illness.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
4.5 stars
With a heartbreaking narrative that echoes the work of affective writer Lisa Genova, Remember Me is a moving story that covers the emotions surrounding ageing and degenerative illness. Powerful, intense, conflicting and deeply atmospheric, Remember Me is an extraordinary tale that I rate very highly.
A suspenseful mystery unfolds in Remember Me, the latest release from New Zealand based author Charity Norman. When a local woman named Leah Parata goes missing one day, it sends shockwaves through her home town. Leah is unable to be located and despite the passage of time, the local community have not forgotten this tragedy. When Leah’s former neighbour Emily returns home after making a new life for herself overseas, Leah’s disappearance comes back to haunt her. As Emily tries to care of her failing father Felix, she is also moved by a series of revelations that link back to Leah’s disappearance over two decades ago. As Emily tries to make sense of her father’s ramblings, a shocking truth begins to emerge. Will the past finally be unveiled and what will the consequences be for this father and daughter?
Charity Norman’s seventh novel doesn’t fall short in any shape or form. I greatly respect and value this author’s work and writing style, so I was very much looking forward to this one. I did have to ensure I was in the right mood and frame of mind for Remember Me. This novel does feature some difficult to swallow content around illness and ageing. I’m glad I waited to read this novel at a time where I had a relatively clear head.
Remember Me is a psychological based fiction novel, as much as it is a suspense crime mystery novel. I think family relationships, rifts, communication, personal conflicts, responsibility, stress, strain, care, mental health, personal wellbeing and independence all have a strong part to play in this moral thriller. Norman balances the truth to the direct impact of an ageing disease and another degrative illness within a community mystery novel. I liked how Norman presented the facts with emotion and sensitivity. It can be a fine line to walk with a story of this nature, but Norman is a considerate storyteller.
Setting wise, this story all plays out under the magnificent and breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s stunning blue skies, clear streams, valleys and mountains. I am not someone who has tried hiking before, but after reading Remember Me I have a strong inclination to add a NZ hiking trip to my travel bucket list. Norman does an amazing job with articulating her location base. I could smell the fresh and pure air, I basked in the glory of the native bushland region, I imagined the crystal-clear streams and I could hear the local wildlife that surrounds this evocative setting. It certainly illuminated the stirring atmosphere of this intriguing mystery novel.
Norman’s characterisation is solid and I found a lasting connection to lead character Emily, her father Felix and the other side protagonists of this tale. The ups and downs of parental relationships, along with exhausting care of an ageing parent are all covered extremely well within Remember Me. Leah Parata, the figure who is at the centre of the overall mystery element, was presented with authenticity and credibility. I appreciated Norman’s dips in and out of the present back to the past, as it extended the storyline arcs of the core character set. I didn’t see the final moments of this story coming, though I do admit feeling a sense of dread that something inevitability tragic would happen by the close of Remember Me.
Magnetic, mysterious, thought provoking and stirring, Remember Me is a distinctive novel that speaks volumes about the way we deal with family emotions, ageing and degenerative illness.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
March 16, 2022
My Review:
Charity Norman is one of a handful of authors that I read WITHOUT checking the blurb simply because I adore her writing and each of her books are brilliantly researched, thought-provoking, original and highly topical so when Anne Cater asked me if I wanted to be on the blogtour for Remember Me I said “absolutely 100% yes” immediately.
Now being a good little blogger I like to read my blogtour books at least three weeks in advance so I settled down one evening, opened the book on my kindle and quickly glanced at the description on Goodreads. My stomach literally dropped when I saw it was about a daughter returning to her childhood home to look after her father who has dementia, because unfortunately this for me is a little too close to home and rather raw. I try not to read books that would affect me in such direct ways, always viewing books as an escape from reality, but I had committed myself to the tour and pulled up my big girl’s pants and settled down to read.
Remember Me is about Emily, the youngest daughter of a family of 3 siblings, now living in the UK, working as an illustrator for a childrens author, with a grown up son travelling the world. One day she receives a call from her father’s neighbour in New Zealand, his health is deteriorating, his mental health is on the decline and he has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, can she fly over and look after him for a few weeks?
Emily doesn’t have a close relationship with her father, in fact it’s practically non-existent. Growing up she yearned for his approval and love but he was incapable of showing either to her, her siblings or mother. A strict and aloof man, Dr Felix Kirkland spent his time and attention on his patients oblivious to the hurt he caused his own family.
Emily’s move back to her childhood home in New Zealand brings up memories she has suppressed for years and one particular event which caused ripples of grief throughout the small town of Tawanui. A childhood friend and neighbour Dr Leah Parata disappeared on a hike 25 years ago, Emily was the last person to see her alive and as it’s the anniversary of her disappearance the media want to reinterview everyone involved with Leah at the time.
Spending time with her father, Emily starts to uncover secrets that Felix has kept from everyone since that fateful night Leah disappeared. Whilst trying to deal with the slow and painful realisation that her father isn’t the man she thought or hoped, she also has to cope with his dementia. Watching this previously strong and independant man who was competely in control of his feelings and emotions, struggle with his memories and everyday tasks was so heartbreakingly real and raw for me personally but gave me a better understanding in the affects of Alzheimers for both the family and the sufferer.
Remember Me deals with grief and loss, secrets and betrayal, hurt and forgiveness and takes the reader on an emotionally charged story full of compassion and warmth.
Another easy 5 stars from me and if you haven’t read any of Charity’s books before – please pick one up and immerse yourself in her incredible storytelling.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charity Norman is one of a handful of authors that I read WITHOUT checking the blurb simply because I adore her writing and each of her books are brilliantly researched, thought-provoking, original and highly topical so when Anne Cater asked me if I wanted to be on the blogtour for Remember Me I said “absolutely 100% yes” immediately.
Now being a good little blogger I like to read my blogtour books at least three weeks in advance so I settled down one evening, opened the book on my kindle and quickly glanced at the description on Goodreads. My stomach literally dropped when I saw it was about a daughter returning to her childhood home to look after her father who has dementia, because unfortunately this for me is a little too close to home and rather raw. I try not to read books that would affect me in such direct ways, always viewing books as an escape from reality, but I had committed myself to the tour and pulled up my big girl’s pants and settled down to read.
Remember Me is about Emily, the youngest daughter of a family of 3 siblings, now living in the UK, working as an illustrator for a childrens author, with a grown up son travelling the world. One day she receives a call from her father’s neighbour in New Zealand, his health is deteriorating, his mental health is on the decline and he has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, can she fly over and look after him for a few weeks?
Emily doesn’t have a close relationship with her father, in fact it’s practically non-existent. Growing up she yearned for his approval and love but he was incapable of showing either to her, her siblings or mother. A strict and aloof man, Dr Felix Kirkland spent his time and attention on his patients oblivious to the hurt he caused his own family.
Emily’s move back to her childhood home in New Zealand brings up memories she has suppressed for years and one particular event which caused ripples of grief throughout the small town of Tawanui. A childhood friend and neighbour Dr Leah Parata disappeared on a hike 25 years ago, Emily was the last person to see her alive and as it’s the anniversary of her disappearance the media want to reinterview everyone involved with Leah at the time.
Spending time with her father, Emily starts to uncover secrets that Felix has kept from everyone since that fateful night Leah disappeared. Whilst trying to deal with the slow and painful realisation that her father isn’t the man she thought or hoped, she also has to cope with his dementia. Watching this previously strong and independant man who was competely in control of his feelings and emotions, struggle with his memories and everyday tasks was so heartbreakingly real and raw for me personally but gave me a better understanding in the affects of Alzheimers for both the family and the sufferer.
Remember Me deals with grief and loss, secrets and betrayal, hurt and forgiveness and takes the reader on an emotionally charged story full of compassion and warmth.
Another easy 5 stars from me and if you haven’t read any of Charity’s books before – please pick one up and immerse yourself in her incredible storytelling.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 28, 2022
I’ve read quite a few great books so far this year already but this one has been my favourite (to date).
After living in England for several years, Emily Kirkland returns to her hometown in New Zealand after learning her father, Felix, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Felix is an upstanding member of his community, the local doctor before his retirement, and close friends to his neighbours, the Paratas. Leah Parata is the subject of a 25 year old mystery since she set off for a hike and never returned. The event has always had a significant effect on the Kirkland family - Emily was the last person to see Leah alive; Felix was one of people in charge of the search; Emily’s brother was in love with Leah - so now, in amongst the fog of memory loss, when Felix starts speaking about Leah it’s no surprise. However, it is a bit of a shock for Emily when Felix starts hinting that he knows more about Leah’s disappearance than everyone thought and that perhaps a murder was committed.
I loved the setting. Shamefully, I have not read many books set in New Zealand. Unlike some books the setting is very important and Norman writes the flora and fauna beautifully. I can picture it all so easily in my mind, especially the mountains on which Leah went missing.
Norman’s handling of Alzheimer’s was really well done. Although it is a plot device, she somehow never used the disease in a cliched or disrespectful way.
Although this isn’t a traditional thriller -- the book could probably be categorised as general fiction or family drama - Norman does a fabulous job of creating tension and suspense when it comes to Felix’s supposed innocence or guilt. I might have guessed a few of the outcomes but the resolution was not completely as cut and dry as I'd supposed.
I can really imagine this on screen. In fact some producer needs to jump on board and film this asap (with Sam Neill playing Felix obviously).
Thanks very much to Allen and Unwin for gifting me a copy of this book, I might not have picked it up otherwise. I definitely plan on reading Norman’s back catalogue. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
After living in England for several years, Emily Kirkland returns to her hometown in New Zealand after learning her father, Felix, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Felix is an upstanding member of his community, the local doctor before his retirement, and close friends to his neighbours, the Paratas. Leah Parata is the subject of a 25 year old mystery since she set off for a hike and never returned. The event has always had a significant effect on the Kirkland family - Emily was the last person to see Leah alive; Felix was one of people in charge of the search; Emily’s brother was in love with Leah - so now, in amongst the fog of memory loss, when Felix starts speaking about Leah it’s no surprise. However, it is a bit of a shock for Emily when Felix starts hinting that he knows more about Leah’s disappearance than everyone thought and that perhaps a murder was committed.
I loved the setting. Shamefully, I have not read many books set in New Zealand. Unlike some books the setting is very important and Norman writes the flora and fauna beautifully. I can picture it all so easily in my mind, especially the mountains on which Leah went missing.
Norman’s handling of Alzheimer’s was really well done. Although it is a plot device, she somehow never used the disease in a cliched or disrespectful way.
Although this isn’t a traditional thriller -- the book could probably be categorised as general fiction or family drama - Norman does a fabulous job of creating tension and suspense when it comes to Felix’s supposed innocence or guilt. I might have guessed a few of the outcomes but the resolution was not completely as cut and dry as I'd supposed.
I can really imagine this on screen. In fact some producer needs to jump on board and film this asap (with Sam Neill playing Felix obviously).
Thanks very much to Allen and Unwin for gifting me a copy of this book, I might not have picked it up otherwise. I definitely plan on reading Norman’s back catalogue. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
April 3, 2022
After living in the uk for many years, Emily Kirkland is called home to New Zealand to care for her dad, Felix who has dementia and deteriorating rapidly. Returning home also brings back painful memories of Leah Parata, friend and neighbour, who vanished without trace twenty five years ago. It’s an unsolved mystery that still lies at the core of the community.
As Emily settles back into life at home she gets to know her dad probably more than she’s ever known him before. The dementia peels away his layers and he opens up to her with an honesty and rawness that she’s never seen from him before.
This book, this book, this book! I’ve read quite a few of Charity Norman’s books already so know how talented she is, but she really has excelled herself here. The writing is exquisite; carefully, methodically the stories and secrets of this family are revealed, with breathtaking precision and dignity. I loved the relationship between Emily and her dad SO much. The way they grew closer tugged at my heartstrings. The way past wrongs were brought to the present and finally explained & justified was incredibly moving, I could see Emily’s entire history with her father being rewritten throughout the pages of the book.
It was also a poignant yet powerful depiction of the destruction dementia reaps. Seeing this intelligent man, a doctor & stalwart of the community, being unable to recognise his own daughter was brutal but unbelievably compelling.
Finally I will just say that the ending was simply magnificent. It broke my heart - let’s be honest there was never going to be a happy ending here, but this was perfect and moving and heartbreaking and glorious in equal measure.
I read this book in a day and a half because I simply couldn’t put it down. If you haven’t tried this author then you really should, she’s at the top of her game. Another 2022 favourite. 🙌
As Emily settles back into life at home she gets to know her dad probably more than she’s ever known him before. The dementia peels away his layers and he opens up to her with an honesty and rawness that she’s never seen from him before.
This book, this book, this book! I’ve read quite a few of Charity Norman’s books already so know how talented she is, but she really has excelled herself here. The writing is exquisite; carefully, methodically the stories and secrets of this family are revealed, with breathtaking precision and dignity. I loved the relationship between Emily and her dad SO much. The way they grew closer tugged at my heartstrings. The way past wrongs were brought to the present and finally explained & justified was incredibly moving, I could see Emily’s entire history with her father being rewritten throughout the pages of the book.
It was also a poignant yet powerful depiction of the destruction dementia reaps. Seeing this intelligent man, a doctor & stalwart of the community, being unable to recognise his own daughter was brutal but unbelievably compelling.
Finally I will just say that the ending was simply magnificent. It broke my heart - let’s be honest there was never going to be a happy ending here, but this was perfect and moving and heartbreaking and glorious in equal measure.
I read this book in a day and a half because I simply couldn’t put it down. If you haven’t tried this author then you really should, she’s at the top of her game. Another 2022 favourite. 🙌
January 24, 2022
Emily Kirkland returns to New Zealand from London to care for her father, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, as her two siblings based in NZ don't/can't care for him. Returning home brings up memories of Emily's friend, Leah, who disappeared while hiking in the local mountains and was never found. Emily digs deeper into what happened to Leah and also forms a stronger bond with her father. A story about love, family, secrets, nature and the devastation of Alzheimer's. Beautifully written, great characters and I really liked the ending. Overall a wonderful portrayal of New Zealand and it's natural beauty. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
March 17, 2022
This is my second novel by Charity Norman and they were both wonderful, memorable, and fulfilling reads. She writes with the deepest understanding of human emotions, weaknesses, and strengths. Her novels overflow with empathy.
The characters in "Remember Me" were all people who I would like to know in real life. The setting, rural New Zealand, became vivid and real to me - though I've never had the opportunity to go there.
There were many aspects of this novel that I relished. The most touching to me was the evolving relationship between Emily and her father. A relationship made more poignant by his increasing illness.
I would consider this book to be literary fiction, though there was an old mystery within its pages. For me, it was profoundly a novel about family dynamics, about how truth can be painful, and about how little or how much we can control our own destinies.
I loved every word. This is a novel more than deserving of all the stars...
The characters in "Remember Me" were all people who I would like to know in real life. The setting, rural New Zealand, became vivid and real to me - though I've never had the opportunity to go there.
There were many aspects of this novel that I relished. The most touching to me was the evolving relationship between Emily and her father. A relationship made more poignant by his increasing illness.
I would consider this book to be literary fiction, though there was an old mystery within its pages. For me, it was profoundly a novel about family dynamics, about how truth can be painful, and about how little or how much we can control our own destinies.
I loved every word. This is a novel more than deserving of all the stars...
February 14, 2024
A new author to me, I became aware of this novel when I saw that it had won the Ngaio Marsh Award 2024 (an award made for the best crime, mystery, or thriller novel written by a New Zealand citizen or resident, published in New Zealand during the previous year).
Emily, a middle aged children's book illustrator, living alone in London, receives a call from her father's neighbour Raewyn in Tawanui, New Zealand to say she ought to come, that her father Felix's memory is deteriorating, the dementia much worse than when she last visited. The neighbour has been voluntarily helping him out, her son leases land off him, their families have been close for many years.
Emily is the youngest, her brother and sister though nearer have reasons why they can't help. Not only does her father not recognise her when she first arrives, but the house is full of notes he has written to himself, an attempt to slow down the fast encroaching disease.
Her return coincides with the 25th anniversary since Raewyn's daughter Leah disappeared without a trace, last seen by Emily who was working in a petrol station where Leah bought something before going into the local bush on one of her conservation research trips, trying to save an endangered snail species from predators, but making a few enemies in the process. She was never seen again.
Though she had never been close to her father, now that his short term memory is failing and his guard is slipping, she comes to realise there is much about her father she did not know, both in the way he cared and the terrible secrets he has kept.
Determined not to put him into care, as her siblings prefer, Emily decides to stay, reconnecting with her own past and begins to unravel what has been covered up and must decide what to do about it.
It's an evocative read that really puts you into the east coast North Island setting of a small town in the foothills of the Ruahine Mountains and the feeling of locals, both those who stay and those who leave, all of whom have a history and connections, who harbour secrets, fear judgement and maintain strong loyalties, especially when outsiders come into the community.
It's a slow unravelling of the mystery of Leah's disappearance and the revelation of who a father really is to his daughter, as time runs out and he begins to forget not just who she is, but who he is himself and the important final task he has set himself.
Emily, a middle aged children's book illustrator, living alone in London, receives a call from her father's neighbour Raewyn in Tawanui, New Zealand to say she ought to come, that her father Felix's memory is deteriorating, the dementia much worse than when she last visited. The neighbour has been voluntarily helping him out, her son leases land off him, their families have been close for many years.
Emily is the youngest, her brother and sister though nearer have reasons why they can't help. Not only does her father not recognise her when she first arrives, but the house is full of notes he has written to himself, an attempt to slow down the fast encroaching disease.
He held up the envelope. 'Something for you to look after.'
'What's this?'
'Keep it for me, will you? Please, please, don't open it until the event mentioned on the front. Until then, I'd rather you didn't let anyone know of its existence. I will undoubtedly forget I've give it to you. I'm afraid I'm going doolally.'
Her return coincides with the 25th anniversary since Raewyn's daughter Leah disappeared without a trace, last seen by Emily who was working in a petrol station where Leah bought something before going into the local bush on one of her conservation research trips, trying to save an endangered snail species from predators, but making a few enemies in the process. She was never seen again.
Though she had never been close to her father, now that his short term memory is failing and his guard is slipping, she comes to realise there is much about her father she did not know, both in the way he cared and the terrible secrets he has kept.
Emily, I'm lost in the mist, I'm sliding into an abyss. You can't begin t imagine the terror.'
Determined not to put him into care, as her siblings prefer, Emily decides to stay, reconnecting with her own past and begins to unravel what has been covered up and must decide what to do about it.
It's an evocative read that really puts you into the east coast North Island setting of a small town in the foothills of the Ruahine Mountains and the feeling of locals, both those who stay and those who leave, all of whom have a history and connections, who harbour secrets, fear judgement and maintain strong loyalties, especially when outsiders come into the community.
It's a slow unravelling of the mystery of Leah's disappearance and the revelation of who a father really is to his daughter, as time runs out and he begins to forget not just who she is, but who he is himself and the important final task he has set himself.
December 31, 2022
Utterly magnificent. I was so convinced I knew where this was heading, and I was as off track as the search and rescue team were in 1994 as the searched for the conservationist, Leah Parata in this heart-wrenchingly beautiful, yet tragic story.
I’m now off to find all of Charity Norman’s previous books!!!
I’m now off to find all of Charity Norman’s previous books!!!
March 3, 2022
Oh my! On my! My heart feels like it might burst after reading this beautifully written story from Charity Norman.
Set in New Zealand the story follows two main plot lines - the disappearance of Leah Parata and the relationship between Emily Kirkland and her father Felix as she cares for him following his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
As Felix’s memory deteriorates he lets slip various glimpses into his past that had previously not been known, he had always been too busy working as a local GP whilst Emily was growing up that she rarely saw him, but within her new caring role she is able to rekindle her relationship with him and learn more about him. However past secrets are uncovered which are set to explode within the family and the wider community.
Charity Norman writes with immense insight, empathy and compassion about the impact of dementia on the person living with it, as well as about the devastating impact a dementia diagnosis can have on family dynamics.
I absolutely loved this book and was held enthralled by how tenderly the author revealed some truly earth shattering truths. Poignant, heartfelt, gripping, compassionate and compelling - I highly recommend this book. A wonderfully beautiful read. Get the tissues ready!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Allen & Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Set in New Zealand the story follows two main plot lines - the disappearance of Leah Parata and the relationship between Emily Kirkland and her father Felix as she cares for him following his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
As Felix’s memory deteriorates he lets slip various glimpses into his past that had previously not been known, he had always been too busy working as a local GP whilst Emily was growing up that she rarely saw him, but within her new caring role she is able to rekindle her relationship with him and learn more about him. However past secrets are uncovered which are set to explode within the family and the wider community.
Charity Norman writes with immense insight, empathy and compassion about the impact of dementia on the person living with it, as well as about the devastating impact a dementia diagnosis can have on family dynamics.
I absolutely loved this book and was held enthralled by how tenderly the author revealed some truly earth shattering truths. Poignant, heartfelt, gripping, compassionate and compelling - I highly recommend this book. A wonderfully beautiful read. Get the tissues ready!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Allen & Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Read
March 3, 2022I'm struggling to land on rating for this one.
What I Enjoyed
The writing! It flowed so well, and I was totally sucked into the story from the get-go.
The pacing is fantastic, all the reveals placed at just the right time to keep the story moving.
From my (admittedly limited) personal experience, the representation of Alzheimer's was very accurate, and done with grace and delicacy.
The characters where all well written and well developed, full of flaws yes, but very realistic.
No big spoilers here (but slight I think, so read ahead with caution if you don't want ANY!), but the ending really left a bad taste in mouth- not the reveal of what happened to Leah exactly, but another characters involvement with Leah was just so not OK on any level and I hated that no one seemed to take issue with it, call it out. In fact, it was all very romanticised and I hated it.
I did find Emily a challenge at the beginning of the story, she came across as very judgemental, especially towards other woman, but that settles down quickly and by the end I very much enjoyed her character.
So, overall, while the story didn't exactly knock me off my feet, I am absolutely planning on picking up more books from Charity Norman because her writing is fantastic and I'm sure I will find one that works better for me plot wise! I would recommend checking this one out for yourself, because my specific issues with the ending haven't really been talked about by any other reviewers (that I can find) so it definitely seems to be a me thing.
A massive thank you to Allen and Unwin NZ for sending a review copy my way!
What I Enjoyed
The writing! It flowed so well, and I was totally sucked into the story from the get-go.
The pacing is fantastic, all the reveals placed at just the right time to keep the story moving.
From my (admittedly limited) personal experience, the representation of Alzheimer's was very accurate, and done with grace and delicacy.
The characters where all well written and well developed, full of flaws yes, but very realistic.
No big spoilers here (but slight I think, so read ahead with caution if you don't want ANY!), but the ending really left a bad taste in mouth- not the reveal of what happened to Leah exactly, but another characters involvement with Leah was just so not OK on any level and I hated that no one seemed to take issue with it, call it out. In fact, it was all very romanticised and I hated it.
I did find Emily a challenge at the beginning of the story, she came across as very judgemental, especially towards other woman, but that settles down quickly and by the end I very much enjoyed her character.
So, overall, while the story didn't exactly knock me off my feet, I am absolutely planning on picking up more books from Charity Norman because her writing is fantastic and I'm sure I will find one that works better for me plot wise! I would recommend checking this one out for yourself, because my specific issues with the ending haven't really been talked about by any other reviewers (that I can find) so it definitely seems to be a me thing.
A massive thank you to Allen and Unwin NZ for sending a review copy my way!
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