Lots of husbands forget things.
They forget their wives had an important meeting that morning; they forget to pick up the dry cleaning; some of them even forget their wedding anniversary.
But Vaughan has forgotten he even has a wife - her name, her face, everything they ever did together - it has all gone, mysteriously wiped in one catastrophic moment of memory loss. And now he has rediscovered her - only to find out they are getting divorced. Is it too late for him to turn back the clock and reclaim his life?
..... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): I remember when I was a child I used to watch Mr & Mrs.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 15): Seeing the clergyman made me wonder if I had actually died and was on the way to Heaven. It seemed unlikely that God's sense of humour was so warped that he would make us travel to Heaven on the London underground during the rush hour.
MY THOUGHTS: They say there are only so many truly original books out there and whilst The Man Who Forgot His Wife is definitely different and certainly unlike anything I've ever read before at the same time I feel its probably not totally ground-breaking stuff.
A novel all about a middle-aged man suffering an amnesia style fugue apparently brought on by the stress of a divorce he fails to remember, this a wonderfully philosophical bitter-sweet novel that manages to pull at your heartstrings whilst making you laugh ..... even if it is less out loud and more of a chuckle .
Concentrating on things largely from a male perspective, in the not always likeable Vaughan we explore a marital relationship in a rut and falling in love for what, because of his memory lost, is essentially the first time.
Described as a rom-com by some, this was a book that once put down I itched to get back to, a novel that, though I quickly anticipated where it was heading, wasn't without its heart quickening twists and turns. A largely feel good story, I'll be amazed if there isn't a movie version soon.
KEEP IT OR NOT?: Given as a Christmas gift I shan't even hesitate in saying this is one for the shelves.
14 comments:
This sounds good! I love books you can't wait to get back to.
Hi Tracy,
I have heard about, but not read,one of John O'Farrell's previous books, 'May Contain Nuts', which everyone seems to rate really highly, so it sounds as though he is an author I should take a look at.
I have read and reviewed a novel about relationships, written totally from the male perspective and I have to say that it made some pretty whacky observations, whilst also highlighting some very valid points, so I should be well prepared for this story.
The premise for 'The Man Who Forgot His Wife', is certainly unusual, although as Mr.G pointed out, it is most men's dream and they definitely wouldn't be trying too hard to remember her and all the gory details of their relationship!! No dinner for him tonight methinks!!
Great post, thanks.
Yvonne
I love a book that just won't let you leave it alone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one,
Now this would be a good one. Wouldn't have to worry about insta love and a great way to jump right into romance. I really think this one might make it to the large pile. :)
This does sound good!
Enjoyed your review! A very eye-catching title, and love the sound of the synopsis! Could always do with a good chuckle, so will keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing!
This does sound like an interesting book and I LOVE when I itch to get back to a book. Great review.
This reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Stranger than fiction. I hope I find this one!
I hadn't heard of this book before, but it sounds really good. I loved the voice from the teasers you left. :)
This sounds good Tracy. I hadn't heard of it before.
Oooh I love the sound of this Tracy, thanks for reviewing
Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
I think my previous comment got lost in cyberspace!
This sounds like a book I'd also enjoy reading. I certainly enjoyed your "memorable moment"!
I've read one or two with this type of premise but it wasn't a "rom com" type book -- more of a "horror" or thriller type book.
There are times when a feel-good story is just what is needed. I've been reading Selection by Kiera Cass, which is a Cinderella-type YA novel, and it's been perfect for my mood. :)
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