The Forgetting

From the Publisher

Here is a novel that deserves to be discussed: a powerful story full of suspense, with themes of memory, amnesia, and family relationships that I was desperate to share.

The novel alternates between the stories of two central characters: Anna, in London, who has awoken from a car accident with no memory of her life before the crash, and first-time mother Livvy, in Bristol, who is looking to juggle the balance of childcare and a return to work. As we delve into the domesticity of each of their lives, we discover that there are well-kept secrets that are struggling to be revealed.

I don’t want to give anything away, but in Hannah Beckerman’s compelling style, this highly topical, conversation-starting novel left me hanging on every word. I assure you, this is a story that packs an emotional punch that will leave you breathless.

—Sammia Hamer, Editorial Director

Product Description

From the bestselling author of If Only I Could Tell You comes the story of two women determined to uncover the truth. But how can you trust the present if you can't remember the past?

“Left me gasping. Brilliant.” —Alex Michaelides

“Has one of the best story twists I have ever read…superb writing.” —Ruth Jones

“Resonates long after you turn the final page.” —Rosamund Lupton

When Anna Bradshaw wakes up in a hospital bed in London, she remembers nothing, not even her loving husband, Stephen. The doctors say her amnesia is to be expected, but Anna feels cut adrift from her entire life.

In Bristol, Livvy Nicholson is newly married to Dominic and eager to get back to work after six months’ maternity leave. But when Dominic’s estranged mother appears, making a series of unnerving claims, Livvy is sucked into a version of herself she doesn’t recognise.

A hundred miles apart, both women feel trapped and disorientated, and their stories are about to collide. Can they uncover the secret that connects them and reconstruct their fractured lives?

Review

“ The Forgetting is mysterious, deeply moving, impossible to put down—and its killer twist left me gasping. Brilliant. Hannah Beckerman’s best book yet.” —Alex Michaelides

“I’m SO wowed! I literally gasped when I realized the twist. How clever, how very clever. It’s brilliant. So very effective. This is an excellent, important novel.” —Marian Keyes

“ The Forgetting had me absolutely gripped from start to finish and has one of the best story twists I have ever read. I love Hannah’s writing—clever, insightful, eloquent, and empathetic. Utterly compelling, compulsive reading and superb writing. I could not put it down!” —Ruth Jones

“A tense, stylish thriller. Beautifully written and utterly compelling, with an important message at its heart. It’s fantastic.” —Louise O’Neill

“This book is amazing! It’s deliciously sinister, deeply twisty, and HUGELY addictive. I love the disquietness of it so much, and Hannah writes into the dark corners of the characters’ minds so beautifully.” —Joanna Cannon

“Absolutely compulsive, wonderfully plotted with a story that resonates long after you turn the final page. It’s gripping, surprising, interesting, relevant. I was hooked.” —Rosamund Lupton

“Emotional, smart and with one of the best endings I’ve read in quite some time.” —Gillian McAllister

About the Author

Hannah Beckerman is an author, journalist and broadcaster. She is a book critic and features writer for a range of publications including the Observer , the Guardian and the FT Weekend Magazine. A regular chair at festivals and events across the UK, she has interviewed a host of authors and celebrities, as well as appearing as a book pundit on BBC Radio 2 and Times Radio. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Hannah worked in television as a producer and commissioning editor. The Forgetting is her fourth novel.