This is by far the best debut novel I have ever read. Healey was brave and bold in attempting something like this but oh how her efforts paid off! What a masterpiece. This is an incredibly touching story set both in modern day and about 70 years previous. Whilst there are many dynamic individuals it focuses around Maud, a strong colourful character, and her fight with progressive memory loss. What is most touching is that Maud knows she is forgetting small things, and attempts to encourage herself to remember her missing friend Elizabeth through a 'paper memory', but she cannot shake the feeling that she is forgetting something very important. As her confusion worsens, which Healey writes incredibly well, it comes to light that perhaps what she keeps forgetting to remember is more buried in the past than originally thought. Whilst it is apparent Maud is in a state of perpetual confusion, as the reader I found I was quite the opposite and I feel this is a reflection of Healey's writing. It is hard to put this down, which is a good job really, because the more you read the more you share Maud's journey and that of her loved ones. I have never read a novel like it and so it is difficult for me to compare, but I think Healey approaches all themes respectfully and gives insight. I will cherish the mark this has left on me for some time, and for time after that.

At an unknown page turn you find yourself struggling to continue to frown on reactions you previously misunderstood. A book that shows Love is not always hugs and patience - but worry and protection.

I read this book last year and found it very emotional and couldn't put it down , last week I watched the drama on tv and it was just as good .

Quite simply one of my books of the year! I have fallen in love with this novel and I urge everyone to read it. It's so beautifully written and I just adored every page. For a young début writer, Emma Healey, has produced something truly special – as you read the words of 80 year old Maud, you forget that the writer behind them is actually a fraction of that age! There are some great characters and the storyline is superb and very clever. If you are thinking about reading it then just do it – you won't regret it.

I can't praise this book enough. I was completely absorbed from start to finish - a great concept which was brilliantly executed, so heart-wrenching, so poignant, so utterly captivating. I felt a real emotional connection with the main character. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time, and I will be recommending it to everyone.