In the city of Canaan, society experiences the Forgetting every 12 years, where everyone loses their memories unless they have been documented in a book. The protagonist, Nadia, stands out as she retains her memories, leading her to question the truth behind the Forgetting and the origins of their society. Along with her friend Gray, they uncover sinister secrets that challenge everything they have been told. The book explores themes of manipulation, truth, and the importance of memory, with a mix of dystopian and sci-fi elements that keep readers engaged. The narrative is described as unique, engaging, and filled with surprising twists that culminate in a satisfying ending.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Nadia as a tough protagonist and Gray described as charismatic and humorous.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and cinematic, although there are instances of repetition.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, focusing on themes of memory and deception.

Setting:

Set in a walled city called Canaan, it depicts a low-tech dystopia where memories are vital for identity.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but accelerates in the second half, becoming engaging and hard to put down.

Notes:

Every 12 years, everyone in Canaan loses their memories during an event called the Forgetting.

Nadia is the only person who remembers everything after the Forgetting.

The main characters, especially Nadia and Gray, are well-developed and engaging.

The book features a fast-paced plot with many surprising twists.

Gray, Nadia's friend, is described as arrogant yet hilarious, making him a favorite character.

Nadia's relationships with her sisters, Genivee and Liliya, add depth to the story.

The author tackles themes of memory, identity, and control in society.

While the beginning is slow, the latter half of the book hooks readers with its revelations.

This book blends elements of dystopian fiction with science fiction and fantasy.

Readers appreciate the unique premise, but some find it reminiscent of other YA dystopian novels.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Forgetting include themes of violence, memory loss, societal control, and elements of trauma experienced by the characters.

Has Romance?

The romance in The Forgetting is present and adds depth to the characters, but it does not overshadow the main themes of identity and memory.

From The Publisher:

What isn't written, isn't remembered. Even your crimes. Nadia lives in the city of Canaan, where life is safe and structured, hemmed in by white stone walls and no memory of what came before. But every twelve years the city descends into the bloody chaos of the Forgetting, a day of no remorse, when each person's memories - of parents, children, love, life, and self - are lost. Unless they have been written.

In Canaan, your book is your truth and your identity, and Nadia knows exactly who hasn't written the truth. Because Nadia is the only person in Canaan who has never forgotten.

But when Nadia begins to use her memories to solve the mysteries of Canaan, she discovers truths about herself and Gray, the handsome glassblower, that will change her world forever. As the anarchy of the Forgetting approaches, Nadia and Gray must stop an unseen enemy that threatens both their city and their own existence, before the people can forget the truth. And before Gray can forget her.

Ratings (5)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (35):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (27)
Not Interested (3)

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The Forgetting

Sharon Cameron

Book 1 in the series:The Forgetting