The Things We Keep

Anna Forster is thirty-eight years old and moves into an assisted living facility after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. At Rosalind House, she meets Luke, another young resident with dementia, and they form a connection despite their deteriorating memories. Eve Bennett takes a job as cook and housekeeper at Rosalind House following personal hardships that have left her starting over. As she works at the facility, she becomes invested in Anna and Luke's relationship while trying to rebuild her own life with her young daughter. The narrative alternates between Anna and Eve's perspectives, exploring their parallel journeys and the different ways they each face loss and navigate new beginnings. The story examines how the heart can remember what the mind forgets. This novel tackles themes of memory, identity, and human connection - questioning what remains when memories slip away and how love persists through cognitive decline. The story reflects on the distinction between existence and living, and the courage to choose life despite difficult circumstances.

Readers highlight the novel's portrayal of early-onset Alzheimer's and its focus on relationships despite memory loss. Many note the balance between heartbreaking moments and hope, with several reviews mentioning they "couldn't put it down." Readers appreciate: - Realistic depiction of dementia care facilities - Character development of both primary and secondary characters - Alternating perspectives that maintain story clarity - Romance elements that avoid becoming overly sentimental Common criticisms: - Plot predictability in the final third - Some side characters feel underdeveloped - Occasional pacing issues in middle sections Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (38,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (2,800+ reviews) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 (180+ reviews) Notable reader comment: "Makes you question what remains when memories fade - the book suggests it's feelings and connections, not just facts." - Goodreads reviewer

Still Alice by Lisa Genova A neuroscientist's depiction of early-onset Alzheimer's chronicles a professor's decline through her own perspective.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo A love story unfolds through memories as the protagonist reflects on her past relationship while facing terminal illness.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes A caregiver and her quadriplegic patient develop a bond that challenges their perspectives on life and death.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards A secret decision about a twin born with Down syndrome impacts multiple lives across decades.

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova A concert pianist with ALS and his ex-wife caregiver navigate their complex past while facing his deteriorating condition.

🔹 While writing The Things We Keep, author Sally Hepworth conducted extensive research on early-onset Alzheimer's by volunteering at a memory care facility and interviewing both patients and caregivers. 🔹 Early-onset Alzheimer's, which affects the novel's protagonist Anna, impacts approximately 200,000 Americans under age 65, with some patients showing symptoms as early as their 30s. 🔹 The book's unique narrative structure alternates between three different characters' perspectives, allowing readers to experience both the internal world of someone with Alzheimer's and the viewpoints of those caring for them. 🔹 Sally Hepworth wrote this novel while pregnant with her third child, completing the first draft in just seven weeks. 🔹 The author drew inspiration for the love story between Anna and Luke from real-life couples affected by dementia, particularly those who formed new relationships within care facilities despite their cognitive challenges.