Publication Date: 10th April 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming but a bit too strong on the message
Grace hasn’t been a reader but supported her husband, Frank’s passion for books. However, his death left her in deep grief and with no idea about what to do with his books. Her grandson suggested she join Frank’s book club.
However, the book club is not how she imagined it to be! Uncertain and stressed, Grace flees the place only to be stopped by Anne, who wants her to give them a second chance. As Grace brings new life into the book club, she makes new friends and a lot more!
The story comes in Grace’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I’ve quite enjoyed the author’s previous book, so when I was provided access to this one, I was hopeful of grabbing it (after checking a few initial reviews).
The book deals with grief (loss of a loving partner), but the central focus is on community, found family via the book club, reading, and ADHD.
ADHD is the core theme of the book, though the book club is supposed to be the one based on the title and premise. While I totally appreciate the intent and the details provided, the execution seemed too in the face at times. Yes, it is necessary to create awareness, but it shouldn’t affect other parts of the story. Yes, neurodivergent people need a space like this book club, but an iron hammer isn’t an effective tool to spread the message.
Apart from that, I quite liked the range of side characters we met. Everyone stands out and has something to offer. They are not just stereotypes but people with backstories, which we learn as the story progresses. This makes it easy to root for them.
There are many references and book recommendations, which makes sense since this is about a book club. I’m not sure about the spoilers, though. Can’t say!
I would like to remind people that the world is not the white man’s burden. I mean, a character has lost their job and can’t find another, is depressed about many things in their life, has financial problems… but takes time to worry about the events in the Middle East? Are you kidding me? Sort your front and backyard first if you can. Don’t we know where the UK is spiraling into? Ridiculous!
That said, the ending was sweet and hopeful. All developments are positive (and easy). I don’t mind that in fiction, so that’s cool.
And oh, we have an adorable cat, Earnest. He is such a smart fella, I tell you! I love how the cat is integral to the book club, though it belongs to only one member.
To summarize, The Forgotten Book Club has a heartwarming premise, nice characters, and a worthy message. While it does get heavy-handed, it is still a good read that’ll leave you warm and hopeful.
Thank you, Jessie Whitehead, NetGalley, and Avon Books UK, for eARC.
#NetGalley #TheForgottenBookClub
PS: Which cover do you like?
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