Write your own review!
Lea Ann M. (Seattle, WA)
If I Forget You
What an interesting book. Mr. Greene has a way with words that catches and holds my attention. This tale of the "star crossed lovers" is as well written as was The Headmaster's Wife. I realize that some readers are put off by an author who switches characters and/or time and both are done in If I Forget You. However, the story is so compelling, the characters sympathetic and the chapters short enough that I doubt many folks would be thrown off by this way of telling a rousing good story. Henry and Margot become like good friends whom we sometimes wish we could take by the napes of their necks, and shake some sense into them. But, the story is better as it is told by the author. Our sympathies surround each of them as we watch their lives unfold and wonder just how it will all end for each of them. Do read this book. You will be glad that you did and you will want to share it after you have done so.
Daryl B. (Poolesville, MD)
Lovely, touching story
I loved this book! It was hard to put down as I was drawn to both the main characters. I was especially touched by Henry. I liked the ending but was surprised by Margot's confession. Brought the book "Love Story" to mind -rich boy falls for poor girl. I would recommend this for book clubs, beach reads or a great weekend read.
Cheri S. (Newburgh, IN)
Irresistible Love
Destiny: noun: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power.
Is there such a thing? Does it exist? And is love the power behind it – or is it fear? And is it part of our destiny to not only love someone but to also love ourselves?
Thomas Christopher Greene's latest novel, If I Forget You, begs you to search from within to see what you believe while being drawn into a lyrical telling of a story of love.
Greene's masterful use of alternating mindsets is paired perfectly with his seamless story telling despite a constant change of time-frame. No other author of recent note has perfected that often-used format as beautifully and fluidly as Greene.
In a classic case of opposites attract, Henry Gold – a man driven by integrity, raised in quite ordinary circumstances, possessed of an artistic soul and rich in all things other than money, is drawn to Margot Fuller – his opposite in all ways, save one – her equally undeniable penchant for him and him alone. In direct contrast, Margot has unending financial wealth, was raised with no moral guidance other than 'public image is everything,' and is self-centered and somewhat hedonistic.
Their love is a transforming force in Margot's life and she is forever changed. And Henry, always valiant and true, has his heart and soul thrown into the refiner's fire more than once because of this unconditional bond they share. But challenges emerge and choices are made that put love, honesty and truth to the test.
One of the greatest challenges we all have is facing our truth – finally being completely honest with yourself and with those who matter most to you. If I Forget You inspires us to try.
Deborah P. (Dunnellon, FL)
If I Forget You
I was not aware of the authors first 4 novels but was lucky BookBrowse offered "If I Forget You" for review. The impression I had was this was a love story. It is, but it is so much more in the hands of the author,Thomas Green. It is this reviewer's opinion that the author's use of alternate chapters allows the story to flow so smoothly that at times it was almost poetic. Green's choice of topic, character development and smooth writing style held my attention to the last word. I look forward to his next offering and have ordered his prior novels.
" If I Forget You" is a well written novel to be read and enjoyed anytime and would make a beach vacation memorable.
Jean N.
If I Forget You
I thought this novel was beautifully written, with lyrical prose sprinkled throughout the book. This was a love story of two young people from entirely different backgrounds who lived separate lives for years, and met each other unexpectedly later in life. I liked the way it was written, from both viewpoints, and alternating the past and the present. The story both kept my interest and touched my heart.
Kathleen J. (Charlotte, NC)
Enduring love and personal growth.
I love this story. I could not put the book down. The writing flows seamlessly and surely as it reveals the secrets of two lovers as they reunite years after their first love affair. Both characters suffer grief when they are forced apart. One has to question decisions made by both, but seldom is there wisdom in youth. Both characters grow and find themselves as they reunite later in life. Some questions go unanswered at the end of the book. However, both characters find strength through grief and disappointment and are set on a path to fulfilling their personal talents.
Diane D. (Blairstown, NJ)
Loved this book!
It was interesting, reading how the two people, from such different backgrounds, related to each other and how it was, when they came back together. I was surprised by their secrets and how they finally let each other know about them. I am still not sure how I feel about the ending, but I will be looking to read more of his books, because it was well written & kept my interest.
Sandra G. (Loveland, CO)
Devoured this book in a day!
A reader does not need to love all the characters in order to love a novel. That is true for me with If I Forget You. It grabbed me in the first few pages. What could Henry have done to make Margot behave as she did on page 11? Even when I later learned what Henry had done, I still sympathized with him and was angry with Margot. I was angrier yet when her ultimate betrayal was revealed.
Greene's beautiful flowing prose really made me care about Henry, a self-proclaimed outsider. He was a good, kind, sensitive man mourning a loss for 20 years. On the other hand, I disliked Margot, a women who took for granted her privileged upbringing and wealthy socialite lifestyle. When I finished the book, I felt it had really been Henry's story, an unbearably sad story. I keep thinking about his comment: "The cruelest thing in the world is the march of time."