Do You Remember? by Freida McFadden: A Mind-Bending Journey Through Memory and Suspicion
If you’re anything like me, the very idea of waking up with no recollection of who you are (or, worse, who your “husband” is) is enough to send chills down your spine. That’s precisely why Do You Remember? by Freida McFadden caught my attention. A master of psychological thrillers, McFadden always has a way of weaving suspense and intrigue, making each page turn feel like a race against time. Yet, with this latest offering, I found myself on a complicated journey filled with snippets of excitement, tinged with a few disappointments.
At the heart of Do You Remember? is Tess, who wakes up one startling morning beside Graham, a man she’s been told is her husband. The bizarre twist? She just got engaged to Harry the day before. Talk about setting the stage for a wild ride! Memory loss following a car accident has left Tess grappling with a fragmented reality: her house is unrecognizable, she’s seven years older, and there’s a designer wardrobe at her disposal—oh, and let’s not forget Ziggy, her adorable dog who seems to be the only one truly trustworthy. The real mystery unravels as she reads a foreboding note instructing her to distrust her husband. Suspicion hangs thick in the air, and trust becomes a perilous game.
Now, let’s talk characters. Tess is relatable yet frustratingly passive at times, leaving me wanting her to break free from her cyclical existence. Graham struts in as the intriguing yet suspicious man who may just harbor secrets of his own. And Camila? My curiosity spiked with her character, even if her allure didn’t fully land. Harry, unfortunately, didn’t quite ignite the same spark, which is a bummer because I adore a good love triangle. Honestly, my heart went out to Ziggy—he stole the show for me! Once again, a fictional dog captures my heart more than the human characters. Let’s just say, I would 100% be team Ziggy at a playdate!
Freida’s writing style remains straightforward and easy to digest, which I appreciate as it allows readers like me to devour the book in one blissful sitting. However, Do You Remember? felt a bit more predictable compared to her previous works. By the time the twists rolled out (and there are many), I found myself expecting them, with just one or two surprises that genuinely caught me off guard. This was a little disheartening since I often relish the shocking reveals that leave my jaw on the floor. Unfortunately, repetition in Tess’s story arc can wear thin, despite the brisk pacing that keeps it moving.
In terms of overall experience, it’s a solid recommendation for anyone seeking a quick, suspense-filled read to bust through a reading slump. While it may not be my favorite of McFadden’s, it still provides an entertaining escape for a couple of hours. The absence of “dancing in September,” as I humorously lamented, gave a sad little pang in my heart, but it seems I just may need to put on some Earth, Wind & Fire to really get back in the groove!
In summary, Do You Remember? is a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers who don’t mind a few hiccups along the way. If you’re curious about identity, trust, and what it means to piece together the fragments of one’s life, this book might just find its way into your hands. Happy reading, and keep an eye on Ziggy—he knows more than he lets on! 🐶❤️