A review by gzofian
Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston

5.0

I will remember this book, and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. The narrative taps in to so much that we all dread and does it in such a clever and considered way that it becomes a treasured journey alongside striking companions. It reminded me in some ways of the under-read novel by Joseph Heller 'Something Happened', in that in exploring an extraordinary event, through the hearts and minds of ordinary people, something profound is created. The language used is sturdy and not in any way lyrical, and provides a strong platform for the reader and the protagonists to walk upon, without the author drawing any attention towards himself and his powerful writing. He allows the subjects to build throughout the novel into real people very worthy of our attention and our time. Johnston never puts a foot wrong, and I was pulled along, turning the pages without pause, towards a satisfying and tear-inducing conclusion. Mrs Sheppard, I salute you! What I loved most about the book, was that the perpetrator of what must rank high on the list of most cruel crimes, is never handed power. Dwight Bruford is a dark shadow throughout, but he is never handed the wheel, never written up to shock, or to gain a hold, to become a powerful Bogeyman. He is there as pathetic, mean, and unworthy. It is the ordinary, mixed up and messed up, loving and fearing, characters who star, and who are written with such a sense of solidity that I fear for the author in having such knowledge of human emotion and relationships, but hope that he writes much, much more.
I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an unbiased review - and I am so glad that I signed up because I may not otherwise have encountered a new favourite author