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The Sweetness of Forgetting #1
La lista de los nombres olvidados
París, 1942. Rose Picard y Jacob Levy, dos jóvenes judíos, se enamoran apasionadamente en los días previos a la ocupación de la ciudad por los nazis.
Cape Cod. En la actualidad. La nieta de Rose, Hope, deberá encontrar a las personas que su abuela le ha escrito en una lista de nombres que desconoce. Tendrá que viajar a París para reconstruir el pasado de su abuela, una historia que cambiará su vida para siempre.
Cape Cod. En la actualidad. La nieta de Rose, Hope, deberá encontrar a las personas que su abuela le ha escrito en una lista de nombres que desconoce. Tendrá que viajar a París para reconstruir el pasado de su abuela, una historia que cambiará su vida para siempre.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2012
About the author
Kristin Harmel
31 books13k followersKristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Daughter, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages and are sold all over the world.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,418 reviews
April 8, 2022
4,5 Sterne
Eigentlich wollte ich dem Buch vier Sterne geben, aber am Ende hat mich die Geschichte dann noch so berührt, dass ich einfach aufrunden musste. Es geht um Hope und um ihre Familie. Ihre Oma Rose hat Alzheimer, und erst jetzt erfährt Hope von Rose´ Vergangenheit. Rose ist Jüdin und musste damals während des Zweiten Weltkrieges aus Frankreich fliehen...
Eine sehr emotionale Geschichte. Hier haben mir sowohl Rose´ Geschichte gefallen, als auch die Geschichte von Hope und ihrer Tochter Annie. Es passte alles zusammen.
Es ist eine Familiengeschichte, eine Liebesgeschichte, eine sehr tragische Geschichte. Sie konnte mich erreichen und überzeugen.
Eigentlich wollte ich dem Buch vier Sterne geben, aber am Ende hat mich die Geschichte dann noch so berührt, dass ich einfach aufrunden musste. Es geht um Hope und um ihre Familie. Ihre Oma Rose hat Alzheimer, und erst jetzt erfährt Hope von Rose´ Vergangenheit. Rose ist Jüdin und musste damals während des Zweiten Weltkrieges aus Frankreich fliehen...
Eine sehr emotionale Geschichte. Hier haben mir sowohl Rose´ Geschichte gefallen, als auch die Geschichte von Hope und ihrer Tochter Annie. Es passte alles zusammen.
Es ist eine Familiengeschichte, eine Liebesgeschichte, eine sehr tragische Geschichte. Sie konnte mich erreichen und überzeugen.
February 5, 2024
This is a Women's Fiction/Historical Fiction. Most of this book is told in the present time, but there are flashbacks to 1940's. This book is mostly about a Granddaughter and Great Granddaughter trying to find out their Grandmother's past. The Grandmother has Old Timers, and she cannot remember things most of the time. This book takes you on a journey that will touch your heart, but it also shows you that even though WWII took place a long time ago the effects of it still take place today. I loved this book so much, and I love that this book really shows there are different types of love in this world. The ending of this book was just so heart felt, and I loved it so much. This was a great read with wonderful characters.
September 11, 2012
Can I just start by saying that it is because of books like this one that I am a book blogger? It is books like this one by Kristin Harmel, who I now love, that bring out my ultimate passion for submerging myself in a story. I opened this book and I might as well have found a buried treasure. I found so many intricate details and stories within the story that I did not expect from my first glance. The words are so fluid and it almost makes me feel like writing something extraordinary myself. Wow! I definitely cannot wait for more from this author!
The story starts us with Hope McKenna-Smith who is a divorced thirty-six year old who owns a quaint little bakery called North Star Bakery and also has a very bratty and somewhat hormonal daughter. Her life has “put her out in the street” so to say, and she has been having a rough time trying to make ends meet as far as paying her bills and maintain a somewhat stable relationship with her daughter, Annie. Little does Hope know that things are about to change for her. She is about to go on possibly the most thrilling adventure of her life. You have already gone to the store to buy a copy of this book right? I knew you would.
My heart constantly went out to Hope. She had recently lost her mother to breast cancer, suffered a rather hideous divorce, her relationship with her daughter is suffering, her grandmother is suffering from dementia, and she does not make enough money to make her loan payments on time. From the start I gathered that Hope was a survivor! And by this I mean that she had survived all this mess that I previously listed, as if that isn’t enough, and still pushes through even on her worst day. I know that this character can sometimes be written with a little too much cliché, if you get my drift. But Hope’s character was only the work of a mastermind. I could sense Hope’s fear and her desire to throw the towel in on her life. She had reached a breaking point and I could almost feel her crashing down. But remember Hope is a survivor and she isn’t done surviving yet!
A few chapters into the story we meet Rose who is Hope’s grandmother. Rose is suffering from a severe case of dementia. Rose has served as a mother figure to Hope for most of her life because Hope remembers her mother as being cold and reserved most of the time. Rose presents a challenge for Hope and basically asks her to uproot her life in order to go to Paris and find some relatives who suffered during the Holocaust. Rose, on a good day, remembers her past and wants some answers as to what ever happened to her family. Hope is faced with a huge struggle. She is about to lose her bakery and her grandmother has just asked her to take off to Paris to find people that may not even have any existing records and no way to know what may of happened to them.
Hope’s journey is the best part. Parts of the story are told from the perspective of Rose and they allow you to see more clearly into Rose’s life before coming to America. Let me tell you to have your box of Kleenex ready. I was so touched by the testimonies of Rose and by the discoveries that Hope makes. This book takes two generations of women and allows one to help the other to find some closure and peace in her current state of life. I would recommend it to anyone! Such a compelling story that led me to deeper analyze my own life.
***A HUGE thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with my own copy of this book, in which I will cherish forever***
The story starts us with Hope McKenna-Smith who is a divorced thirty-six year old who owns a quaint little bakery called North Star Bakery and also has a very bratty and somewhat hormonal daughter. Her life has “put her out in the street” so to say, and she has been having a rough time trying to make ends meet as far as paying her bills and maintain a somewhat stable relationship with her daughter, Annie. Little does Hope know that things are about to change for her. She is about to go on possibly the most thrilling adventure of her life. You have already gone to the store to buy a copy of this book right? I knew you would.
My heart constantly went out to Hope. She had recently lost her mother to breast cancer, suffered a rather hideous divorce, her relationship with her daughter is suffering, her grandmother is suffering from dementia, and she does not make enough money to make her loan payments on time. From the start I gathered that Hope was a survivor! And by this I mean that she had survived all this mess that I previously listed, as if that isn’t enough, and still pushes through even on her worst day. I know that this character can sometimes be written with a little too much cliché, if you get my drift. But Hope’s character was only the work of a mastermind. I could sense Hope’s fear and her desire to throw the towel in on her life. She had reached a breaking point and I could almost feel her crashing down. But remember Hope is a survivor and she isn’t done surviving yet!
A few chapters into the story we meet Rose who is Hope’s grandmother. Rose is suffering from a severe case of dementia. Rose has served as a mother figure to Hope for most of her life because Hope remembers her mother as being cold and reserved most of the time. Rose presents a challenge for Hope and basically asks her to uproot her life in order to go to Paris and find some relatives who suffered during the Holocaust. Rose, on a good day, remembers her past and wants some answers as to what ever happened to her family. Hope is faced with a huge struggle. She is about to lose her bakery and her grandmother has just asked her to take off to Paris to find people that may not even have any existing records and no way to know what may of happened to them.
Hope’s journey is the best part. Parts of the story are told from the perspective of Rose and they allow you to see more clearly into Rose’s life before coming to America. Let me tell you to have your box of Kleenex ready. I was so touched by the testimonies of Rose and by the discoveries that Hope makes. This book takes two generations of women and allows one to help the other to find some closure and peace in her current state of life. I would recommend it to anyone! Such a compelling story that led me to deeper analyze my own life.
***A HUGE thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with my own copy of this book, in which I will cherish forever***
November 16, 2012
It's not that this is a bad book. It's not. It's written well, and if you like Nicholas Sparks, this book is for you. It's got that kind of a feel, you know? I am not a Sparks fan so while the writing propelled me through, I found it to be more predictable than enjoyable.
Slight spoilers ahead.
I found Hope, the main character, a little too much. Some of the plot was just really kind of unnecessary for the story. There are two love interests. It is immediately obvious who you are supposed to root for, but of course Hope doesn't see it even though there's practically a neon sign flashing over his head "Mr. Right. Mr. Right!!!" at all times. The ex is ridiculous. Also, Mr. Wrong and the storyline revolving around the bakery's financial troubles just seemed completely unnecessary. There was just too much going on.
Slight spoilers ahead.
I found Hope, the main character, a little too much. Some of the plot was just really kind of unnecessary for the story. There are two love interests. It is immediately obvious who you are supposed to root for, but of course Hope doesn't see it even though there's practically a neon sign flashing over his head "Mr. Right. Mr. Right!!!" at all times. The ex is ridiculous. Also, Mr. Wrong and the storyline revolving around the bakery's financial troubles just seemed completely unnecessary. There was just too much going on.
November 6, 2022
Hope McKenna-Smith is thirty-six, newly divorced and she has a twelve year old daughter Alice. Hope's life hasn’t been easy, two years ago her mother died from cancer, her husband cheated on her and now her beloved Mamie has dementia and is living in a nursing home.
Her ex-husband couldn’t see the point of Hope finishing her law degree, they moved to Cape Cod, in Massachusetts, when her mother was first diagnosed with cancer, and Hope takes over running the bakery and it’s not doing well financially. The North Star Bakery has been in the family for over sixty years, Hope finds comfort and purpose in making the tarts, pastries and baked goods that she grew up watching her French grandmother make.
Rose McKenna has Alzheimer’s, most of the time she’s confused and doesn’t recognize anyone. In a rare moment Rose’s mind is clear, the fog has been lifted and she wants to tell her granddaughter about her past and the secrets she has kept. Hope travels to Paris, with a list of names she doesn't recognize and tries to solve a seventy-year old mystery.
Rose was only a teenager when the Second World War started, her family were Jewish and her father believed the Germans would leave them alone. Rose has never told anyone about her childhood in Paris and this makes it very difficult for Hope to discover what happened to Mamie’s family. The narrative unfolds layer by layer and when Hope finds out a snippet of information or follows up on a clue and it feels like fate is on Hope's side. A powerful story about war, secrets, family, loss, regret, keeping a promises, love, survivors guilt, and the horror of the Holocaust.
I received a copy of the 10th Anniversary edition of The Sweetness of Forgetting from Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. I can see why this was the book that launched Kristin Harmel’s writing career, she found out what she does best and that’s write moving historical fiction. The characters in the book were all people you would like to meet, especially Rose, Hope, Ted, Gavin, Oliver, Jacob, Alain and even moody Alice. Included in the novel are recipes for the famous pastries the North Star Bakery made and their origins, the importance of Marmie's fairy tales and the relevance of stars. I highly recommend The Sweetness of Forgetting and five stars from me.
Her ex-husband couldn’t see the point of Hope finishing her law degree, they moved to Cape Cod, in Massachusetts, when her mother was first diagnosed with cancer, and Hope takes over running the bakery and it’s not doing well financially. The North Star Bakery has been in the family for over sixty years, Hope finds comfort and purpose in making the tarts, pastries and baked goods that she grew up watching her French grandmother make.
Rose McKenna has Alzheimer’s, most of the time she’s confused and doesn’t recognize anyone. In a rare moment Rose’s mind is clear, the fog has been lifted and she wants to tell her granddaughter about her past and the secrets she has kept. Hope travels to Paris, with a list of names she doesn't recognize and tries to solve a seventy-year old mystery.
Rose was only a teenager when the Second World War started, her family were Jewish and her father believed the Germans would leave them alone. Rose has never told anyone about her childhood in Paris and this makes it very difficult for Hope to discover what happened to Mamie’s family. The narrative unfolds layer by layer and when Hope finds out a snippet of information or follows up on a clue and it feels like fate is on Hope's side. A powerful story about war, secrets, family, loss, regret, keeping a promises, love, survivors guilt, and the horror of the Holocaust.
I received a copy of the 10th Anniversary edition of The Sweetness of Forgetting from Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. I can see why this was the book that launched Kristin Harmel’s writing career, she found out what she does best and that’s write moving historical fiction. The characters in the book were all people you would like to meet, especially Rose, Hope, Ted, Gavin, Oliver, Jacob, Alain and even moody Alice. Included in the novel are recipes for the famous pastries the North Star Bakery made and their origins, the importance of Marmie's fairy tales and the relevance of stars. I highly recommend The Sweetness of Forgetting and five stars from me.
September 22, 2021
Wow, from the cover I was expecting a light fluffy read but this book is far from that - I really need to get into the habit of reading the back cover before diving in!
This is deep and takes you from America in the twenty first century to Paris in WW2. I didn't particularly like the characters but the story line was brilliant and kept me reading.
This is deep and takes you from America in the twenty first century to Paris in WW2. I didn't particularly like the characters but the story line was brilliant and kept me reading.
December 23, 2018
I just knew I’m going to love this book. Maybe that’s why I postponed this moment every time, looking for the perfect timing to start reading it. Months had passed, and still I couldn’t find the right timing, so I kept waiting. I wanted to let the fantasy in my mind the best conditions so that reality could meet what was in my imagination. But eventually my timing wasn’t so right – work, some writing projects, and a deadline for submitting my thesis were just a few of the things that occupied my busy schedule and my mind – but once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop. I read into the night, tormenting my questionable awakeness, ignoring my prior obligations, detaching myself from my urban life and being swept into a one-in-a-life-time love story; intense, fierce, heart-shaking love that was severed by the second world war: when the loveliest side of life meets the ugly inhumanity it could deteriorate into.
The two heroes of the story – Rose, that fell in love when she was young with a charismatic activist while magical Paris igniting their love, and Hope, her American granddaughter who knows nothing about her grandmother’s past and runs the family Bakery – have both suffered from bad timing: a young love that had never been fulfilled, a travel overseas that could cost Hope the family business, the death of her mother, Josephine, from breast cancer, the Alzheimer that had attacked her grandmother before she could confess about her secret past . . . But somehow life goes on, and although some pieces fall apart, other ones are assembled in a surprising and moving way. And when I think about my own experience to find the right time for everything, even reading this book, I wonder if the message between the lines is that great timing is important, but it isn’t everything; it’s never too late to chase our dreams (or start reading a great book that had waited long enough on the bookshelf ;) ).
I also felt connected to the story by the relationship described between the granddaughter and her grandmother, and the meaning of religion – especially Judaism – to our self definition. I’ve written about it in my second book, The False Mirror, due to experiences and thoughts from my own life that somehow found their way into my mystery novel. This made me wonder if the author of this book had gone through a similar process, in which she had shared a part of her self and her perceptions into her books.
And of course there are the wonderful and delicious-looking recipes that are interlaced within the story . . . Food, as a cultural, familial, nostalgic, even survival related legacy, is an integral part of the story. It made me want to take out the mixing bowl and start baking one of these recipes . . . Too bad my toaster-oven is mostly used for storage purposes ;)
Bottom line – beautiful writing and a heartfelt story – a real treat!
The two heroes of the story – Rose, that fell in love when she was young with a charismatic activist while magical Paris igniting their love, and Hope, her American granddaughter who knows nothing about her grandmother’s past and runs the family Bakery – have both suffered from bad timing: a young love that had never been fulfilled, a travel overseas that could cost Hope the family business, the death of her mother, Josephine, from breast cancer, the Alzheimer that had attacked her grandmother before she could confess about her secret past . . . But somehow life goes on, and although some pieces fall apart, other ones are assembled in a surprising and moving way. And when I think about my own experience to find the right time for everything, even reading this book, I wonder if the message between the lines is that great timing is important, but it isn’t everything; it’s never too late to chase our dreams (or start reading a great book that had waited long enough on the bookshelf ;) ).
I also felt connected to the story by the relationship described between the granddaughter and her grandmother, and the meaning of religion – especially Judaism – to our self definition. I’ve written about it in my second book, The False Mirror, due to experiences and thoughts from my own life that somehow found their way into my mystery novel. This made me wonder if the author of this book had gone through a similar process, in which she had shared a part of her self and her perceptions into her books.
And of course there are the wonderful and delicious-looking recipes that are interlaced within the story . . . Food, as a cultural, familial, nostalgic, even survival related legacy, is an integral part of the story. It made me want to take out the mixing bowl and start baking one of these recipes . . . Too bad my toaster-oven is mostly used for storage purposes ;)
Bottom line – beautiful writing and a heartfelt story – a real treat!
December 2, 2012
Initially, I was really enjoying the book but as the story developed, I found that I started skimming several sections at a time as the narrative was just long-winded and unnecessary at times. Particularly when I reached a Rose chapter, I would skim over the pages. Ultimately, this type of story would have benefitted from a dual-version narrative where Rose's and Hope's story overlapped as the end drew closer. Given my increased skimming as the book progressed, I'm annoyed that I spent nearly ten bucks on it.
Hope was really whiny and generally tiresome. There's even one part when she shows surprise at how fascinating her new potential love interest is and that she never really knew anything about him. He remarks that she never asked. Exactly. Too self-involved. I honestly don't get why he liked her in the first place.
Rose's chapters started off with a recipe which I thought was unnecessary. Also, on the Kindle version, these particular chapters change font and are hard to read.
The book was ok but I wouldn't recommend it.
Hope was really whiny and generally tiresome. There's even one part when she shows surprise at how fascinating her new potential love interest is and that she never really knew anything about him. He remarks that she never asked. Exactly. Too self-involved. I honestly don't get why he liked her in the first place.
Rose's chapters started off with a recipe which I thought was unnecessary. Also, on the Kindle version, these particular chapters change font and are hard to read.
The book was ok but I wouldn't recommend it.
February 15, 2023
“6 million Jews murdered during the holocaust”
The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel is a novel that is likely based off WW2 but focuses more on after the war. A family split up. All presumed dead.
The book has a great topic. Matriarch dying. Grand-daughter off to find out what happened to a family she knew nothing about. Good history incorporated such as I have read countless WW2 books. I do not believe I have ever read how Muslims aided the residence.
The language of the book is immature. The daughter comes across as a spoiled disrespectful brat. The mom has no backbone.
I listen by audio. The narrator for the most part sucks and sounds whiney. Mom is 35 but sounds like she is 15 with no real vocabulary.
I tolerated the book due to the subject matter. But I felt dumbed down. Very disappointed in the lack of maturity especially the dialog. Sometimes I felt like I was listening to a play. Alot of disconnect with dialog.
Definitely not Kristin Harmel’s better writing.
***2nd book I have read this month with terrible narration. What is up with that?
The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel is a novel that is likely based off WW2 but focuses more on after the war. A family split up. All presumed dead.
The book has a great topic. Matriarch dying. Grand-daughter off to find out what happened to a family she knew nothing about. Good history incorporated such as I have read countless WW2 books. I do not believe I have ever read how Muslims aided the residence.
The language of the book is immature. The daughter comes across as a spoiled disrespectful brat. The mom has no backbone.
I listen by audio. The narrator for the most part sucks and sounds whiney. Mom is 35 but sounds like she is 15 with no real vocabulary.
I tolerated the book due to the subject matter. But I felt dumbed down. Very disappointed in the lack of maturity especially the dialog. Sometimes I felt like I was listening to a play. Alot of disconnect with dialog.
Definitely not Kristin Harmel’s better writing.
***2nd book I have read this month with terrible narration. What is up with that?
January 21, 2022
In Hope's life, contrary to her name, there is less and less hope, more and more hopelessness. She is thirty-six, and has no education, no profession. Recently divorced from her husband, a successful lawyer, left on beans. Annie's twelve-year-old daughter blames her for not being able to keep the family together. After the recent death of her mother, when it turned out that the mortgage debt was not repaid, she had to mortgage the family confectionery in order not to lose the house. Now the bank demands early repayment of the loan and she is already threatened with the loss of the confectionery.
This is not just a place of work and a source of modest income, but a family business founded sixty years ago by grandma Rosa, who raised Hope while her mother was busy arranging her personal life. When she was a girl, she called Rose Mammy, and she still calls her that now. And, at the end of the abominations of life, a physically still strong old woman is sick with progressive dementia.
Now, if you thought it would be about a little woman struggling in the grip of a cruel world, then you were not mistaken. But if you decide that it will only be about this, you will be wrong. "Oblivion smells like cinnamon" is about love, beyond the control of time and distance, which defeated death itself. And, forgive my skepticism - about love, which I can't believe. Well, because when sixteen-year-olds have this, that's it: "I will love you as long as the stars will light up in the sky" - you can be absolutely sure that this will not stop in the next couple of months. Not in the next seventy years, if you understand. What I mean.
Горечь памяти, сладость забвения
Бог есть любовь.
В жизни Хоуп, вопреки ее имени, надежды все меньше, безнадежности все больше. Ей тридцать шесть, а ни образования, ни профессии. Недавно развелась с мужем, преуспевающим адвокатом, оставшись на бобах. Двенадцатилетняя дочь Анни винит ее в том, что не сумела сохранить семью. После недавней смерти матери, когда выяснилось, что долг по ипотеке не погашен, пришлось заложить семейную кондитерскую, чтобы не потерять дом. Теперь банк требует досрочного погашения ссуды и ей грозит уже потеря кондитерской.
Это не просто место работы и источник скромного дохода, но семейное предприятие, основанное шестьдесят лет назад бабушкой Розой, которая вырастила Хоуп, пока ее мать занималась устройством личной жизни. Девочкой, она звала Розу мамми, зовет так и теперь. И, в завершение мерзостей жизни, физически еще крепкая старушка больна прогрессирующей деменцией.
Теперь, если вы подумали, что это будет о том, как маленькая женщина бьется в тисках жестокого мира, то вы не ошиблись. Но если решите, что будет только об этом, вы окажетесь неправы. "Забвение пахнет корицей" о любви, неподвластной времени и расстояниям, победившей саму смерть. И, простите мой скепсис - о любви, в которую не верится. Ну, потому что, когда у шестнадцатилетних происходит вот это вот все: "Я буду любить тебя, пока звезды будут зажигаться на небе" - ты можешь быть абсолютно уверена, что в ближайшие пару месяцев это не прекратится. Не в ближайшие семьдесят лет, если вы понимаете. о чем я.
И еще о холокосте, который, как бы поделикатнее - может быть не стоит западной литературе так активно эксплуатировать, пристегивая в качестве патентованной слезогонки ко всякому сюжету? Очень уж страшная эта тема. Слишком серьезная, больная, ответственная, чтобы вот так запросто отправлять героиню в путешествие на машине времени.
Идея объединения порядочных людей, без различия нации и вероисповедания для спасения гонимых хороша, и выписано это в романе трогательно, но тому, кто знаком с историей холокоста, довольно задать вопрос: как мир допустил возможность этого. если все вокруг были такими добрыми и порядочными?
Все-таки, ограничься Кристин Хармель историей Хоуп, ее отношений с дочерью, матерью и бабушкой, ее материальными проблемами и тремя мужчинами в ее жизни. Влиянием эмоциональной скудости в семье на судьбы ее членов в дальнейшем. Отпечатком, который ужас и потери, пережитые в юности, накладывают на всю жизнь. Ограничься писательница этим, книга могла бы стать шедевром.
Помните сцену, когда теряющая память после короткого просветления бабушка, на вопрос Хоуп: "Мамми, ты иудейка?", - начинает бормотать: "Вам должно быть стыдно за такие подозрения. Если бы я была из них, я бы носила звезду, вы видите, звезды нет, так какая же я еврейка?"
Один этот эпизод стоит всей парижской поездки, всех удивительно бодрых для своих без малого ста лет старичков и всей шерлокианы с поиском Жакоба. Но решиться работать на малых энергиях трудно, а с привлечением тяжелой артиллерии книга получилась приятной, трогательной, в меру интересной. Что тоже очень неплохо.
This is not just a place of work and a source of modest income, but a family business founded sixty years ago by grandma Rosa, who raised Hope while her mother was busy arranging her personal life. When she was a girl, she called Rose Mammy, and she still calls her that now. And, at the end of the abominations of life, a physically still strong old woman is sick with progressive dementia.
Now, if you thought it would be about a little woman struggling in the grip of a cruel world, then you were not mistaken. But if you decide that it will only be about this, you will be wrong. "Oblivion smells like cinnamon" is about love, beyond the control of time and distance, which defeated death itself. And, forgive my skepticism - about love, which I can't believe. Well, because when sixteen-year-olds have this, that's it: "I will love you as long as the stars will light up in the sky" - you can be absolutely sure that this will not stop in the next couple of months. Not in the next seventy years, if you understand. What I mean.
Горечь памяти, сладость забвения
Бог есть любовь.
В жизни Хоуп, вопреки ее имени, надежды все меньше, безнадежности все больше. Ей тридцать шесть, а ни образования, ни профессии. Недавно развелась с мужем, преуспевающим адвокатом, оставшись на бобах. Двенадцатилетняя дочь Анни винит ее в том, что не сумела сохранить семью. После недавней смерти матери, когда выяснилось, что долг по ипотеке не погашен, пришлось заложить семейную кондитерскую, чтобы не потерять дом. Теперь банк требует досрочного погашения ссуды и ей грозит уже потеря кондитерской.
Это не просто место работы и источник скромного дохода, но семейное предприятие, основанное шестьдесят лет назад бабушкой Розой, которая вырастила Хоуп, пока ее мать занималась устройством личной жизни. Девочкой, она звала Розу мамми, зовет так и теперь. И, в завершение мерзостей жизни, физически еще крепкая старушка больна прогрессирующей деменцией.
Теперь, если вы подумали, что это будет о том, как маленькая женщина бьется в тисках жестокого мира, то вы не ошиблись. Но если решите, что будет только об этом, вы окажетесь неправы. "Забвение пахнет корицей" о любви, неподвластной времени и расстояниям, победившей саму смерть. И, простите мой скепсис - о любви, в которую не верится. Ну, потому что, когда у шестнадцатилетних происходит вот это вот все: "Я буду любить тебя, пока звезды будут зажигаться на небе" - ты можешь быть абсолютно уверена, что в ближайшие пару месяцев это не прекратится. Не в ближайшие семьдесят лет, если вы понимаете. о чем я.
И еще о холокосте, который, как бы поделикатнее - может быть не стоит западной литературе так активно эксплуатировать, пристегивая в качестве патентованной слезогонки ко всякому сюжету? Очень уж страшная эта тема. Слишком серьезная, больная, ответственная, чтобы вот так запросто отправлять героиню в путешествие на машине времени.
Идея объединения порядочных людей, без различия нации и вероисповедания для спасения гонимых хороша, и выписано это в романе трогательно, но тому, кто знаком с историей холокоста, довольно задать вопрос: как мир допустил возможность этого. если все вокруг были такими добрыми и порядочными?
Все-таки, ограничься Кристин Хармель историей Хоуп, ее отношений с дочерью, матерью и бабушкой, ее материальными проблемами и тремя мужчинами в ее жизни. Влиянием эмоциональной скудости в семье на судьбы ее членов в дальнейшем. Отпечатком, который ужас и потери, пережитые в юности, накладывают на всю жизнь. Ограничься писательница этим, книга могла бы стать шедевром.
Помните сцену, когда теряющая память после короткого просветления бабушка, на вопрос Хоуп: "Мамми, ты иудейка?", - начинает бормотать: "Вам должно быть стыдно за такие подозрения. Если бы я была из них, я бы носила звезду, вы видите, звезды нет, так какая же я еврейка?"
Один этот эпизод стоит всей парижской поездки, всех удивительно бодрых для своих без малого ста лет старичков и всей шерлокианы с поиском Жакоба. Но решиться работать на малых энергиях трудно, а с привлечением тяжелой артиллерии книга получилась приятной, трогательной, в меру интересной. Что тоже очень неплохо.
June 19, 2018
I received a copy of The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel in a goodreads give away in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book that I have read by Kristin Harmel but it will not be the last. The story she wove in The Sweetness of Forgetting found a special place in my heart. Once I picked it up and began reading it I did not want to stop. It captured all my emotions. To say I loved it is an understatement.
The Sweetness of Forgetting took place on Cape Cod and told the story of 3 generations of women in the McKenna family. Hope McKenna-Smith was a 36 year old woman living on Cape Cod and running the bakery, North Star Bakery, that her French-born grandmother, Mamie founded over 50 years ago. She recently lost her mother to breast cancer and got a divorce from her husband. Hope had one daughter, Annie, a twelve year old adolescent who tested her mother constantly. Hope's Mamie lived in facility for Alzheimer. Hope felt sorry for herself and felt as if she had been dealt a really bad hand of cards.She had no confidence in herself and felt as if she brought bad luck to herself and all that she came in contact with.
One night, Mamie having an unusual moment of clarity, persuaded Hope and Annie to take her to the beach. Mamie had been harboring a secret for so many years but felt that it was time for Hope to learn about it. She gave Hope a list of names and told Hope she needed to go to Paris to find these people and discover their fates. Hope traveled to Paris and slowly connected all the pieces to her family's history and fate. She was able to find her Mamie's younger brother, Alain, and with his help uncover the fates of Mamie's family during the Holocaust. Hope also learned about Jacob Levy, her Mamie's one true love.
Kristin Harmel's research for this book was outstanding. I was not aware nor have I ever read about in any other novel how the Muslim communities in Paris and Albania helped Jews escape the holocaust. How nice our world would be if we were not distinguished by religion, race or any other factor but could just see each other as fellow human beings. This was a love story in epic ways. It made me cry, smile and want more. I really enjoyed reading The Sweetness of Forgetting and would recommend it highly.
The Sweetness of Forgetting took place on Cape Cod and told the story of 3 generations of women in the McKenna family. Hope McKenna-Smith was a 36 year old woman living on Cape Cod and running the bakery, North Star Bakery, that her French-born grandmother, Mamie founded over 50 years ago. She recently lost her mother to breast cancer and got a divorce from her husband. Hope had one daughter, Annie, a twelve year old adolescent who tested her mother constantly. Hope's Mamie lived in facility for Alzheimer. Hope felt sorry for herself and felt as if she had been dealt a really bad hand of cards.She had no confidence in herself and felt as if she brought bad luck to herself and all that she came in contact with.
One night, Mamie having an unusual moment of clarity, persuaded Hope and Annie to take her to the beach. Mamie had been harboring a secret for so many years but felt that it was time for Hope to learn about it. She gave Hope a list of names and told Hope she needed to go to Paris to find these people and discover their fates. Hope traveled to Paris and slowly connected all the pieces to her family's history and fate. She was able to find her Mamie's younger brother, Alain, and with his help uncover the fates of Mamie's family during the Holocaust. Hope also learned about Jacob Levy, her Mamie's one true love.
Kristin Harmel's research for this book was outstanding. I was not aware nor have I ever read about in any other novel how the Muslim communities in Paris and Albania helped Jews escape the holocaust. How nice our world would be if we were not distinguished by religion, race or any other factor but could just see each other as fellow human beings. This was a love story in epic ways. It made me cry, smile and want more. I really enjoyed reading The Sweetness of Forgetting and would recommend it highly.
February 7, 2021
Tarte des étoiles. Star pie. A crust made of stars. Rose made it in her bakery and taught her daughter, Josephine, and granddaughter, Hope, how to do it. But she never told them why. And Rose never explained to them that it made her think of her true love's promise to love her as long as there were stars in the sky.
Unbeknownst to Hope, her daughter Annie, and the rest of the Cape Cod community, the pastries, which for sixty years enchanted the residents, had a secret history. From Poland, to France, to Cape Cod, the stars were baked into these pies to commemorate a story that was yet to be told. Rose had Alzheimer's disease and her memory was slipping fast. She was reminded of destiny each morning as she watched the stars slipped behind the sun to reappear at sunset in the east. She never forgot, and never gave up hope. She could not hold onto the simplest of facts, yet the celestial names were written on her memory forever.
Hope just became the official new owner of the family bakery, but after sixty years it was facing bankruptcy and closure. Like her life, she felt responsible for the collapse of everything she ever touched, her marriage included. Then Rose, in a rare moment of clarity, gave Hope a list of names and told her to travel to Paris and find the people on the list. She not only found the origins of the tarte des étioles, but also found herself.
COMMENT. This is a heartwarming as well as heart wrenching experience. It's a family bakery tale with recipes added to each chapter. There was a secret in the rosewater used in the recipes, and a secret behind the success of the recipes which made the bakery so successful. Rose taught her daughters that one had to be good and kind. One's heart always came out in the baking, and if there was darkness in your soul, there would be darkness in your pastries too. In the Haddam's pastries, though, there was light and goodness.
However, it was a secret that was waiting for Rose in Paris to be discovered. The Haddams were not family, after all and hope did not know them.
Hôtel Lutetia on the boulevard Raspail in Paris. What a sheer coincidence that this hotel and its history are mentioned in two of my recent historical fiction-reads. In All The Devils Are Here , the names of the WWII Jewish survivors who were brought there were briefly mentioned and the history behind the hotel was shared. In Sweetness Of Forgetting that list of names became endearing characters with each their own story to tell through the memories of Rose. Paris was once called Lutetia.
This novel was as much historical fiction as it was a family saga and the story of real love. Kristin Harmel wrote a beautiful story that was as much informative as it was thought-provoking and entertaining. It is deeply touching.
I cannot express my feelings about this book well enough.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Unbeknownst to Hope, her daughter Annie, and the rest of the Cape Cod community, the pastries, which for sixty years enchanted the residents, had a secret history. From Poland, to France, to Cape Cod, the stars were baked into these pies to commemorate a story that was yet to be told. Rose had Alzheimer's disease and her memory was slipping fast. She was reminded of destiny each morning as she watched the stars slipped behind the sun to reappear at sunset in the east. She never forgot, and never gave up hope. She could not hold onto the simplest of facts, yet the celestial names were written on her memory forever.
Hope just became the official new owner of the family bakery, but after sixty years it was facing bankruptcy and closure. Like her life, she felt responsible for the collapse of everything she ever touched, her marriage included. Then Rose, in a rare moment of clarity, gave Hope a list of names and told her to travel to Paris and find the people on the list. She not only found the origins of the tarte des étioles, but also found herself.
COMMENT. This is a heartwarming as well as heart wrenching experience. It's a family bakery tale with recipes added to each chapter. There was a secret in the rosewater used in the recipes, and a secret behind the success of the recipes which made the bakery so successful. Rose taught her daughters that one had to be good and kind. One's heart always came out in the baking, and if there was darkness in your soul, there would be darkness in your pastries too. In the Haddam's pastries, though, there was light and goodness.
However, it was a secret that was waiting for Rose in Paris to be discovered. The Haddams were not family, after all and hope did not know them.
Hôtel Lutetia on the boulevard Raspail in Paris. What a sheer coincidence that this hotel and its history are mentioned in two of my recent historical fiction-reads. In All The Devils Are Here , the names of the WWII Jewish survivors who were brought there were briefly mentioned and the history behind the hotel was shared. In Sweetness Of Forgetting that list of names became endearing characters with each their own story to tell through the memories of Rose. Paris was once called Lutetia.
This novel was as much historical fiction as it was a family saga and the story of real love. Kristin Harmel wrote a beautiful story that was as much informative as it was thought-provoking and entertaining. It is deeply touching.
I cannot express my feelings about this book well enough.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
December 20, 2013
Four and a half stars. People are not always what they seem to be as Hope discovers. Her grandmother Rose has Alzheimer’s but in amongst the confusion she has days of clarity. When she does, Hope finds her grandmother has had a whole other life Hope knew nothing about.
Meanwhile Hope, recently divorced is struggling o keep the bakery business that has been in her family for generations going. She also struggles with the bratty, rude behaviour of her daughter Annie who changes in the blink of an eye. She can tell her mother she loves her and five minutes later tell her, ’ I hate you.’ I could never have imagined saying such a hurtful thing to my parents or hearing it from my kids. So, for a while I was put off by the attitude of Hope’s daughter Annie. She needed a good clip around the ears – not correct these days I know, but even so. I struggle with books where almost teens and teenagers are so often portrayed as rude, and downright obnoxious. I had two children and they were never like that. So I was pleased when we began to see a change in Annie. Okay, rant over. The rest of the book I loved.
I was thoroughly involved in this story, and it was great to read a novel that did not involve sex scenes and bad language but concentrated on telling a good story with complex characters. It has a lot to do with choices made, both those made voluntarily and those forced on people by circumstances and the consequences of those choices. It also extended my knowledge of what want on during the war. Some of it is so hard to read. If you can get through this book without a few tears you’re better than me.
An added bonus is the recipes included. There’s at least one I might even try. As well as a good story, there is an insight into what Jews experienced during the war and where help came from for some to escape, plus there is of course romance. For many reasons this is a very enjoyable book. When I first picked it up I thought it may be chic lit but there is much more to this story. It is a story of family and of love and of fairy tales that just might be true.
Meanwhile Hope, recently divorced is struggling o keep the bakery business that has been in her family for generations going. She also struggles with the bratty, rude behaviour of her daughter Annie who changes in the blink of an eye. She can tell her mother she loves her and five minutes later tell her, ’ I hate you.’ I could never have imagined saying such a hurtful thing to my parents or hearing it from my kids. So, for a while I was put off by the attitude of Hope’s daughter Annie. She needed a good clip around the ears – not correct these days I know, but even so. I struggle with books where almost teens and teenagers are so often portrayed as rude, and downright obnoxious. I had two children and they were never like that. So I was pleased when we began to see a change in Annie. Okay, rant over. The rest of the book I loved.
I was thoroughly involved in this story, and it was great to read a novel that did not involve sex scenes and bad language but concentrated on telling a good story with complex characters. It has a lot to do with choices made, both those made voluntarily and those forced on people by circumstances and the consequences of those choices. It also extended my knowledge of what want on during the war. Some of it is so hard to read. If you can get through this book without a few tears you’re better than me.
An added bonus is the recipes included. There’s at least one I might even try. As well as a good story, there is an insight into what Jews experienced during the war and where help came from for some to escape, plus there is of course romance. For many reasons this is a very enjoyable book. When I first picked it up I thought it may be chic lit but there is much more to this story. It is a story of family and of love and of fairy tales that just might be true.
June 17, 2017
I'm wavering between 4.5 and 5 stars on this bittersweet saga of a granddaughter who goes on a journey to discover her family's past. This book made me weep as new discoveries were made about Hope's family members and how the holocaust changed their futures. I also learned something new about how Jews were kept safe in Paris by an unexpected group of benefactors. Fascinating and convicting. Keep the tissues handy and clear your schedule. You will not want to put this one down.
March 13, 2019
"La vida, al final, es una receta hecha con amor".
Una preciosa historia de amor narrada a dos tiempos (presente y Segunda Guerra Mundial) en la que las emociones palpitan a lo largo de sus páginas a flor de tinta.
Quizá el inicio me resultó algo titubeante, pero en cuanto los sentimientos cogieron el timón no hubo forma de poner freno a una historia que terminé con los ojos encharcados y el alma llena.
Una preciosa historia de amor narrada a dos tiempos (presente y Segunda Guerra Mundial) en la que las emociones palpitan a lo largo de sus páginas a flor de tinta.
Quizá el inicio me resultó algo titubeante, pero en cuanto los sentimientos cogieron el timón no hubo forma de poner freno a una historia que terminé con los ojos encharcados y el alma llena.
March 27, 2021
Ai que estas leituras levezinhas e "xaropadinhas" são um bálsamo nestes dias cinzentos, fresquinhos e sofridos!
AMEI!!!!
Opinião no meu cantinho (a partir do minuto 09:05): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_pWs...
AMEI!!!!
Opinião no meu cantinho (a partir do minuto 09:05): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_pWs...
November 15, 2012
Bittersweet Holocaust Story with Bakery recipes.
Family history, (past and present), loss, struggles, alzheimer's , a road less traveled is 'just that' (often the right choice) --
The book is filled with 'life lessons'. At times heart-wrenching --or times heart-warming....
Its also a book about Love!
NOTE: As many of my friends know...I'm not a fan of seeing 'recipes' smack in the middle of a novel (why can't they be put at the END of the book 'altogether'?) ---
However, I decided not to judge the book by the recipes (one way or another) ---as the story had a great flow to it....(with or without the added commerial-recipe- breaks)
Family history, (past and present), loss, struggles, alzheimer's , a road less traveled is 'just that' (often the right choice) --
The book is filled with 'life lessons'. At times heart-wrenching --or times heart-warming....
Its also a book about Love!
NOTE: As many of my friends know...I'm not a fan of seeing 'recipes' smack in the middle of a novel (why can't they be put at the END of the book 'altogether'?) ---
However, I decided not to judge the book by the recipes (one way or another) ---as the story had a great flow to it....(with or without the added commerial-recipe- breaks)
November 2, 2022
Wow!! Was all I could say after finishing this beautiful book last night, November 1,2022!
The story takes place in Cape Cod. At age 36, Hope is no stranger to bad news. She is recently divorced,lost her Mother two years ago to cancer, and raising a 12 year old daughter named Annie. Hope runs a family owned bakery started by her Mamie( French for Grandmother) many years ago. Hope is in danger of losing this precious bakery and she is also nearly bankrupt. Too make matters worse, Mamie has Alzheimer's and is slowly drifting away. She lives in a care facility for those with Alzheimer's. Hope & Annie are very close to Mamie. I'd say that's a lot to handle all at once!!! Mamie has secrets locked away in her memory which leads Hope, Annie and Gavin, a close friend of Hopes, a mystery to unravel. This mystery weaves throughout the entire book.
This book is poignantly written. It involves characters that are well developed,very relatable,down to earth and believable. My first book by Kristen Harmel was The Forest Of Vanishing Stars. As much as I enjoyed that book, this book is notches higher and more personal!
Love, family, second chances, tradition, survival,loss, faith and new beginnings are strong themes in this book. Baking and recipes that are handed down through generations, recipes included in the book are a big part of solving Mamie's mystery to her past. We all make decisions and choices every day. However, some decisions and choices are made for us and we cannot change that. We can't change our past but we can change our present and hopefully our future and carry out our families legacies. There is a sweetness to forgetting and a joy of remembering. We need to carry on what our aging relatives taught us as we were growing up 💕 There in lies the joy of remembering 💜
I can relate to Hope and Annie because my Grandma in her later years was diagnosed with early Senility. She was my friend & pen pal!! I still have every letter,card and postcard that she sent to me... these are my favorite treasures! It was hard to watch my loving, caring, sweet and vibrant Grandma forgetting things that she used to know. This never changed who she was!! 😊 Unlike Mamie , my Grandma didn't have any secrets, her life was an open book! She passed away quietly in her sleep years ago.
In the authors notes, Kristen Harmel says that this book changed her life and writing career in many ways. I urge you to read her notes, they contain many treasures!!
This book is so beautiful and a joy to read. It's heartfelt and has a natural flow from beginning to end. It has layers and layers of depth to it. I learned so many things such as how France and America refused to believe that Hitler would attack until was too late 😪. I also never knew the Muslim population saved so very many Jewish people and took care of them. Have you ever been to a play,concert, or a movie where at the end, just before the curtains fell, the entire audience stood up and applauded? Well, this is how I felt reading this book and I believe that you'll feel the same! It has a bit of everything in it for everyone to enjoy and learn. This book is near and dear to my heart and one I won't forget!! I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to all who believe that there is a sweetness of forgetting!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading!! 💐
The story takes place in Cape Cod. At age 36, Hope is no stranger to bad news. She is recently divorced,lost her Mother two years ago to cancer, and raising a 12 year old daughter named Annie. Hope runs a family owned bakery started by her Mamie( French for Grandmother) many years ago. Hope is in danger of losing this precious bakery and she is also nearly bankrupt. Too make matters worse, Mamie has Alzheimer's and is slowly drifting away. She lives in a care facility for those with Alzheimer's. Hope & Annie are very close to Mamie. I'd say that's a lot to handle all at once!!! Mamie has secrets locked away in her memory which leads Hope, Annie and Gavin, a close friend of Hopes, a mystery to unravel. This mystery weaves throughout the entire book.
This book is poignantly written. It involves characters that are well developed,very relatable,down to earth and believable. My first book by Kristen Harmel was The Forest Of Vanishing Stars. As much as I enjoyed that book, this book is notches higher and more personal!
Love, family, second chances, tradition, survival,loss, faith and new beginnings are strong themes in this book. Baking and recipes that are handed down through generations, recipes included in the book are a big part of solving Mamie's mystery to her past. We all make decisions and choices every day. However, some decisions and choices are made for us and we cannot change that. We can't change our past but we can change our present and hopefully our future and carry out our families legacies. There is a sweetness to forgetting and a joy of remembering. We need to carry on what our aging relatives taught us as we were growing up 💕 There in lies the joy of remembering 💜
I can relate to Hope and Annie because my Grandma in her later years was diagnosed with early Senility. She was my friend & pen pal!! I still have every letter,card and postcard that she sent to me... these are my favorite treasures! It was hard to watch my loving, caring, sweet and vibrant Grandma forgetting things that she used to know. This never changed who she was!! 😊 Unlike Mamie , my Grandma didn't have any secrets, her life was an open book! She passed away quietly in her sleep years ago.
In the authors notes, Kristen Harmel says that this book changed her life and writing career in many ways. I urge you to read her notes, they contain many treasures!!
This book is so beautiful and a joy to read. It's heartfelt and has a natural flow from beginning to end. It has layers and layers of depth to it. I learned so many things such as how France and America refused to believe that Hitler would attack until was too late 😪. I also never knew the Muslim population saved so very many Jewish people and took care of them. Have you ever been to a play,concert, or a movie where at the end, just before the curtains fell, the entire audience stood up and applauded? Well, this is how I felt reading this book and I believe that you'll feel the same! It has a bit of everything in it for everyone to enjoy and learn. This book is near and dear to my heart and one I won't forget!! I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to all who believe that there is a sweetness of forgetting!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading!! 💐
July 15, 2017
From the story description and the average 4+ star reviews, I should have enjoyed this book but instead I found annoyance that grew with each turn of the page. The first half dozen chapters were loaded with so much Debbie Downer personal drama that I presume I was doomed to develop a down-in-the-mouth opinion. The template this author used to outline her novel was predictable and tiresome. This is yet another story where the pair of star-crossed lovers experience a "jolt of electricity" when they touch, where the wife was done wrong by her cheating husband and later said ex-husband seeks companionship in a bubbleheaded bleach blonde and quickly detaches himself from his parental responsibilities. This is the typical story where every argument is clouded by outbursts of "You just don't understand!," "Whatever!," "You don't know me!," "You don't know anything about my situation!"
And this is the typical romance story where a teenage couple experience love at first sight and even though they don't end up together in the long run, they spend the next 60 years pining for each other as if nothing else that happened in that span of time was worth their attention. Sigh ...
And as noble as it is to write about a 12 year old cold calling over 100 people in the U.S. named Jacob Levy, it's just not believable. It also seems unlikely that an 80+ year old man can quickly jaunt himself across the globe and easily keep pace with a much younger generation.
I'm going to assume that the long lost great uncle (who conveniently doesn't have any heirs) probably saved the floundering family bakery. I have to presume because by the time I hit the 58% mark in the story, I was skimming for quotation marks and somewhere around 80% I finally just jumped to the final two chapters.
And this is the typical romance story where a teenage couple experience love at first sight and even though they don't end up together in the long run, they spend the next 60 years pining for each other as if nothing else that happened in that span of time was worth their attention. Sigh ...
And as noble as it is to write about a 12 year old cold calling over 100 people in the U.S. named Jacob Levy, it's just not believable. It also seems unlikely that an 80+ year old man can quickly jaunt himself across the globe and easily keep pace with a much younger generation.
I'm going to assume that the long lost great uncle (who conveniently doesn't have any heirs) probably saved the floundering family bakery. I have to presume because by the time I hit the 58% mark in the story, I was skimming for quotation marks and somewhere around 80% I finally just jumped to the final two chapters.
September 26, 2012
The Sweetness of Forgetting moved me to the core. This is probably one of the best books that I have read in well over a year. Harmel is a gifted storyteller that weaves an amazing story with treads of love, hardship, secrets, second chances, heartbreak, baked goods and history. This story will urge you to learn your family's story, to embrace your family's history. I felt like I was on the journey with Hope to help uncover the truth of the past before it was too late. Harmel gives a voice to Alzheimer's through Rose's voice which is an amazing element to this novel. I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about this novel; the title, the cover, the story, the characters and the ending. This story has become a new favorite, by a new favorite author. If I could I would rate it 10 stars!!! I highly recommend it to EVERYONE, especially book clubs!
August 19, 2023
KNYGA IŠ BIBLIOTEKOS. SKIRTA KURŠĖNŲ KNYGŲ KLUBUI „(Ne)keista skaityti“ APTARTI.
Houpė išsiskyrusi su vyru augina paauglę dukrą Anę ir dirba šeimos kepyklėlėje. Jos močiutė ouzė serga Alzhaimeriu ir gyvena slaugos namuose. Netikėtai praskaidrėjus protui ji duoda sąrašą su savo šeimos nariais, kurie dingo per Antrą pasaulinį karą ir prašo jos vykti į Paryžių. Iš pradžių Houpė galvoja, kad tai močiutės kliedesiai, bet galop išvyksta į Paryžių ieškoti savo giminaičių. Visa tai atveda prie didelių šeimos paslapčių atskleidimo.
Knyga man visai patiko, nes skaitėsi tikrai lengvai. O kur dar receptai! Būtinai išbandysiu juos. Pats įdomumas buvo skaityti apie Houpę Paryžiuje ir visas giminaičių paieškas, bet jos nesantaika su buvusiu vyru ir dukra buvo kiek nuobodoka. Viską į gerąją pusę nusvėrė būtent tos paieškos ir paslaptys.
Tai pirmoji autorės knyga, kurią perskaičiau. Ir galiu teigti, jog tikrai visai gera ir verta skaityti. Labai patiko, kad paliesta Alzhaimerio tema, nes mano proseneliai abu jį turėjo ir puikiai supratau Rouzę ir Houpę bei kaip ta liga paveikė jų santykius. Rouzės proto užtemimai ir nušviesėjimai grąžino mane į praeitį ir priminė mano prosenelę. Kitas dalykas karo tema. Čia jos tikrai nėra daug, nes veiksmas vyksta šiais laikais. Aišku skaityti apie Holokausto aukas buvo labai skaudu ir liūdna, bet knygos tai nepadarė liūdna ar tamsia.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kas mėgsta šeimų paslaptis ir žinoma kepti saldumynus.
Houpė išsiskyrusi su vyru augina paauglę dukrą Anę ir dirba šeimos kepyklėlėje. Jos močiutė ouzė serga Alzhaimeriu ir gyvena slaugos namuose. Netikėtai praskaidrėjus protui ji duoda sąrašą su savo šeimos nariais, kurie dingo per Antrą pasaulinį karą ir prašo jos vykti į Paryžių. Iš pradžių Houpė galvoja, kad tai močiutės kliedesiai, bet galop išvyksta į Paryžių ieškoti savo giminaičių. Visa tai atveda prie didelių šeimos paslapčių atskleidimo.
Knyga man visai patiko, nes skaitėsi tikrai lengvai. O kur dar receptai! Būtinai išbandysiu juos. Pats įdomumas buvo skaityti apie Houpę Paryžiuje ir visas giminaičių paieškas, bet jos nesantaika su buvusiu vyru ir dukra buvo kiek nuobodoka. Viską į gerąją pusę nusvėrė būtent tos paieškos ir paslaptys.
Tai pirmoji autorės knyga, kurią perskaičiau. Ir galiu teigti, jog tikrai visai gera ir verta skaityti. Labai patiko, kad paliesta Alzhaimerio tema, nes mano proseneliai abu jį turėjo ir puikiai supratau Rouzę ir Houpę bei kaip ta liga paveikė jų santykius. Rouzės proto užtemimai ir nušviesėjimai grąžino mane į praeitį ir priminė mano prosenelę. Kitas dalykas karo tema. Čia jos tikrai nėra daug, nes veiksmas vyksta šiais laikais. Aišku skaityti apie Holokausto aukas buvo labai skaudu ir liūdna, bet knygos tai nepadarė liūdna ar tamsia.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kas mėgsta šeimų paslaptis ir žinoma kepti saldumynus.
November 16, 2022
Fifty-two days left in the year and I don’t believe that any of my future reads will surpass this one - my favourite read of 2022. This is the third book by Kristin Harmel that has made it to the top of my annual reading list; The Book of Lost Names (2020), The Forest of Vanishing Stars (2021) and The Sweetness of Forgetting (2022).
Harmel was able to capture compassion at a time when religious differences separated people rather than united them. She explored one of the darkest times of history and highlighted people from different backgrounds and faiths who set aside their differences and put their shared humanity above all else. What resulted was a completely engrossing read that filled up my empty bucket and encouraged me to look for the good in people. It pulled on my heart strings, gave me goosebumps, and I genuinely felt sadness at saying goodbye to the characters. Harmel has proven herself time after time as my favourite author.
“In times when the world is at its darkest, we all have the ability to effect change, regardless of how we worship, where we come from, and where we’re headed. The things that unite us mean so much more than the things that drive us apart.”
Harmel was able to capture compassion at a time when religious differences separated people rather than united them. She explored one of the darkest times of history and highlighted people from different backgrounds and faiths who set aside their differences and put their shared humanity above all else. What resulted was a completely engrossing read that filled up my empty bucket and encouraged me to look for the good in people. It pulled on my heart strings, gave me goosebumps, and I genuinely felt sadness at saying goodbye to the characters. Harmel has proven herself time after time as my favourite author.
“In times when the world is at its darkest, we all have the ability to effect change, regardless of how we worship, where we come from, and where we’re headed. The things that unite us mean so much more than the things that drive us apart.”
June 19, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, historical fiction novel set during WWII and in the present day. It has wonderful characters, the heartbreak of Alzheimer's disease, the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the drama of a preteen. It is an engaging page turner which held my interest from the beginning until its bittersweet ending. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Harmel's other novels with great anticipation.
August 31, 2012
This is one of those books that makes me angry! It is so good, that the (unique) Holocaust angle alone should quantify it as literary fiction and be published in hardback with the big boys. But alas, the romance aspects and fact it was written but the lovely Kristin Harmel seem to have destined it to Women's Fiction. But DO NOT BE FOOLED! This book is a wonderful read and Harmel wove the themes of family and history and romance with a masterful hand. I read it in two days (don't tell anyone who needed me to do do anything else yesterday!) I can only guess that since the online sample was of the beginning, which starts out as many chicklit book do - with a newly divorced woman starting over in a picturesque town - that it may have been deceivingly similar to many in the genre. But Harmel did her research, offered a unilaterally inclusive message of faith and also played up the fairy tale aspect of love on many levels with many characters. She nailed the mother-daughter relationship (there are many here, but I meant the teenager)as well as the inner angst of most modern women. Oh, and there are recipes that some may enjoy (I skimmed them, but was inspired to splurge on a store-bought bakery treat afterwards.) So yes, buy this book - it is deep, profound, and heartwarming - the prefect trifecta!
October 3, 2016
Two stars is really generous for this book.
If I were an editor hearing the pitch for this book, I would absolutely love it. The plot sounds intriguing: several generations of women with family secrets that date back to the Holocaust. However, on paper, it just does not work. The characters are stereotypes, and the dialogue is repetitive and not true to life. The most bothersome to me was the relationship between the main character and her teenage daughter. The daughter's overuse of words such as "like" or "whatever" made me wonder if the author has ever actually spoken with a teenager in her life.
The plot had way too many holes, and there were simply too many plot lines to successfully execute them all in such a short book. For example, a millionaire hiring PI's for 40 years couldn't track down someone, but a teenager with a can-do spirit can do it in a week? Sadly, I found this book too predictable and corny. I gave it the extra star just because the idea of the main plot line is so, so creative and interesting; it just failed to execute it.
If I were an editor hearing the pitch for this book, I would absolutely love it. The plot sounds intriguing: several generations of women with family secrets that date back to the Holocaust. However, on paper, it just does not work. The characters are stereotypes, and the dialogue is repetitive and not true to life. The most bothersome to me was the relationship between the main character and her teenage daughter. The daughter's overuse of words such as "like" or "whatever" made me wonder if the author has ever actually spoken with a teenager in her life.
The plot had way too many holes, and there were simply too many plot lines to successfully execute them all in such a short book. For example, a millionaire hiring PI's for 40 years couldn't track down someone, but a teenager with a can-do spirit can do it in a week? Sadly, I found this book too predictable and corny. I gave it the extra star just because the idea of the main plot line is so, so creative and interesting; it just failed to execute it.
August 15, 2013
A promising start involving a bakery, the relationship between different generations of women and a secret in Paris. Who can say no to these?
And man, ain't I disappointed! These are the reasons: [spoiler alert]
1. It's the evil Nazis versus the GLORIOUS AMERICANS
2. Constant repetition of how America is the land to be, the DREAM. And that only in America can everyone live freely without being labelled by their religion. Yea, tell someone whose name is Ali, Mohamud or Jehad who want to get a visa.
3. The main character is whiny, repeats herself, cries all the freaking time.
4. I already knew the ending and all the plots when I was on p121 (out of something around 480 pages)
5. Plots are unconvincing - how can Hope find out everything in a few days in France? And what's the random encounter with the Whites? I know you need someone who leads it back to Jacob. BUT PLEASE BE CONVINCING!!
It's so tragic, because it's such a promising setting. It is advertised around the the relationships between the mother and the grandmother, the grandmother and the granddaughter, the granddaughter and , well, her own daughter. But the grandmother was in a coma half of the time!!!
Maybe it's me - I should probably stop reading soggy bestseller books.
And man, ain't I disappointed! These are the reasons: [spoiler alert]
1. It's the evil Nazis versus the GLORIOUS AMERICANS
2. Constant repetition of how America is the land to be, the DREAM. And that only in America can everyone live freely without being labelled by their religion. Yea, tell someone whose name is Ali, Mohamud or Jehad who want to get a visa.
3. The main character is whiny, repeats herself, cries all the freaking time.
4. I already knew the ending and all the plots when I was on p121 (out of something around 480 pages)
5. Plots are unconvincing - how can Hope find out everything in a few days in France? And what's the random encounter with the Whites? I know you need someone who leads it back to Jacob. BUT PLEASE BE CONVINCING!!
It's so tragic, because it's such a promising setting. It is advertised around the the relationships between the mother and the grandmother, the grandmother and the granddaughter, the granddaughter and , well, her own daughter. But the grandmother was in a coma half of the time!!!
Maybe it's me - I should probably stop reading soggy bestseller books.
December 20, 2013
I give this book 2.5 stars. It was a good read but...
1. The plot was highly unlikely
2. The character development left much to be desired. For example, why was Hope's mother so emotionally cold... I guess one could extrapolate the reason from her life story but it wasn't developed, and of course this character was conveniently dead throughout the book so the author didn't really have to deal with it.
3. From a literary point of view it was not well written. Prose was dull and commonplace.
The unraveling of this highly unlikely plot was what kept the book going.
1. The plot was highly unlikely
2. The character development left much to be desired. For example, why was Hope's mother so emotionally cold... I guess one could extrapolate the reason from her life story but it wasn't developed, and of course this character was conveniently dead throughout the book so the author didn't really have to deal with it.
3. From a literary point of view it was not well written. Prose was dull and commonplace.
The unraveling of this highly unlikely plot was what kept the book going.
May 12, 2019
Opinião completa: https://youtu.be/YxELlcb2G_s
January 1, 2021
Солодко справді. Все у назві. Десь наївно, десь притягнуто, але мило в цілому. І така історія кохання, що аж 🥺❤️всплакнула
September 30, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this book up and was so happy to be completely obsessed with the characters and the story.
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