This is a nicely written book that does a reverse of the more common retrograde amnesia stories (every day I forget the past) we see. (e.g. Gene Wolfe's Soldier Series). Tommy is forgotten every year by the people around him. Great idea. Alas I found it slow. ( )

How To Be Remembered is a touching and captivating story about perseverance, finding your place in the world, falling in love, and learning how to let go.

Every year, on the fifth of January, all material evidence of Tommy Llewellyn's existence disappears from the world, and every remembrance of him is entirely wiped out.

“’Night, buddy. See you when you’re a one-year-old,’ he whispered, so quietly he could barely hear it himself.”

That’s the last thing Leo Palmer told his son because the following morning, all remnants of Tommy's life vanished, including his toys, birthday cake, and even his image from the family photos, leaving no trace of his existence.

Every year, on the fifth of January, Tommy Llewellyn would wake up with the same thought: “Why don’t they remember me?” only to realize, time and time again, that no one could give him an answer.

“Tommy Llewellyn was completely, irrevocably, eternally in love with Carey Price. Four weeks later she would forget him, as would everybody else, but he would go on loving her.”

Even though Tommy doesn't fully understand the nature of his condition or why he was chosen to be forgotten, he remains certain that he will find a way to reclaim his life and prevent the things that matter to him from slipping away. He’ll find a way to outsmart the Reset.

I enjoyed reading this unique and captivating debut novel and eagerly anticipate Michael Thompson's next work!

Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher Allen & Unwin, and author Michael Thompson for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! How To Be Remembered by Michael Thompson is due to be released on June 27, 2023. ( )