Before You Forget

By: Julia Lawrinson
Genre: YFB - General fiction (Children's/Teenage)
Published by: Penguin
Published: 30 Jan 2017
ISBN: 9780143574071

Description

Year Twelve is not off to a good start for Amelia. Art is her world, but her art teacher hates everything she does; her best friend has stopped talking to her; her mother and father may as well be living in separate houses; and her father is slowly forgetting everything. Even Amelia.

Review

I’ve read a few stories recently dealing with memory issues, this one is a particularly good read.

This amazing story tackles a horrifying example of early onset dementia, affecting our main character Amelia’s 47 year old father.

The world of a Year 12 student can be tough enough, but for Amelia she must deal with this, her father’s illness, as well as her best friend developing anorexia. But she is a resilient character who uses her love of art to find hope in an increasingly tough situation.

I loved the narrative and character development that had me engrossed in this wonderful young adult novel. It is unlikely to appeal to boys, particularly given the cover art, so is likely to be best appreciated by girls 15 and older.

Reviewed by Rob