Can you imagine what life would be like if you woke up one day and no-one remembered who you were or what you had achieved? Michael Thompson’s How to Be Remembered is both heartwarming and entertaining; a thoroughly absorbing book about a man born with a highly unusual predicament and dilemma.

Every year on 5 January Tommy Llewellyn wakes up to find that no-one remembers him or anything about him. Not even his parents. Everything that previously belonged to him completely disappears, including his clothes, books and academic records. So each year, Tommy has the challenge to restart his life all over again, recreating his relationships with friends, carers, teachers, and eventually with the woman he has loved forever. Once he leaves school, life gets increasingly complex, and Tommy begins to find ingenious ways to outwit his fate when his annual reset occurs.

I loved this heartwarming, strange, story and felt a strong empathy for Tommy, who is both talented and resourceful. He is a resilient hero who somehow always manages to bounce back, and who learns to take risks, even when the stakes are enormously high. Tommy’s quest to be remembered, particularly as a teenager and young man, is skilfully told with humour and pathos.

You do need to suspend disbelief when reading parts of the book, but you will find yourself drawn into its themes of resilience, courage and love. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Karen Williams

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Thompson has been a journalist, producer and media executive for the last fifteen years. He now co-owns a podcast production company called Fear and Greed – home of Australia’s most popular business podcast. He lives in Sydney with his wife, two young children, two cats and his beloved lawn. How to Be Remembered is Michael’s first novel.

Visit Michael Thompson’s website