Freida McFadden has carved out her reputation as a master of psychological suspense, and Do You Remember? is one of her most intriguing standalone novels. With a chilling premise and a constant push-and-pull between truth and deception, this book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride where nothing is quite as it seems.
The story centers on Tess Strebel, a woman who wakes up each morning unable to recall the last decade of her life. After a devastating car accident, her memory resets daily, leaving her confused about her own identity, her home, and even the man beside her who insists he is her husband. Tess clings to a letter written in her own handwriting during a lucid moment, which explains her condition. For a while, she accepts this new reality. But everything shifts the moment she receives a text message: “Don’t trust the man who calls himself your husband.”
What Makes This Book Work
McFadden wastes no time pulling the reader into Tess’s confusion, and the tension is palpable from the very first chapter. The unreliable memory aspect keeps you guessing as to who can be trusted and whether Tess herself is perceiving reality correctly. Many readers have praised the novel for its shocking twists, addictive pacing, and the author’s knack for leaving you breathless at the end of each chapter. This is the type of story that fans of psychological thrillers devour in one sitting.
A Mixed Bag for Readers
That said, Do You Remember? has divided opinions. Some readers found themselves completely hooked, calling it a brain-bending and twisted tale that lived up to McFadden’s reputation. Others, however, felt that the repetition wore thin, especially as Tess re-experiences the same disorientation daily. For those readers, the plot’s impact weakened, and the conclusion felt unsatisfying. It is one of those thrillers that you will either find brilliantly addictive or somewhat frustrating, depending on how much patience you have for its cyclical narrative style.
Themes and Impact
At its core, this is a story about memory, trust, and identity. It forces you to ask unsettling questions: If you cannot trust your own recollection, who can you rely on? And what happens when even the closest relationships are tainted by doubt? These themes make the novel resonate long after the final page, even if the execution does not work for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Do You Remember? is a psychological thriller that thrives on suspense, confusion, and mistrust. While some readers will find its looping structure frustrating, others will see it as an essential part of the story’s tension. Either way, it is a book that sparks conversation and lingers in the mind, which is exactly what McFadden does best.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers that play with memory and perception, Do You Remember? is worth adding to your shelf.
