A Life Without You

by Katie Marsh

'This novel made me sob, and it made me smile. It's a gorgeous, beautiful and evocative novel about love, hope and forgiveness.' - Amazon reader, 5 stars

Can you ever outrun the past?

It's Zoe's wedding day. She's about to marry Jamie, the love of her life. Then a phone call comes out of the blue, with the news that her mum Gina has been arrested. Zoe must make an impossible should she leave her own wedding to help?

Zoe hasn't seen Gina for years, blaming her for the secret that she's been running from ever since she was sixteen. Now, Gina is back in her life, but she's very different to the mum Zoe remembers. Slowly but surely, Gina is losing her memory.

As she struggles to cope with Gina's illness, can Zoe face up to the terrible events of years ago and find her way back to the people she loves?

A Life Without You is a stirring and poignant novel about the power of the past - and the possibilities of the future. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult and Amanda Prowse.

*What readers are saying about A Life Without You *

'A story that will evoke every emotion that lurks within your heart and pull each string firmly. Devastating is the perfect word, yet it is also beautiful and passionate and exquisitely written.'

'Superbly written. Tender & poignant. Five star read.'

'I loved A Life Without You! Snotty tears, but a smile on my face and also in my heart. Just perfect.'

'Katie Marsh has touched my heart. She is a hidden gem within the world of fiction and I cannot recommend her books enough. I will be shouting about this book to everyone who will listen. A Life Without You is not to missed.'

'It made me sob, and it made me smile. Gorgeous, just gorgeous, beautiful and evocative novel about love, hope and forgiveness.'

'Makes you feel warm inside, but also absolutely breaks your heart... totally beautiful and uplifting.'

'A stunning and compassionate story of family, forgiveness and unconditional love... will remain forever in my heart'

'Very touching... I couldn't put it down!'

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Family, Novels

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2016

About the author

Hello and welcome to my GoodReads page. Thank you for visiting!

I wrote romantic fiction before turning to crime in my forties. My debut novel was a World Book Night pick and my books are published in ten languages.

I live in the countryside and love strong coffee and pretending to be in charge of my children. ‘Murder on the Dancefloor'’, the second in my Bad Girls Detective Agency crime series, will be published by Boldwood Books in March 2024.

Do come and chat on instagram - I'm @katiemarshauthor.

Katie x

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year I was absolutely thrilled by Katie Marsh's first novel, My Everything. It is a story that has stayed with me ever since and I've been so looking forward to reading her new novel, but just a little nervous too .... what if I didn't love it as much?

Author Miranda Dickenson said that My Everything was 'devastatingly good'. It is, and so is A Life Without You; it's a story that will evoke every emotion that lurks within your heart and pull each string firmly. Devastating is the perfect word, yet it is also beautiful and passionate and exquisitely written.

Two stories blended into one told with ease. There's the unfolding drama of Zoe and her 'almost wedding' with Jamie, the love of her life, her rock and soulmate. There's also the story of Zoe's life, told through letters written by her mother Gina, starting on her first birthday, right through to the present day.

The story opens as Zoe is preparing to marry Jamie, when she receives the phone call that will change the course of her life, readers can't help but wonder why she decides to abandon the fabulous Jamie and rush off to help her mother who she hasn't seen for years. There are clues that Zoe wasn't completely sure that marrying Jamie was the right thing to do though, and the phone call becomes a way out for her. It also opens up the box of memories stored within her heart that are painful and distressing and hard to handle.

A Life Without You is a warm and witty, yet at times it is harrowing and ferociously sad. Gina's steady descent into the grip of early-onset Alzheimer's is portrayed with thoughtful sensitivity, yet does not shy away from the painful realities that Gina, Zoe and their extended friends and family have to face.

Katie Marsh has expertly captured the effects that dementia has on Gina, and the terrifying and devastating ripple effect that cause so much pain and heartbreak to her loved ones. The flashes of recognition from Gina that gradually diminish; the hopelessness felt by Zoe; the feelings of anger and of sadness.

The complexities of the mother and daughter relationship are examined and the damage that can be caused, long-term by events of the past and how they are handled are at the forefront of the story, Once the reader discovers the hurts and assumed betrayals from the past, they can go back to the first chapter and understand why Zoe took the decision that she did.

I am beginning to run out of words of praise for A Life Without You, and I want everyone to go out and buy a copy, and read it. It is absolutely wonderful.


http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...

[Jin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the cover, the title ("You remember me of tomorrow") and the general setup of the story. Unfortunately, I didn't like the letters of the mum inbetween the chapters which made 1/3 of the book. I would have preferred not to read these letters because they felt too obvious and as a reader, I wouldn't have needed them to be emotionally attached to the mum. It was too explanatory and took away some points too fast. I liked Zoe and could relate to her and without the letter parts I would give the book 4 stars.

[Clair Greg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not For Me

I had to speed through this ,not because I couldn't put it down but it was dull. I actually skipped pages and didn't actually miss much. I didn't find it emotional at all , Zoe wasn't even likeable and I just couldn't connect at all. Boring!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so looking forward to reading Katie’s second novel. Her debut, My Everything, was a beautiful story that really touched me and so it was with great excitement I waited for A Life Without You.
And wow, what an exquisite and beautiful novel A Life Without You is.
A life without you begins on Zoe’s wedding day as she’s about to marry her fiancé Jamie. She’s nervous, just like any bride would be, but she wonders if she’s truly making the right decision. She is quite literally saved by the bell when, Mags, Zoe’s mum’s friend rings Zoe to tell her that her mum has just been arrested. Zoe hasn’t seen her mum in years and she suddenly feels compelled to rescue her from whatever she’s got herself caught up in.
Fleeing her own wedding, Zoe takes a cab to the police station and suddenly her world starts turning on its head and everything she thought she knew no longer seems to be true. What has happened to her mum? Will Jamie ever forgive her for running away from their wedding? And will Zoe ever forgive her mum for what happened all those years ago…?
A Life Without You is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It was so moving and affecting but also had me laughing too and smiling even though the characters were going through some of the toughest things anyone can ever face. I don’t want to go too deeply into the themes and issues in this novel as it will certainly spoil it and I would hate to do so! But I just want to briefly touch on the whole notion of family and how, throughout the novel, Katie explores what it means to be a family and to be a part of a family. Do you automatically have to forgive a parent for something they’ve done to hurt you? Are you required to always be there for a family member through thick and thin? Is keeping a huge secret from a parent ever OK? And is there always the chance to begin again, to forge a new relationship and start over?
A Life Without You is told through Zoe’s eyes with chapters alternating between letters from Zoe’s mum. Each letter is written to Zoe on her birthday, from her first birthday through to the present day and these letters provide the history and background of Zoe’s childhood and her relationship with her mum up until things start to go wrong. It was a great way of giving the reader an insight into Zoe’s past which enabled Katie to keep the narrative in the present day and show Zoe as an adult in juxtaposition to the young girl we see through her mum’s letters.
Katie writes in such an evocative and emotionally intelligent way that every chapter felt stuffed to the brim with tangible emotion and had me going through each high and low that the characters did. One minute I was smiling at a beautiful memory Zoe’s mum has of her childhood, and the next I had tears tracing their way down my cheeks as I saw how life can change in an instant. This book touches on a subject that is incredibly sensitive and emotional and even though I have, thankfully, no experience of it, I felt like I had really been through it as I turned the final page. It was incredible how Katie made me feel so emotionally attached to the characters and how their pain and upset felt like my own. An author that can do that is an author that can do anything.
A Life Without You is an incredible second novel and one that I urge you to read. It’s heart-breaking yet hopeful and daunting yet comforting. It is a novel that tackles sensitive issues in the most thoughtful way and a novel that gives hope and encourages second chances. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book was wonderful - and although being a soggy and sobbing mess at the end of it might not be everyone's idea of a "wonderful read", it's most certainly mine. Strangely though, the first chapter almost put me off (I mention this only in case it does the same to you...) with the last minute preparations for Zoe's wedding, and her "will I/won't I". But the book then becomes something different altogether. Enter Gina, Zoe's mother - a mother she hasn't seen in a long time, but whose phone call is enough to force her to make some very difficult choices.

There was so much I loved about this book that I hardly know where to start. As an account of Gina's decline - with all the challenges and problems that brings - it's quite superbly handled. And it's not mawkish or morbid, just exceptionally moving. At times it can be very funny, as Gina's behaviour becomes increasingly extreme - but then you catch yourself laughing, and it often turns into a sob instead. The deep, dark secrets that underlie the fractured relationship between mother and daughter slowly unfold, and it's really quite a story. The clear love of a mother for her daughter - and, despite everything, the love of a daughter for her mother - makes you feel warm inside, but also absolutely breaks your heart.

I loved the structure of the book too. Letters from mother to daughter, sent on successive birthdays, tell the story of their relationship and the perceived betrayal that fractured it. The letters are in a clear voice, with real humour in the early ones, but with a devastating sadness pervading the later ones - and they add extra poignancy to the continuing decline we're watching in the present day story. They also tell a fascinating story of families and how the complex relationships can work but can also break down - and it's simply fascinating too to see how those family dynamics are working in the present day. And in the background, there's always the story of Zoe's relationship with the simply lovely Jamie - and the fading hope that they can recover the love they had.

This book was desperately sad, but at the same time totally beautiful and uplifting. One that everyone should read, I think... I defy anyone not to love it as much as I did.

[Louise Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie's second book is a triumph, one I devoured in a single - emotional - afternoon. It's an exquisitely written exploration of that most powerful of relationships - mother and daughter. Told via Zoe herself, and through letters from her mother throughout the years, it builds patiently to the moment we understand both women. It's a book about forgiveness, about growing up, about how illness can tear a family apart, and how love can ultimately pave the way to healing. Just gorgeous. Don't miss this one.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

This book had the potential to be very emotional, but fell short of having a deep impact; it felt like the author didn’t want to stray too far out of her comfort zone and instead preferred to write a pretty surface-level story.

That being said, it contained some interesting aspects about dysfunctional family dynamics and I found it very easy to read.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh guys, I've been waiting to read Katie Marsh's second novel since the moment I'd finished her debut "My Everything" - it was such a beautiful, moving story that I immediately fell in love with and I couldn't wait to see what more Ms Marsh has in store for us. Yep, that's me, I always want more and more of good books :) And I think that it was really worth to wait over a year for "A Life Without You" - it is another great read, a gem of a novel proving that Katie Marsh is a fantastic author.

We are introduced to Zoe at her wedding's day - she's about to marry Jamie but in the last moment she receives a phone call that makes her flee from her own wedding. It turns out her mum was arrested - her many - years - no - see - no - speak mum, let's add, so why did Zoe feel the need to run to her rescue? Isn't she sure about Jamie, about the wedding? Or is it something else? Sense of guilt? Why does she feel obliged to help her mum right now, right there?
Little does Zoe know how much the visit to the police station is going to change her life. What is happening to her mum? Are they going to make up for the lost years? What has happened at all in the past that drove the mother and daughter apart? Is Jamie going to forgive Zoe for running away from the wedding?

This is a story about a very complicated, very realistic, very powerful relationship between mother and daughter. The story is told by Zoe and the chapters alternate between her narration and letters that her mother has written for Zoe's birthdays. The letters were brilliant, as they not only gave as much deeper insight of Zoe and her mum's relationship, into the history, into clearing and explaining what has happened, but they were also full of the deepest feelings and emotions. It was a great way of organizing the story this way and making the flashbacks into the past through these letters, but keeping the plot in the present. It also, with the way it is built, let us slowly but steadily understand why this relationship looks like this, what has happened and allow us to make our own picture, to make our own opinion.

There are so many questions but each of them is going to eventually find their answers, and believe me, the journey to find them is one of the most captivating, hooking, beautiful journeys ever. What we get from the author is a complicated but true to life story about unconditional love. We mostly get Zoe's point of view in this story, and as much as I liked her and kept my fingers crossed for her sometimes her actions and the way she reacted appeared to be a little too immature. She was stubborn, our Zoe, but I could see when she was coming from - she felt betrayed and hurt. However, the more letters from her mother Gina we read, the more her point of view came to light and the situations and events were explained, the more I felt my heart went to her. Her actions as mother were brilliantly explained and, in my opinion, she did her best, and in perspective I can truly say that in my eyes Gina was right. I can't explain more as I don't want to give any spoilers, but I am sure that when you read the book you'll understand what I mean. Nevertheless, the book shows how a little misunderstanding can destroy the very precious and short time that we have for our beloved ones and it made my heart - and eyes - swell.

"A Life Without You" has everything that I am looking for in a book. It made me sob, and it made me smile, even though the characters were facing some really difficult situations and decisions. This story has many layers and each of them made me gasp, but all of the layers have something in common, and it is love, different kind of love. And as all of us can relate to love, this makes the book even more interesting and emotional. But it is not only love that we can relate to in the book, as I am sure that all the readers will find something for themselves that will make them perceive this tale in a very special way.

You know, to be totally honest, it was a really hard review to write because how often and in how many ways can you tell how much you loved something - and I really, really, really loved the book. Katie Marsh is such a talented author, she brings all the characters and situations so effortlessly to life and what's so important to me, the plot, the protagonists, they seem so true to life and realistic. I felt a part of the characters' world and I went with them through each high and low, every twist and turn. Katie Marsh has in an incredibly gentle and so very realistic way written about Zoe's mum and her disease - I, thankfully, have no experience of this disease and I truly hope it'll stay this way, but Ms Marsh has written it in a way that it gave me shivers and I had a feeling I am through it together with Zoe. What I so adored in Katie's previous novel, as well as in "Life Without You" is that the books make you think about your own life and how much you start to appreciate all the little things of your everyday - gorgeous, just gorgeous, beautiful and evocative novel about love, hope, forgiveness. Strongly, highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Whittaker was moments from walking down the aisle when the inevitable occured. Her mother Gina has been arrested and desperately needs her daughter by her side.

The catch? Mother and daughter haven't spoken to each other for many years.

In a snap decision, Zoe flees from her own wedding, leaving her fiance Jamie humiliated to find her mother in a state of absolute despair. What at first seems like a moment of memory loss soon becomes something more sinister.

At the age of fifty six, Gina has been formally diagnosed with early onset dementia.

As her sister Lily is unable to help out as much as needed, Gina assumes the role of sole care giver of their mother. All whilst juggling the breakup and work commitments. As time goes on and Gina's diagnosis becomes more prominent, mother and daughter work through their issues and become closer. Even if it's breaking Zoe's heart, knowing that her mother will one day not remember her.

This is one moving story, that is complemented with letters Gina wrote to Zoe over the years. I felt that these gave me a better emotional connection and understanding about their relationship. It shattered me when I discovered what their estrangement was based on.

A Life Without You is emotionally charged, touching and relevant to any adult child who's taking care of their parent(s). Katie Marsh, thanks for yet another fine read.

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5

[Bookread2day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read and reviewed My Everything giving it 5 stars and is absolutely a must buy. I enjoyed My Everything much better than a life Without you. However this new book is rather touching. Maybe you should make up before it's too late. After all the long planning, Zoe and Jamie wedding day has arrived. The only one person Zoe hasn't invited is her own mother. She hasn't spoken to her mum in years. You should have invited your own mother. I can't believe you left her out and haven't spoken to her in years. Just as Zoe is about to get married she gets a telephone call to say that her mother has been arrested. Zoe walked out on her wedding day to visit her mum at the police station. Was her mother selfish enough to ruin her own daughter's wedding, just because she wasn't invited ? Will Jamie forgive Zoe for walking out on their wedding day? Can Zoe patch up things with her mum?

[nicky hedden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning grabbed me.......

I would of given this book 3 1/2 if I could. The free download sample really enticed me but then I felt a bit let down. The book was just a bit slow for me. I read on expecting a great twist or expecting to feel some powerful emotion........but it just didn't do it for me. I really didn't like the letter entries to tell the back story. I just don't think a mother would write such things to a two, three or whatever year old child. Maybe a diary style have been more plausible. I have no personal experience of early onset Alzheimer's so I don't know how accurate the portrayal is of Gina's illness but I felt Still Alice by Lisa Genova offered a more substantial depiction of the impact that early onset Alzheimer's has on the patient and other family members. However I did enjoy getting to know the characters ......

[Jennifer Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving Katie Marsh's debut, My Everything, I was looking forward to diving into her new release - and I wasn't disappointed. Katie Marsh's writing has a gorgeous warmth to it that pulls me into the worlds of her characters. A Life Without You is a fantastic read full of intrigue and poignant moments. I loved it and I'm already looking forward to the future releases from this brilliant writer!

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it but shed a few tears too

Beautifully written and sensitively written considering the subject matter. Describes relationships between mum and daughter so delicately and the decline of someone touched by Alzheimer's. Having had a mum in law with this horrible disease this held a special poignancy for me. I loved this book

[Katy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional read but well written - lots of twists and had me gripped! All the way through there's a deep dark secret hinted at, and I was desperate to discover it! It didn't disappoint! Very poignant and deals with difficult elements, including illness, loss, and the importance of families. Enjoyable.

[Isabelle Broom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning book. Review to follow

[Kirsty Mcdougall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* highly recommend this book as a heart felt tear jerker! Fantastically written and totally relatable characters that made me completely invested in the story!

[Cass Glaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it, simple as. just read it!

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to follow xxx

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow...

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this to be such an incredible, poignant read.
A story that would make you appreciate the seconds you spend with your loved ones, and the memories you create.

[Terrie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't often write reviews but I have to say I loved this book. No spoilers .

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super gut geschrieben, sehr realitätsnah und einfach nur emotional.

[Blog-A-Holic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zum Inhalt:

Zoe will gerade die Zukunft mit ihrer großen Liebe Jamie beginnen, als sie ihre Vergangenheit einholt. Kurz vor der Trauung erreicht sie der Hilferuf ihrer Mutter, mit der sie seit Jahren nicht gesprochen hat. Ohne nachzudenken verlässt Zoe die eigene Hochzeit und findet eine veränderte Mutter. Die Neuigkeit trifft sie mit voller Wucht: Gina ist mit gerade mal Anfang fünfzig an Alzheimer erkrankt. Der Alltag wird bedrohlicher, die Versöhnung mit ihrer Tochter immer dringlicher. Zoe will Gina beistehen, ist aber auch damit konfrontiert, dass Jamie sie nach der geplatzten Hochzeit verlassen hat. Ist er bereit, ihr eine zweite Chance zu geben? Und können Mutter und Tochter die Vergangenheit überwinden, jetzt da Gina ihre Erinnerung langsam, aber unaufhaltsam verliert?



Über die Autorin:

Bevor ihr sensationelles Debüt "Die Liebe ist ein schlechter Verlierer" erschien, war Katie Marsh im Gesundheitswesen tätig. Der zweite Roman "Du erinnerst mich an morgen" erzählt von der Alzheimer-Krankheit. Ihre Bücher sind inspiriert von der Tapferkeit der Menschen, die ihr bei ihrer Arbeit begegnet sind. Katie lebt mit ihrer Familie in London.



Mein Fazit und meine Rezension:

Kurz bevor sie an den Altar tritt, plagen Zoe Zweifel, doch kann sie nicht genau bestimmen, woher sie kommen und dann ereilt sie auch der rettende Anruf: die beste Freundin ihrer Mutter ist dran und bittet um Hilfe, denn Zoes Mutter hat Schwierigkeiten und braucht sie. Zoe lässt die Hochzeitsgesellschaft und ihren Verlobten stehen und flüchtet von ihrer eigenen Hochzeit - eigentlich verständlich, wenn es um die eigene Mutter geht, nur nicht in ihrem Fall, denn Zoe und ihre Mutter haben seit über 10 Jahren kein einziges Wort mehr miteinander gesprochen. Der Grund dafür liegt tief in der Vergangenheit verborgen. Und als Zoe ankommt, trifft sie auch sogleich der Schlag, denn ihre Mutter ist nicht wieder zu erkennen, benimmt sich, wie mit Mitte 20 und vergisst viel. Die Diagnose der Ärzte: Alzheimer. Was also tun? Soll sie ihre Mutter alleine lassen und die letzten 10 Jahre als Grund dafür sehen? Oder soll sie den Streit vergessen und ihr helfen? Für Zoe, aber auch für den Rest der Familie beginnt eine schwierige Zeit - eine Lösung scheint nicht in Sicht. Und als ob das nicht schon belastend genug wäre, trennt sich ihr Verlobter von ihr und auch auf der Arbeit will es einfach nicht mehr Rund laufen. Wo soll sie jetzt ihre Prioritäten setzen?

Mehr erfahrt ihr im Buch!

Zoe ist eine junge Frau, ehrgeizig und stets auf ihre Ziele bedacht. Alles in ihrem Leben läuft perfekt. Sie scheint für alles einen genauen Plan zu haben, den sie detailliert verfolgt, bis sie eines Tages ihren Verlobten vor dem Altar stehen lässt und zu ihrer Mutter flüchtet - mit der sie seit über 10 Jahren keinen Kontakt mehr hatte. Der Grund für diese Funkstille zwischen Mutter und Tochter ist in der Vergangenheit begraben und wir als Leser begeben uns gemeinsam mit Zoe auf die Suche danach.

Die Geschichte wird immer wieder von den Briefen ihrer Mutter an Zoe unterbrochen, denn diese hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, ihr an jedem Geburtstag einen Brief zu schreiben und ihr zu erzählen, was sie alles in ihrem Lebensjahr erlebt hat. Eigentlich eine wirklich süße Idee und anfangs schien auch wirklich alles gut zu sein - umso erstaunter war ich, wie Zoe gegenüber ihrer Mutter wirklich auftritt. Mehrfach wird erwähnt, dass etwas vorgefallen ist, etwas, das sehr schlimm ist und sie geprägt und somit die beiden auseinander gerissen hat. Doch was? Darauf müssen wir Leser doch noch geduldig warten, aber eine Ahnung wächst mit jeder weiteren Seite.

Gina, Ehefrau eines Soldaten, der ständig im Einsatz ist und stets umziehen muss, hat es nicht leicht. Erst mit Tochter Zoe in ihrem Leben scheint es wieder einen Sinn zu geben und als dann noch die zweite Tochter Lily kommt, ist das Leben perfekt, aber nur fast. Sie war schon immer ein lebensfroher Mensch und hat seit der Geburt ihrer Kinder nur für sie gelebt, das wird aus ihren Briefen deutlich, doch bereits in frühen Jahren merkt man - insbesondere, wenn man die Diagnose bedenkt - dass sich etwas anbahnt und ganz und gar nicht in Ordnung ist und damit meine ich nicht nur ihre zerrüttete Ehe.

Zoe und Gina, zwei Frauen, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein können und die sich doch bis aufs Haar gleichen, finden wieder zusammen. Zusammengeführt durch eine Krankheit, deren Zerfall im Gedächtnis beginnt und sich langsam, aber sicher, ausbreitet: Alzheimer. Gina ist nicht mehr dieselbe, einfache Aufgaben gehen ihr nicht mehr von der Hand und sie muss ihren Job aufgeben. Zoe springt ein und übernimmt die Pflege für sie, das dürfte doch zu schaffen sein? Doch leider hat Zoe sich hierbei verschätzt und den Alzheimer unterschätzt - für sie beginnt eine schwierige Zeit voller Probleme, hoffen und bangen. Aber sie kann doch nicht einfach Gina in ein Pflegeheim "abschieben" - immerhin ist sie ihre Mutter!

Zoe fühlt sich mit Problemen konfrontiert, die wohl jedem in solch einer Situation begegnen werden: Angst und Selbstzweifel. Warum sollte man es nicht schaffen? Immerhin hat die Mutter einen in der Kindheit selbst umsorgt, man sollte ihr jetzt also etwas zurückgeben. Doch wie soll man sein eigenes Leben mit dem einer kranken und pflegebedürftigen Mutter vereinbaren? Wie Job und Krankheit und auch noch die eigene Familie unter einen Hut bringen? Im Laufe der Geschichte wächst Zoe zunächst an ihren Aufgaben, um dann einzusehen, dass sie nur umso tiefer fallen kann. Ich wäre wohl schon früher eingeknickt, doch kann ich ihre Gefühle und Zweifel auch verstehen: wie kann ich meine Mutter nur in ein Pflegeheim geben? Dort wird sie niemals gut behandelt, dort ist sie allein, fühlt sich abgeschoben und ich bin Schuld. Eben diese Gedanken würden auch mich plagen und so wäre es nur eine Frage der Zeit, wann auch ich daran zerbrechen würde. Ebenso ergeht es Zoe.

Wie aber sollte man in solch einer Situation reagieren? Gibt es überhaupt ein Patentrezept? Meines Erachtens: nein. Natürlich gibt es gute Pflegeeinrichtungen, die Pfleger sind auf die Bedürfnisse der Patienten eingerichtet und wissen, was sie erwartet. Sie sind eigens dafür geschult. Doch wie oft sind solche Einrichtungen in den letzten Jahren in Verruf geraten? Wie oft haben Negativschlagzeilen die Presse geprägt? Und wie soll man bei all der Fülle an Informationen, die täglich auf einen einströmen, mit ruhigem Gewissen sagen können: Ich habe die richtige Entscheidung für meine Mutter / meinen Vater getroffen!? Ehrlich gesagt: ich habe keine Ahnung. Und bis jetzt bin ich - Gott sei Dank - auch noch nicht in der Lage, über solch eine Situation entscheiden zu müssen. Vielleicht würde hier ein Gespräch mit den Eltern helfen, ein klärendes und offenes Gespräch, aber wer will sich schon mit seinem Lebensabend auseinandersetzen?

Fragen über Fragen, die die Autorin sehr gut dargestellt hat. Der Konflikt von Zoe und ihrer Mutter ist deutlich herausgearbeitet und obwohl stets eine dunkle Wolke über der gemeinsamen Vergangenheit schwebte, so ist Zoe doch für ihre Mutter da, als diese ihre Hilfe am nötigsten braucht. Katie Marsh hat mich mit ihrem Buch nicht nur beeindruckt und die Thematik um die Krankheit Alzheimer vertieft, sondern auch gefesselt und berührt zugleich. Als ich die letzten Seiten gelesen habe und das Buch zugeklappt habe, waren da immer noch die Gedanken und sie kreisen auch jetzt noch in meinem Kopf. Wie würde ich mich entscheiden? Was könnte ich tun? Und was könnte ich nicht tun? Könnte ich der Wahrheit ins Auge blicken?

Eine wunderschöne Geschichte über eine Thematik, die uns alle angeht und die wir nur zu gern verdrängen - bis es zu spät ist.

[Freakajules · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Du erinnerst mich an morgen" ist mein zweites Buch der Autorin Katie Marsh. Genauso wie ihr erster Roman fällt auch dieser wieder mit einer sehr bunten, hervorstechenden Cover-Gestaltung auf, was aber eigentlich nur Fassade ist. Denn sowohl "Die Liebe ist ein schlechter Verlierer", als auch "Du erinnerst mich an morgen" sind zwei Geschichten, die sehr viel emotionalen Ballast thematisieren und den Leser sehr berühren; in diesem Fall nicht nur durch eine beendete Liebesbeziehung, sondern vor allem durch eine gestörte und zerrüttete Mutter-Tochter-Beziehung.

Der Klappentext verrät schon einiges über die Geschichte an sich – nicht so viel, dass der Plot langweilig ist, aber genug, als dass man als Leser weiß, worauf man sich einlässt. Daher hatte ich schon mit einer bewegenden Handlung gerechnet, die mich schon relativ schnell am Anfang mitnehmen konnte. Vorneweg muss ich sagen, dass ich mich mit der Diagnose Alzheimer nicht besonders gut auskenne – wahrscheinlich genauso viel wie jeder andere auch, dessen Familien- und Freundekreis davon (bisher) nicht betroffen ist. Natürlich weiß ich, welche Krankheit es ist, wie sich Betroffene verhalten und dass sie nach dem jetzigen Stand der Medizin leider nicht heilbar ist. Klar war mir allerdings nicht, was es wirklich bedeutet, welche weiten Kreise so eine Umstellung zieht und wie sehr das nicht nur den Betroffenen selbst, sondern vor allem auch seine Angehörigen belastet.

Und damit meinte ich nicht nur das Offensichtliche, dass man als normal berufstätiger Mensch keine adäquate Betreuung für einen Alzheimer-Kranken ist und dass derjenige Sachen und Menschen vergisst. Sondern auch, dass man gemeinsame Erinnerungen nicht mehr zusammen teilen kann, dass man als Angehöriger beispielsweise mit der Schwester verwechselt wird, dass man rund um die Uhr zur Verfügung stehen muss, dass die Kranken oft verwirrt und panisch sind, sich gute und schlechte Tage ständig abwechseln, dass sie nicht mehr alleine auf die Straße gehen sollten, weil sie sich verlaufen und/oder sich verletzen können oder einfach nur ein leichtes Opfer für Kriminelle sind. Natürlich ist das alles nur ein winzig, winzig kleiner Teil von dem, was Betroffene sowie Familie und Freunde wirklich durchmachen und lässt sich von einem Außenstehenden auch nicht mal ansatzweise umfassend beurteilen.

Wie schlimm es wirklich ist, hat mir erst dieses Buch teilweise erzählen können. Mich hat das alles sehr nachdenklich zurückgelassen, hat mir gezeigt, wie leicht man Dinge einfach unterschätzt und wie oft man meint, sich vorstellen zu können, wie schlimm etwas sein muss, ohne auch nur den Hauch einer Ahnung davon zu haben. Ich denke, vor allem in diesem Punkt hat das Buch seinen Sinn und Zweck mehr als erfüllt. Nicht nur, dass Menschen sich mit dem Thema und dessen Auswirkungen befassen, vor allem Menschen, die eben keine Ahnung davon haben. Sondern es ist auch ein Buch für Menschen, die davon betroffen sind. Um ihnen und ihren Angehörige Mut zu machen, Wege und Möglichkeiten aufzuzeigen, ohne letztlich als die schlechte Tochter/der schlechte Sohn/der schlechte Ehemann/die schlechte Ehefrau/sonstiges dazustehen.

Die Charaktere haben es mir in diesem Buch nicht wirklich leicht gemacht – und das meine ich im positiven Sinne. Zoe, die Hautprotagonistin, habe ich zwar lange Zeit überhaupt nicht verstehen können, aber nach und nach ist sie mir sehr ans Herz gewachsen, weil zwischendrin immer wieder Erklärungen geliefert werden und manche Handlung dann eben doch verständlich ist. Ebenso mochte ich ihre Schwester Lilly, ihren Ex-Verlobter Jamie, ihre Mum Gina und ganz zum Schluss auch irgendwann ihren Dad Alistair. Ich habe mich mit allen irgendwie verbunden gefühlt, was mir die Situation und die Handlung des Buches nur noch näher gebracht hat, was mich noch mehr beührt und bewegt hat und weswegen ich jeden Schritt mit schmerzendem und weinendem Herzen begleitet habe. Ich habe mich für Gina gefreut, wenn sie kurzzeitig über der Krankheit stand und ihre wachen und hellen Momente hatte, aber auch für Zoe, die zwischendurch kurz vor einem Nervenzusammenbruch stand und die zwischen allen Stühlen saß. Ein Buch ist eben auch nur dann ein gutes Buch, wenn man die Figuren verstehen kann, wenn man sie mag und ihr Schicksal mitleidet. Wenn man sich identifizieren kann, wenn man eben keinen Abstand von ihnen nimmt, sondern versteht und den Konsequenzen folgt.

Letztlich habe ich dann vor allem am Ende ein paar Tränen vergossen, weil ich gerade den Schluss einfach wunderschön umgesetzt fand. Ein paar Seiten vor dem Ende dachte ich noch, wie will man diese Geschichte noch in irgendeiner Art und Weise vernünftig und hoffnungsvoll beenden, wie bekommt die Autorin die Kurve, den Leser nicht bedrückt und ernüchtert zurückzulassen? Denn bei dieser Thematik war ein Happy End einfach absolut notwendig. Katie Marsh hat es dann auch wirklich geschafft, dass ich emotional reagiert habe und das Ende somit mehr als gelungen empfand. Denn ich konnte das Buch – widererwartend – mit einem guten Gefühl zuklappen.

Ebenso wie bei ihrem letzten Roman hat auch hier vor allem der Schreibstil der Autorin dazu beigetragen, dass ich das Buch mit einem positiven Eindruck beendet habe und im Gedächtnis behalte. Damit meine ich nicht nur, die Art, wie sie schreibt, so berührend und persönlich, sondern auch die Aufteilung der Geschichte – denn bei den Kapiteln wechseln sich die Gegenwart (meist aus Zoes Sicht) und die Vergangenheit (aus Ginas Sicht) ab. Toll fand ich das deshalb, weil ich nur mit den Gegenwartskapiteln sicher zu dem ein oder anderen Charakter überhaupt keine Beziehung hätte herstellen können.

Fazit
"Du erinnerst mich an morgen" ist ein sehr ergreifendes Buch mit einem sehr tragischen Thema. Sie schildert die Problematik dessen so persönlich und bewegend, dass ich mich informiert, berührt und unterhalten gleichzeitig gefühlt habe. Ich kann hierfür auf jeden Fall eine Leseempfehlung aussprechen.

[Tina Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may be a trigger warning for some . It was a very touching storyline. Being by choice separated from your mum blaming her for everything only to find out she's written you a letter every year and she never abandoned you she turned up at your graduations and awards etc without you even knowing. Reconnecting with your mum but at the same time losing her to Alzheimer's and then having to make a huge decision about putting her in care . It was so well written. Zoe left her groom standing at the alter to go to her mum and Zoe's world of perfect structured life became chaos with her little sister Lily her business partner Bruno (he probably was my favorite character) it's a must read in my eyes enjoy 😊

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ticked 'read' but only got to around page 100 and didn't want to read more so it's a DNF for me. It was too drawn out and I didn't like many of the characters, maybe it gets better but it wasn't for me so gave up.

[Ela | everydayescapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe will gerade die Zukunft mit ihrer großen Liebe Jamie beginnen, als sie ihre Vergangenheit einholt. Kurz vor der Trauung erreicht sie der Hilferuf ihrer Mutter, mit der sie seit Jahren nicht gesprochen hat. Ohne nachzudenken verlässt Zoe die eigene Hochzeit und findet eine veränderte Mutter. Die Neuigkeit trifft sie mit voller Wucht: Gina ist mit gerade mal Anfang fünfzig an Alzheimer erkrankt. Der Alltag wird bedrohlicher, die Versöhnung mit ihrer Tochter immer dringlicher. Zoe will Gina beistehen, ist aber auch damit konfrontiert, dass Jamie sie nach der geplatzten Hochzeit verlassen hat. Ist er bereit, ihr eine zweite Chance zu geben? Und können Mutter und Tochter die Vergangenheit überwinden, jetzt da Gina ihre Erinnerung langsam, aber unaufhaltsam verliert?

MEINE MEINUNG
Mit „Du erinnerst mich an morgen“ wurde der zweite Roman der Autorin Katie Marsh ins Deutsche übersetzt, in der zwei Geschichten miteinander verbunden werden. Auf der einen Seite hat man die Gegenwart, in der Zoe kurz davor ist zu heiraten, die Hochzeit jedoch kurz vorher fluchtartig verlässt. Andererseits hat man die Vergangenheit und damit Zoes Leben, die man durch geschriebene Briefe ihrer Mutter Gina erlebt. Mit einer Leichtigkeit verbindet die Autorin dabei beide Geschichten, bis man schließlich vollends in der Gegenwart ankommt.

Zu Beginn fragt man sich als Leser, warum Zoe ihre eigene Hochzeit so plötzlich verlässt und ihrer Mutter zur Hilfe eilt, nachdem Zoe doch jahrelang den Kontakt verweigert hat. Zoe merkt schnell, dass mit ihrer Mutter etwas nicht stimmt und beschließt, für sie da zu sein und damit gleichzeitig um die Beziehung zu ihrer Mutter zu kämpfen. Und auch hier ist man geneigt, nach dem großen „Warum?“ zu fragen.

In Katie Marsh aktuellem Buch geht es um die Liebe, Familie und Vergebung. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei einerseits auf der Mutter-Tochter-Beziehung, andererseits auf Ginas Frühdemenz. Wie die Kluft zwischen Mutter und Tochter immer größer wurde und wie es letztlich zu dem Zerwürfnis der beiden kam, wird durch die Briefe von Gina eindrucksvoll geschildert. Gleichzeitig erhält man dadurch die nötigen Hintergrundinformationen und mit jedem Brief wird die Frage nach dem anfangs gestellten „Warum?“ ein Stückchen mehr beantwortet. Gleichzeitig bekommt man die unendliche Liebe einer Mutter spüren, egal wie groß die Distanz zur Tochter auch sein mag. Mit Gefühl erzählt die Autorin dabei von Familienkämpfen, Verlusten und Ginas Krankheit. Mit großer Sensibilität und Empfindlichkeit wird der Abstieg Ginas in die immer präsenter werdende Frühdemenz nur all zu deutlich. Gleichzeitig scheut Marsh nicht davor, den Leser mit der knallharten Realität zu konfrontieren, der Zoe und ihre Familie nun ausgesetzt sind. Man spürt die Emotionen und verwirrenden Gedanken nach richtig und falsch auf jeder Seite.

Zwei kleine Kritikpunkte gibt es dennoch. Zum einen hatte ich teilweise Schwierigkeiten mit Zoe. Zwar wird sehr gut aufgeklärt, warum Zoe so lange den Kontakt zu ihrer Mutter verweigert hat und zum damaligen Zeitpunkt war es vielleicht sogar nachvollziehbar. Dass aber über weit mehr als zehn Jahre Funkstille herrschte schien für mich nicht gerechtfertigt, da Zoe immerhin auch älter geworden und zu einigen Einsichten gekommen ist. Für mich war das einfach nur falscher Stolz, den sie da an den Tag legte. Als zweiten Punkt muss ich das Ende anmerken. Es ist durchaus zufriedenstellend, jedoch erschien das Ende mir zu plötzlich und gehetzt. Alles passierte von jetzt auf gleich. Hier hat mir der fließende Übergang etwas gefehlt.

ABSCHLUSSWORTE
Wenn man einmal von meinen zwei minimalen Kritikpunkten absieht, ist “Du erinnerst mich an morgen” eine herzerwärmende, teilweise witzige aber genauso auch grausame und traurige Gechichte. Katie Marsh greift mit der zerrütteten Mutter-Tochter-Beziehung und Ginas Frühdemenz sensible Themen auf, die sie jedoch eindrucks- und gefühlvoll verpackt hat. Das Buch gibt einigen Stoff zum Nachdenken, besonders nach der Frage, was wirklich zählt.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Mum…or soon to be husband, which one would you pick? No, I’m not saying that you need to play eeny meeny minee mo just for the sake of it. Let me ask that question in a different way; if you received a phone call which alerted you to a situation with a person (your mum)  you hadn’t seen for many years, whilst you were gearing up to get married to the love of your life, which one would you choose? Stay and get married? Or go and help a person who probably won’t want your help, yet…is your mum? Tough decision to make really, isn’t it?
Zoe hasn’t seen her mum, Gina, for a very long time. Unsure as to whether she would ever see Gina again, Zoe tried to get on with her life and move forward, except the call she received on her wedding day completely turned her whole world upside down…
My heart went out to Jamie for Zoe’s actions, and my heart went out to Zoe for Gina’s actions. I’ve seen a few reviews where the reader has said how walking out of a wedding is a ‘no-no’ and ‘unrealistic’, but I beg to differ. It is realistic but the chances of anyone stating that they have been jilted at the aisle is slim to nil. Not really THE conversation starter is it? As readers, we walk into the storyline partway through the characters lives, and we are unaware of their pasts, relationships with people and so forth. All we know is what they are doing when we open up the book, therefore we cannot really judge a character, in this case, Zoe, on their actions at the very start of a book as their reasons are still hidden within the book.
Zoe DID have her reasons and there was A LOT more to Gina than ‘just getting arrested’. Little did we know that Gina’s journey was heading down a harrowing path; I had no idea how harrowing it was going to be until it hit me. This review is quite hard to write because whilst I want to talk about the book, every situation is linked with a vital piece of information and I don’t think I would be too popular if I wrote this review with spoilers in!
‘A Life Without You’ absolutely blew me away, and at times it felt like my heart was being ripped out due to the emotion that was pouring from my eyes like a waterfall. The family dynamics within this book, despite being broken and rocky, are surprisingly strong and full of hidden courage. Gina’s battle was incredibly eye-opening yet incredibly devastating, Zoe and Lily (along with real life readers) must have felt so powerless as they watched their mother deteriorate before their very eyes, becoming a shadow that even Gina herself didn’t know. For me, the most powerful relationships within the storyline were Zoe, Lily’s and Gina’s, every other character played a part in their own ways, but those three ladies lives shook me to the core.
Katie’s ability to write a raw, poignant and emotionally charged storyline deserves an incredible amount of respect. The fact that she delved into a relatable and devastating illness with such poise and sensitivity, really showcased her writing talent, putting her in the ‘one of my favourite authors’ box.
A Life Without You is a storyline guaranteed to make you shed a tear or ten, whilst also filling your heart with love towards fictitious characters. This book also highlights the importance of trust, honesty and ensuring that you’re there for the ones you love, regardless of how hard it may be at the time. You need them and they need you. Reaching the end of Katie Marsh’s novel was a struggle as I couldn’t see the book properly through my tears.
An inspiring, thought-provoking and emotional read, whilst it broke my heart into pieces it also protected and comforted me whilst reading. Katie Marsh has delivered perfection with this novel, in my eyes anyway. An unbelievable author, and after reading this, one of my favourite authors of all time. Incredible. I just wish I could find the right words for my feelings towards this book..

[Michelle Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw there was a new book out by Katie Marsh, I just knew I had to have it so I snapped one up from Amazon for my kindle. I read and absolutely adored Katie's first book, My Everything, and didn't think it could be bettered - but I was wrong! A Life Without You is impeccably written, it is completely flawless and I am sure it will be listed in many readers' top books of 2016 - it's definitely in mine! Katie Marsh really knows how people tick and understands the complexity of the heart which make her novels stand head and shoulders above the rest.

What an unusual start to a book - it certainly grabbed my attention. Zoe is embarking on the happiest day of her life as she prepares to marry Jamie. Then she gets a phone call from her mum's friend asking her to come and help as her mum is in trouble with the police. Wearing her wedding dress, Zoe takes a trip to the police station instead of down the aisle. Hold on a second you say, why wasn't her mum sitting in the church with the other members of Zoe's family? Zoe hasn't spoken to her mum in years - what could have happened that was so bad for a mother to not even be invited to her daughter's wedding? So begins the story of Gina and her daughter, golden girl Zoe, told through heartbreaking letters that Gina has written to Zoe on each birthday.

These emotional and candid letters are placed at the end of each present day chapter, chapters filled to the brim with emotion as we see the effects of Gina's memory loss on herself and her family. At a time when Gina really needs the support of her family, Zoe steps up to the mark by burying old grudges and sweeping aside feelings about her abandoned wedding to concentrate on looking after her mum. With so much on her mind, it naturally starts to affect her work and she realises that she can't do it all on her own. Time for hurt and resentment to be brushed aside and for people to show that they really care about Zoe.

Losing your memory must be such a devastating event and so difficult for friends and family to deal with. It really hit home for me, as a book lover, when it was mentioned that Gina had a pile of books by her bed, but there was no point reading them as she would forget what she had read when she put the book down each night. It must be so difficult to actually admit that you can no longer look after your loved one and have to look at other options available. As Zoe struggled with feelings of betrayal and guilt, it was completely understandable and virtually palpable, but clear that she had to put those feelings to one side and do what was best for Gina.

A Life Without You is a stunning and compassionate story of family, forgiveness and unconditional love. It is a stark reminder that we shouldn't dwell on negative events in the past but concentrate on what is left of the future. Katie Marsh has such emotive writing, evoking both laughter and tears, ensuring that A Life Without You is a book that will remain forever in my heart. No words will ever do this book justice - you simply must read it for yourself.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Life Without You is a heart wrenching story. Told by Zoe in the present day, she abandons her wedding to Jamie, when she receives a call to say her mum, who she has been estranged from for
a number of years, needs help. At the end of each chapter her mum, Gina, has written a short letter to Zoe on her birthday every year as a chronicle of the past year and reflects on their relationship.

This is a novel that rewards you with its patience as all of the character's secrets are slowly revealed and we learn their motivations for their actions. Zoe's guilt over not being present more in her mum's life is seen in how she takes the time with her now as she realizes that Gina is showing signs of Alzheimer's. Marsh keeps her representation of this as realistic as possible and Gina and her sister's attempt to understand how best to care for her.

Zoe is forced to reassess her own relationships with everyone she knows and examine her own motivations for her actions. Why does she hold her dad in such high esteem? Was she also partly to blame for the rift between her mum and herself? What was she actually running from on her wedding day? The truth hits hard when all members of the family realize what happened all them years ago and the double meaning behind the title becomes clear.

For some hard topics, it was a relatively easy read as Marsh looks at the situation with compassion and understanding. I will be looking up more of her novels.