Kristin Harmel's The Sweetness of Forgetting has garnered praise for its emotional depth and well-researched historical context. Readers lauded its engaging narrative and relatable characters, while some found its predictability and occasional melodrama less appealing. Overall, its heartwarming exploration of memory and family history resonates strongly with many.

Readers who enjoy The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay will be captivated by Kristin Harmel's The Sweetness of Forgetting. With its blend of historical fiction, family secrets, and resilience, this novel appeals to those who appreciate emotional, multi-generational narratives.

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel follows Hope, a divorced mother raising her middle-school daughter while managing a family bakery in Cape Cod, as she discovers her grandmother's Jewish heritage and their family history during the Holocaust. Driven to uncover the fate of her grandmother's family and the love of her life, Hope embarks on a journey of revelation, connecting with her heritage and embracing lessons of love and survival. This book discusses antisemitism and the Holocaust.

Melancholic / Nostalgic / Emotional / Bittersweet

**Hope McKenna-Smith**  
Hope is a 36-year-old single mother who runs the North Star Bakery in Cape Cod. She grapples with her unexpected life circumstances after a recent divorce and the death of her mother.

**Mamie/Rose Picard (Durand) McKenna**  
Rose is Hope's grandmother and one of the novel's point-of-view characters. Born in Paris, she started the North Star Bakery and has a complex past intertwined with love and survival during World War II.

**Annie Smith**  
Annie is Hope's daughter, who is in middle school and often challenges her mother with her rebellious nature. She bears a strong resemblance to Jacob Levy, which plays a role in the family's story.

**Alain Picard**  
Alain is Hope’s great-uncle and Rose’s brother, who serves as a mentor to Hope. He provides support and guidance while embodying reconciliation and family ties.

**Jacob Levy**  
Jacob is a pivotal figure from Rose's past, connected through their shared history during the war. He is a symbol of enduring love and plays a significant role in the family's story.

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

The Sweetness of Forgetting Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

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Chapters 13-17

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Chapters 18-24

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Chapters 25-33

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Kristin Harmel

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