The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North

The Sudden Appearance of Hope is a thoughtful and emotionally rich novel with a really compelling premise. Claire North does a great job exploring themes of identity, memory, and what it means to matter in a world that keeps forgetting you. I enjoyed the book overall, especially the character work and the quiet, introspective moments. That said, the story did drag a bit in the middle, and while the final stretch was fine, the last 10% didn’t quite land as strongly as I’d hoped. Still, it’s an original and engaging read that sticks with you more for its ideas than its plot.

The concept of Hope being literally forgotten by everyone she meets is handled in a creative and often moving way, leading to some clever storytelling and poignant scenes about isolation and resilience. The novel leans more toward reflection than action, which works well at times but also contributes to the slower pacing. While the central mystery and larger plot are interesting, they occasionally take a back seat to philosophical musings. Even with its flaws, the book offers a unique perspective and plenty to think about, making it a worthwhile read for fans of character-driven speculative fiction. ⭐⭐⭐*3 Stars*