The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
Unforgettable and utterly romantic, The Days I Loved You Most is a heart-wrenching, life-affirming novel that asks, How much would you sacrifice for the one you love?
In the summer of 1941, on the New England shores where they were raised, Evelyn and Joseph fell in love. Now, more than sixty years later, with a lifetime between them, they have gathered their three grown children to share the staggering news: she has received a tragic diagnosis, and he cannot live without her. So in one year’s time, they will end their lives on their own terms.
As the couple comes to grips with their fate, they retrace their past—the joys and regrets, the laughter and the sorrow—that brought them to this moment. They embark on a journey to live out their greatest dreams and to comfort and connect with each of their children before they’re gone. But as their final days draw closer, they must confront the stark reality of what they are about to do, and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind for their family.
Spanning the twentieth century from World War II to 9/11 and beyond, The Days I Loved You Most is a timeless tale of unwavering devotion — a moving tribute to the enduring power of love and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
Review:
I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I snagged a copy of this book from NetGalley on a whim after seeing an Instagram post by the author. I like a book that tugs at your heartstrings, and that’s precisely what I got with this one. While it wasn’t a total sobfest for me, it definitely made me tear up several times.
The book beautifully portrays the enduring love of Evelyn and Joseph, a married couple who fell in love on the shores of New England back in the 1940s. They eventually married, and though not without its challenges, their relationship remained steadfast through the years as they ran a bed and breakfast while raising three very capable children. Now in their 70s, the couple face a heartbreaking reality – Evelyn has received a tragic diagnosis and refuses to become a prisoner to her body. When the doctors share the news that there’s nothing they can do, Evelyn decides to take control of the situation and end her life in one year. Joseph, unable to imagine a life without her, decides that he will join her.
The book alternates between the present (2001-2002) and the past (beginning in 1941) giving us a glimpse at their final year of life together while also flashing back to the life they built. Throughout their journey, they must confront the reality of their decision and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind. We mostly hear from Evelyn and Joseph, but there are a handful of chapters from the points of view of their kids – Jane, Thomas, and Violet – as they grapple with facing a life without their parents.
Spanning decades from Joseph’s time in World War II to the devastating aftermath of 9/11, Neff beautifully captures the essence of enduring love and the complexities of family dynamics. The characters of Evelyn and Joseph are beautifully crafted, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their journey. Their love is portrayed in a way that feels real and raw, making the reader truly understand the depth of their bond. Their life wasn’t always easy, and Evelyn gave up many of her dreams to raise a family, but in their final months, Joseph vows to help her make as many of her dreams come true as he can while she still has the strength.
The interactions between the couple and their children are equally moving, showing the complexities and dynamics of family relationships. Not only do we get to witness the weight of the couple’s decision on their kids now, but we also get a look at the complex relationships that developed while raising their kids. Life isn’t always easy, but families who can navigate the struggles that this family does can overcome almost anything.
Neff’s writing perfectly paints a vivid picture of the different eras the couple lived through. Her storytelling is heart-wrenching yet beautiful, leaving readers with an appreciation for life’s fleeting moments. I couldn’t help but reflect on the relationship that my parents have. As a family, we’ve gone through many ups and downs (as most families do), and now that my parents are in their 70s, I see how much they mean to one another. I can’t imagine how they will fare when the other passes on. I thought of that often while reading this book, which made it all the more poignant.
This book and its lead characters reminded me a lot of “The Notebook” but still managed to feel fresh. It’s a heartfelt read that will make you reflect on the importance of love, family, and the legacy we leave behind. It’s a story that will linger with me for a while. If you’re a fan of emotional reads that tug at the heartstrings, then you should definitely check this one out. Just be sure to have the tissues handy.
