The story of The Forgotten Ones is told from the POV of two characters- Elle (the grand daughter) and David (the grandfather)- but despite that, it becomes very clear who the story is truly centered around-Įlle grew up with a mother with mental issues and thinking her grandparents were both dead but one day when she receives a letter from a man who calls himself her grandfather, her entire life is thrown off rails and she enters into a story where a family destroys itself for the sake of family. It was very evident from the first page that this book was masterfully written, and not until the last page did I think otherwise. This is the first book I’m reading by Holmes, and I have to say, she’s a very compelling author. Allow me to be cliched and say that from the very first page it had gripped me, and forced me into the mystery it was weaving- slowly and steadily. The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes is a powerful novel. One of the biggest things that this book forced me to ask was “Can a parent not recognize his own child?” As dark as they are, Elle must listen…before her grandfather’s death buries the family’s secrets forever. She must face the reasons for her inexplicable dread. Racked by grief, regrets, and a haunted conscience, he has a tale of his own to tell Elle: about her mother, an imaginary friend, and two strangers who came to the house one night and never left.Īs Elle’s past unfolds, so does the truth-if she can believe it. It’s just another of so many unanswered questions she grew up with in a family estranged by silence and secrets.Įlle’s world turns upside down when she receives a deathbed request from her grandfather, a man she was told had died years ago.

But weekly visits to her mother still fill Elle with a paralyzing fear she can’t explain. She’s managed to piece together a solid life from a childhood of broken memories and fairy tales her mom told her to explain away bad dreams. In this novel from a New York Times bestselling author, the search for truth is defined by secrets and lies.Įlle is a survivor.

Steena holmes the patient