This is such an incredibly beautiful and moving story, I’m not even sure if I can find the words to give it justice.

Keep Forever is based on a true story, Paul and Elizabeth meet when he is on his way home from combat in Vietnam, after being injured in battle. With both facing difficult starts in life, the scars run deep, but they do their best with the hands they have been dealt. However, the after effect of war follows them throughout their journey.

When I started this book I found myself completely engrossed. I love anything that is based on true events and I have so much respect for the honesty and bravery shown in publishing this important book. This book is incredibly raw, and deals with PTSD in such an honest way. It hit quite a personal note for me a few times, and I found myself needing to step away for a breather. But, I have so much praise for Kingaard’s willingness to discuss the dark sides of mental health with such brutal honesty. It can be a tough and emotional read, but it is an incredibly important one.

My main issue was that I found the middle section a little slow. However, I can also see it’s importance in helping us to really connect to the characters and follow their journey throughout its entirety. I loved the short chapters which did keep me ticking along even when the pace slowed a little. That being said, the ending grabbed me in an emotional stranglehold that left me with tears in my eyes. I had to put the book down a few times so that I could gather myself enough to carry on. Overall, this is an extremely well written and important tale, beautiful in its message of true love through all hardships. 

I would recommend this book to fans of books based on true stories or anyone with an interest in mental health. I want to thank Voracious Readers Only and Alexa Kingaard for allowing me to read a copy of this book so I can give my personal thoughts.