If I Forget You    by Thomas Christopher Greene Order:  USA  Can Picador, 2017 (2016) Hardcover, Softcover, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Carrol Wolverton The True Measure of Beauty ... Full of literate and poetic language, this author tells us that 'a measure of a woman's beauty is how she ages.' Does this mean there are benefits to getting old? How could a reviewer not love this man? Ever make a decision in life to take money over love or to take your parents' expectations over your true feelings? This happens all the time in the real world. The problem is that love has a depth to it that stays with us. 'If poetry is the search for significance, than (sic) the stubbornness of love must be its fullest expression.' 'Old prejudices fade slowly' Fitzmaurice tells us. How true this is. We see this in society all around us in many ways: religion, beliefs, race relations, and money. He tells us it is worse with money. The wealthy tend to live, play, and stay together. Others are just others and the rest of us; we are the help. Money is that terrible demon that drives us in life and forges our decisions. What happens if you don't do what your parents want? Margot goes along with what her parents want and marries the expected boyfriend. Henry gets left out. The problem remains, however, and he is never really gone. The novel reflects well the hurt of the heartbroken. It happens to most of us in real life, and we move on and find more love. The poet has problems doing this, and his hurt forges his poetic career, quite successfully, I might add. Does it resolve for him? I'll let you decide. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews