Book Review: Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan
When I first saw Remain pop up on my radar, I must admit, the collaboration between Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan was not something I anticipated for 2025—yet here we are. As I journeyed through this beautifully woven tale, I found myself enveloped in a rich tapestry of emotion that left me both breathless and, at times, heartbroken. Remain is a masterclass in blending romance with the supernatural, and it has solidified itself as one of the most compelling reads I’ve encountered in the paranormal romance genre.
The novel follows Tate Donovan, a profoundly broken character who has been wrestling with the immense weight of grief after losing his sister, Sylvia. Having just emerged from a psychiatric facility, Tate is trying to navigate his new reality, while also helping his best friend build a dream home in Cape Cod. His life is further complicated by the haunting presence of Wren Tobin, a vibrant but troubled spirit who has lingered in this world following her tragic death. What struck me most is how Tate’s and Wren’s paths intertwine, forming an emotional bond that transcends life and death.
The themes of grief, human connection, and the impact of unresolved past traumas saturate every page. Both characters are beautifully flawed, each representing a different facet of loss and recovery. Tate’s connection to his sister, encapsulated in her haunting videos and her gift of insight into the supernatural, brings layers of depth to his character. Wren, too, is portrayed with such empathy and humanity, despite her spectral existence. Her desperation for connection and pain over how she is perceived in life (and death) is palpable. Quotes like, “Sometimes it’s easier to talk about things with strangers than with someone you know,” resonates deeply, highlighting how vulnerability often emerges in the most unexpected forms.
Nicholas Sparks’ signature emotional prose shines through, and combined with Shyamalan’s knack for creating eerie atmospheres, the writing is as exquisite as it is haunting. While the pacing gracefully ebbs and flows, I did find myself taking away a star due to some redundancy in the narrative. That being said, the overall craftsmanship of the story minimized my frustration, bringing me back to the heartfelt experiences shared between Tate and Wren.
The characters’ journey through grief and healing resonated with me on a personal level. It was a reminder that “needing help doesn’t mean you are broken,” and that intimacy can flourish even in the most unlikely of places. As I rooted for Tate and Wren—against all odds, it was impossible not to shed a tear or two. Their connection was both beautiful and transformative, teaching each other lessons in love and acceptance that transcended the ordinary.
Remain is not just for the avid Nicholas Sparks reader; it is for anyone who has ever grappled with loss, sought connection, or believed in the possibility of life after death. The characters will linger in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page. So, mark your calendars for October 14th, 2025—don’t miss out on this extraordinary tale. This book will ignite meaningful conversations about love, life, and the ethereal ties that connect us all, firmly placing it on my list of must-reads for the year.
In conclusion, Remain is a poignant reminder that our journeys through grief and love are deeply interconnected. If you’re looking for a story that explores these themes with sincerity and a sprinkle of the surreal, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Prepare to laugh, cry, and perhaps even embrace the magic that lingers between the realms of life and the afterlife.
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