The literary world rarely witnesses such an unexpected yet compelling collaboration as the one between Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan in their novel “Remain.” This supernatural romance brings together two distinctly different storytelling masters to create something genuinely unique in contemporary fiction.
An Unlikely Collaboration That Works
When news broke that Nicholas Sparks, the acclaimed author behind tearjerker romances like “The Notebook,” was partnering with M. Night Shyamalan, known for psychological thrillers such as “The Sixth Sense,” readers were understandably curious. The result is “Remain,” a 352-page novel that successfully blends heartfelt romance with supernatural mystery, proving that creative partnerships can transcend genre boundaries.
The collaboration feels organic rather than forced, with Sparks contributing his signature emotional depth and character development while Shyamalan brings atmospheric tension and mysterious plot elements. This fusion creates a reading experience that satisfies fans of both authors while attracting newcomers to each writer’s style.
Plot and Characters: A Ghost Story with Heart
“Remain” follows Tate Donovan, a New York architect in his late thirties who arrives in Cape Cod to design a summer home for his best friend Oscar. Tate is recovering from acute depression and a recent stay in a psychiatric facility following the death of his beloved sister Sylvia. Sylvia’s deathbed revelation that she possessed the family gift of seeing spirits haunts Tate, who struggles to accept anything beyond logical explanation.
When Tate takes residence in a historic bed-and-breakfast, he encounters Wren Tobin, an enigmatic young woman who captivates him immediately. Their connection develops through shared meals, board games, and deep conversations that help heal Tate’s emotional wounds. However, Tate gradually discovers that Wren is not among the living—she died in the house nearly two years earlier and remains tethered to the mortal world.
The supporting characters add depth to the narrative, particularly Oscar, Tate’s loyal best friend who provides both comedic relief and unwavering support. Paulie, Tate’s cat, emerges as an unexpected scene-stealer who helps with his owner’s depression while befriending Wren’s spirit.
Themes and Emotional Resonance
The novel explores profound themes of grief, mental health, and the transformative power of love. Sparks and Shyamalan handle these sensitive topics with remarkable care, avoiding melodrama while maintaining emotional authenticity. The story examines how love can transcend the boundaries between life and death, questioning whether emotional connections can survive physical separation.
Mental health representation receives thoughtful treatment throughout the narrative. Tate’s journey from depression and psychiatric treatment to gradual healing feels genuine and respectful, never trivializing the challenges of mental illness. The novel suggests that healing often requires accepting help from others and remaining open to unexpected connections.
The Cape Cod setting becomes almost a character itself, with its windswept, melancholic atmosphere perfectly matching the story’s exploration of grief and supernatural mystery. The historic bed-and-breakfast serves as more than just a location—it becomes a liminal space where the living and dead can interact.
Supernatural Elements and Mystery
Shyamalan’s influence shines through the novel’s supernatural elements, which build tension without overwhelming the romantic core. The mystery surrounding Wren’s death involves jealousy, greed, and small-town secrets that gradually unravel as Tate investigates. The “Night” scenes, where Wren’s death replays horrifically in the haunted bathroom, provide genuine chills while maintaining the story’s emotional foundation.
The supernatural aspects feel meaningful rather than gimmicky, serving the larger themes of love conquering death and the importance of finding closure. Board games become an innovative communication tool between Tate and Wren, demonstrating the authors’ creativity in developing their otherworldly romance.
Writing Style and Pacing
The collaborative writing style successfully merges Sparks’ warm, character-driven approach with Shyamalan’s atmospheric suspense. The narrative maintains emotional authenticity while building supernatural tension, creating a unique tone that feels both familiar and fresh.
However, some reviewers note pacing issues, particularly in the opening quarter where exposition occasionally feels heavy-handed. The romance, while central to the story, develops with the rapid intensity typical of Sparks’ work, which may feel rushed to readers expecting more gradual relationship building.
Strengths and Weaknesses
“Remain” succeeds in several key areas. The emotional core remains strong throughout, with Tate’s healing journey providing genuine character development. The supernatural mystery maintains reader engagement without overshadowing the romantic elements. The Cape Cod atmosphere effectively supports both the romantic and mysterious aspects of the story.
The novel’s treatment of mental health deserves particular praise for its sensitivity and realism. The relationship between Tate and Wren, despite its supernatural nature, feels emotionally authentic and moving.
However, the book faces some challenges. Several critics found the mystery predictable, with the central twist becoming apparent before the reveal. The supporting characters, while functional, sometimes lack the depth of the protagonists. Additionally, some dialogue occasionally feels forced or unnatural, particularly in exposition-heavy early chapters.
Critical Reception and Reader Response
Professional critics have offered mixed but generally positive responses to “Remain.” Reviewers praised the thoughtful characterization that makes “suspension of disbelief easy,” while noting that the romance proves stronger than the mystery elements. The novel was described as “atmospheric” and “emotional” while acknowledging its uneven pacing.
Reader reactions on various platforms show appreciation for the unique collaboration, with many praising the blend of romance and supernatural elements. Some readers expressed surprise at how well the two authors’ styles complemented each other, while others found the supernatural elements either too subtle or not frightening enough.
Cinematic Potential
“Remain” clearly anticipates its film adaptation, scheduled for October 2026 with Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor in the lead roles. The novel’s atmospheric descriptions and visual storytelling suggest strong cinematic potential, with many reviewers noting the story’s inherently visual nature. Shyamalan’s background in filmmaking likely influenced the novel’s structure and pacing, creating scenes that seem designed for the screen.
Final Verdict
“Remain” represents a successful experiment in literary collaboration that transcends its authors’ typical genres. While not without flaws, the novel offers a unique reading experience that combines heartfelt romance with supernatural mystery. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will find his characteristic emotional depth and romantic sensibility, while M. Night Shyamalan enthusiasts will appreciate the atmospheric tension and mysterious elements.
The book works best for readers willing to embrace both romantic and supernatural elements without expecting either to dominate completely. Those seeking a traditional Sparks tearjerker or a full-blown Shyamalan thriller might find the hybrid approach less satisfying, but open-minded readers will discover a genuinely original story about love, loss, and the possibilities that exist between life and death.
