Scan barcode
A review by bookishpatricia
The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story begins when our protagonist, Libby, meets Frank on the 88 Bus. Frank has been searching for a woman he met over 60 years ago on the same route. As events unfold, we meet more characters who forge a great friendship while embarking on their 88 Bus mission.
Reading The Lost Ticket was a delight. I enjoyed the "soft life" depicted in the novel, the unique individuals bonding over a decades-long (love) mission, and the personal growth that most of the characters gained.
The entire novel leans more towards light reading while having a surprising turn of events and touching on more sensitive themes like family issues, emotional abandonment, dementia, and prejudice based on appearance. I went into this novel wanting to get answers on where "the girl" had gone and whether they were able to find her, but I got so much more than I bargained for. I got 1) likable characters, 2) modern no-spice enemies-to-lovers romance, 3) green flag male character (my fave), 4) diverse characters that somehow work well together, 5) dual POVs, 6) life wisdom, and 7) a very heartwarming epilogue.
I can liken The Lost Ticket to A Man Called Ove, but a more cheerful and optimistic version. If you enjoy a light read that discusses delicate issues gently, then I highly recommend this. If you need a palate cleanser from heavier-themed novels, this is an excellent refresher.
PS: Great story aside, I thought the book cover looks brilliant. I love the pop of color and the character illustrations. I kept perusing the cover in between reading.
Alternative title: The Girl on the 88 Bus
Reading The Lost Ticket was a delight. I enjoyed the "soft life" depicted in the novel, the unique individuals bonding over a decades-long (love) mission, and the personal growth that most of the characters gained.
The entire novel leans more towards light reading while having a surprising turn of events and touching on more sensitive themes like family issues, emotional abandonment, dementia, and prejudice based on appearance. I went into this novel wanting to get answers on where "the girl" had gone and whether they were able to find her, but I got so much more than I bargained for. I got 1) likable characters, 2) modern no-spice enemies-to-lovers romance, 3) green flag male character (my fave), 4) diverse characters that somehow work well together, 5) dual POVs, 6) life wisdom, and 7) a very heartwarming epilogue.
I can liken The Lost Ticket to A Man Called Ove, but a more cheerful and optimistic version. If you enjoy a light read that discusses delicate issues gently, then I highly recommend this. If you need a palate cleanser from heavier-themed novels, this is an excellent refresher.
PS: Great story aside, I thought the book cover looks brilliant. I love the pop of color and the character illustrations. I kept perusing the cover in between reading.
Alternative title: The Girl on the 88 Bus