A review by yilda
My Letters To Conceição by Jorge Molina del Callejo

Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

A reflective epistolary novel, My Letters to Conceiçao would be a great read for those interested in introspective literary fiction. I think I began reading this book in a period of time where I personally was more drawn to faster-paced, plot-driven or at least more immediately engaging novels, and thus I decided to stop reading this novel at around 25% of the way through. That said, I did enjoy the writing and the feel of this novel - so I do recommend it for anyone in a pensive mood. 

This novel is very apt at creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere between the reader and the main character and author of the letters, Vasco, who pens these missives to his late ex-lover, Conceiçao. These letters immediately feel personal and their author tangible - I could picture Vasco writing these at whichever hour of the day, at his desk in Cambodia, having to step away from a letter due to the rawness of his emotions, only to write another late in the night. I felt that I knew Vasco.

I think the emotional impact of this novel would depend on the reader - and, perhaps, whether one’s experiences have them identifying more with Conceiçao or Vasco. Regardless of where one lies on that spectrum, I do believe that this book will have you reminisce and think more about love and the various relationships one has with those present in their lives. 

Once again, I personally did not finish this novel, but I did passively enjoy what I read, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a slow/medium-paced introspective literary novel, or who enjoys the epistolary format.