mike_morse 's review for:

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

3.0

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I had a lot of problems reading this book because the chapters jump all around in time and viewpoint, and tense. Some of the chapters start with the date, which helps, but not enough if you’re on vacation and you read a chapter here and a chapter there. Maybe if you read the book straight through it would be easier. Also, much of the story is told twice, because a lot of the story hinges on letters between the lovers (hence the title). First, you see the letter, then you read about the background, which I found a little annoying, although it did help me follow the story. This is a book of missed connections, so there is a bit of suspense, will they get together or not. Of course you’re hoping they will, but part of me was saying, really, what does he see in her. It’s not really enough for me in a love story for the characters to state their undying love for their soul mates. I really want to read something that makes me think they are kindred spirits, and except for the mind-blowing sex, I didn’t find it convincing here. Also, much of the book is set in Europe in the 1960’s, and the female character is set in a marriage in which she is just a figurehead for a wealthy man. In other words, her main job in the marriage is to go to business functions and look good. Otherwise, there are servants to do everything. I couldn’t really relate to that lifestyle. I guess it did exist, but so far from my experience that I couldn’t make it real for me.