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A review by chaotic_reading
The Book of Last Letters by Kerry Barrett
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you’d had one more opportunity to say something to someone? To make your peace? The Book of Last Letters is a sweet and touching story that explores this human need to offer closure both with ourselves and our loved ones.
Elsie is a nurse working and living in London during the Second World War. Her brother, Billy, died at Dunkirk and her friend Nelly ignores letters from home – Elsie can’t help but think about what is left unsaid and unread by those we love. When she offers to send a letter to the family of a patient, an idea unfolds: she begins a book of last letters, messages to be sent to loved ones of wounded soldiers in the case the worst should happen.
Stephanie is a struggling artist living in present-day London. Like Elsie, last words and unsaid sentiments are haunting Stephanie’s past as well. With an estranged brother and her nan who has dementia, Stephanie is looking for a way to cope. When she discovers Elsie’s book of wartime letters, Stephanie uncovers the intricate and intimate lives laid bare in these letters, and realizes the importance of our final words.
I loved this book right from the get-go. The author writes in a way that is accessible and easy to breeze through, but keeps the reader enthralled with the loveable characters and sensory description of the scene that makes the reader feel as if they are actually there.
The pace of the book was incredibly done; not once was I itching for “The Next Big Thing” to happen. Instead, I found myself nearing the end and not wanting the story to finish. While personally I would’ve read ample more on Elsie and Stephanie, if it were provided, I think the length of this book is perfect.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I think it’s a great gateway if you’re trying historical romantic fiction for the first time. Or, if you’re well-versed already, it’s a loving story to add to your repertoire. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author in the future.
CW: death, mention of rape
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Elsie is a nurse working and living in London during the Second World War. Her brother, Billy, died at Dunkirk and her friend Nelly ignores letters from home – Elsie can’t help but think about what is left unsaid and unread by those we love. When she offers to send a letter to the family of a patient, an idea unfolds: she begins a book of last letters, messages to be sent to loved ones of wounded soldiers in the case the worst should happen.
Stephanie is a struggling artist living in present-day London. Like Elsie, last words and unsaid sentiments are haunting Stephanie’s past as well. With an estranged brother and her nan who has dementia, Stephanie is looking for a way to cope. When she discovers Elsie’s book of wartime letters, Stephanie uncovers the intricate and intimate lives laid bare in these letters, and realizes the importance of our final words.
I loved this book right from the get-go. The author writes in a way that is accessible and easy to breeze through, but keeps the reader enthralled with the loveable characters and sensory description of the scene that makes the reader feel as if they are actually there.
The pace of the book was incredibly done; not once was I itching for “The Next Big Thing” to happen. Instead, I found myself nearing the end and not wanting the story to finish. While personally I would’ve read ample more on Elsie and Stephanie, if it were provided, I think the length of this book is perfect.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I think it’s a great gateway if you’re trying historical romantic fiction for the first time. Or, if you’re well-versed already, it’s a loving story to add to your repertoire. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author in the future.
CW: death, mention of rape
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Rape