A review by kba76
The Library of Heartbeats by Laura Imai Messina

emotional informative reflective 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

Another exploration of love and grief, poignant yet understated. Very much a slow-burn read.
Our main character is an illustrator, dealing with the loss of his wife and son. He has returned to his hometown to sort out the affairs and house of his recently deceased mother. During the time he is at the house he befriends a local boy, sharing their stories of the woman they knew.
For a substantial part of the book we are simply watching the unlikely friendship between these two characters unfurl. As we draw near to the end they make a trip to the island of Teshima, where there is a library housing an archive of heartbeats. During this trip our main character makes a discovery that allows him the chance to start moving forwards.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.