[simpleazon-image align=”left” asin=”0143121103″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rW9WVjU%2BL._SL160_.jpg” width=”104″] [simpleazon-link asin=”0143121103″ locale=”us”]The Last Letter from Your Lover: A Novel[/simpleazon-link] My review: 5 of 5 stars Are you brave enough to love? The characters in this book must find the courage to love fiercely and honestly despite many obstacles. There’s a subtlety about the writing that at first makes the pace a little slow. But it is a deliberate slowness meant to portray emotions through action and nuance of speech. The effect is an immediate since of mystery, of recognizing something is very wrong but not being privy to what that something may be. Perhaps it is best described as a quiet intensity. As the story progresses, the intensity grows and the reader is enraptured. By turns hopeful and tragic with much frustration and missed opportunity, the story develops palpable tension, anxiety, and anticipation. There are also surprising twists. This masterful way of storytelling compels the reader to race forward to discover the fate of the characters. As for the ending, it was perfect. If you are a romantic, this book is for you.
Favorite words:
unguents : a soothing or healing salve : ointment
deliquescent : tending to melt or dissolve; especially : tending to undergo gradual dissolution and liquefaction by the attraction and absorption of moisture from the air
bacchanalian : like a Roman festival of Bacchus celebrated with dancing, song, and revelry
Quotes:
“She was learning to trust her gut reactions to people: memories could be lodged in places other than the mind” (p.19).
“Her blond hair fell from her head like paint from a pot…” (p.66).
“Their eyes met, and in those few silent moments, he told her everything” (p.104).
“It never ended. Even though she’d thought she’d covered her heart with a permanent porcelain shell, he still found a way to chip at it” (p. 175).
“This is where I should walk away, she tells herself, picking up her glass. This is where any sensible person pulls together the remnants of their self-respect, announces that they deserve more, and walks off to find someone who can give them a whole self, not snatched lunchtimes and haunted, empty evenings” (p. 245).
In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.