Review of Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Published on April 4, 2017 by Bloomsbury
Source: ARC from publisher for review
Plot Summary for Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Review of Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
I thought Letters to the Lost handled this way more believably than Alex, Approximately. Without spoilers, I will reveal that in this book, one of the characters does figure out the identity of the other, creating a lot of tension in the story. Yes, there was an initial contrivance — as described in the synopsis, Juliet leaves letters on her mom’s grave and Declan just happens to be serving community service at the cemetery. And they attend the same school. But beyond that, the anonymous letter writing worked for me.
Letters to the Lost was also a way darker and more emotionally intense book. Alex, Approximately does have two characters who’ve suffered past trauma, but at heart it’s really a rom-com, while the emotional impact of Letters to the Lost is huge. It features three realistically drawn characters in a lot of pain, and the reader really feels that.
While I’m not a fan of the “romance can heal all wounds” trope, I didn’t really feel that happening here. Declan and Juliet first meet through increasingly heartfelt letters and emails, then form a wary relationship at school without a hint of romance. Their relationship in real life grows very slowly from mutual mistrust to grudging friendship to just the sparks of romance.
The family relationships here were interesting too — widowers, step-parents and foster parents all with varying degrees of emotional warmth and support. I also loved the supportive teachers that appeared in the book!
Really enjoyed this a lot and highly recommend it to those who enjoy emotionally charged stories!
Overall, a slightly more serious take on Alex, Approximately. No wonder I'm sallivating to read both!
Yes, similar premise but this one will give you all the feels!
I don't really fall for covers anymore but this one…so pretty. I'm glad to hear you liked it too! I think I will give it a shot.
The You Got Mail force is strong right now! Geekerrella had a little bit of that too.
For What It's Worth
That's so weird! Haven't read that one….
Love the cover of this one, and your review was in depth. I'm actually itching to read this one from your review! I recently read Kathleen Fuller's Written in Love which also revolves around letters. So loving this theme going on now.
Hope you love it!
gaaaah I feel like I have to drop everything and read this asap >.<
I did love this book, but there was the one OTT moment which I did not feel was necessary. It by no means ruined the story for me, because I was so in love with all the characters. I have heard rumors that Rev is getting his own book too *jumps up and down*
Sam @ WLABB
Agree. But I was willing to overlook that.
What? A book for Rev? That's awesome!
I'm super excited to read this! It seems very enjoyable and I loved Thicker Than Water and have heard such great things about it too! Thanks so much for sharing Jen!
xx Anisha @ Sprinkled Pages
Hope you enjoy 🙂
I really loved this one and am excited to start Alex, Approximately next! Sometimes I don't even read blurbs so I didn't even realize they had similar themes. lol
I'm so excited for this one! Fab review, Jen!
Megan @ http://wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk/
Ha, I do love the You've Got Mail trope! I also love it when books do the blended family aspect well – will probably check out this book soonish. Lovely review!