Book review: The Letter

By Kathryn Hughes
Published by Headline Review

Synopsis: Tina Craig longs to escape her violent husband. She works all the hours God sends to save up enough money to leave him, also volunteering in a charity shop to avoid her unhappy home. Whilst going through the pockets of a second-hand suit, she comes across an old letter, the envelope firmly sealed and unfranked. Tina opens the letter and reads it - a decision that will alter the course of her life for ever...

Billy Stirling knows he has been a fool, but hopes he can put things right. On 4th September 1939 he sits down to write the letter he hopes will change his future. It does - in more ways than he can ever imagine...

The Letter tells the story of two women, born decades apart, whose paths are destined to cross and how one woman's devastation leads to the other's salvation.

How did this book end up in my hands? It was given as a present to a friend of mine but she didn’t think it was her cup of tea. That was my luck!

Was it a page-turner? Yes, until the very end.

Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? My expectations were met and exceeded.

Did I like the ending? Yes. I thought, however, that the story could have ended leaving some loose ends to avoid feeling a little forced.

Did the book leave me with unanswered questions? I would have liked to learn more about Chrissie’s life between going into the convent and the present day. Even though her story is pieced together by different characters, it would have been nice to read it from her point of view.

Three words to describe it. Moving. Hopeful. Uplifting.

Do I like the cover? Yes, it’s a lovely and delicate cover.

Have I read any other books by the same author? No, not yet.

Will I want to read other books by the same author? Yes, for sure.

Will I be recommending this book? To anyone who will listen and especially those readers who like a book alternating between past and present.