Emotive and powerful, Letters to the Lost is a novel that will keep you hooked till the very last page. It is a stunning book in which two characters find each other through their shared pain to build an extraordinary friendship, share words of wisdom, and eventually romance. The following is a spoiler-free review.

Book Blurb: Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope. Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past. When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

Juliet and Declan are very different but fairly likeable characters. They both have their flaws. Juliet is judgemental of Declan’s outward demeanour and past, whereas Declan can be quite passive aggressive. They both, however, manage to add something very meaningful to each other’s lives. The anonymity in their communication is very interesting as they both know each other at school but do not realise this! This enables them to communicate to each other freely and with less judgement. There are many moments in the novel when you think they will reveal or find out who they are.

The book focuses more on their friendship, but romance comes in at the very end of the novel. It is story of friendship turning to romance, which is beautiful in its own way. Overall, this is a heavy read which was well-written and gives a message of hope.

R/T: Rose and Thorn (Please see About section for more information)

Rating: 4/5