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kristine2221's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
angie_p's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
books_and_cha's review against another edition
4.0
"Our letters have meant so much to us because we have both arrived at the same point in our lives. More behind us than ahead of us. Paths chosen that define us. Enough time left to change."
I loved this book with all my heart. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise of the book was promising - two people writing letters to each other, contemplating the direction their lives have taken? Sign me up!
The book turned out to be so much more than that, though. Each character has such a thoughtful approach to their life, and they express themselves so eloquently, it was such a pleasure to read. Since it is an epistolary novel, I expected the pacing to be slow. What I didn't expect was to savor the letters that Tina and Anders exchanged. I lingered over their thoughts, the way they meditated over missed opportunities, regrets, and little joys in life. I loved reading the growing intimacy of their thoughts and the way they addressed one another. Like the warm moment when the greetings change from "Sincerely, Tina Hopegood" to "Love, Tina."
The book was, in turn, happy, sad, hopeful, comforting but always reflective, interesting and heartwarming. I loved it. I treasured it. As Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor once said, "I want to break it into little pieces, and love them all to death."
I loved this book with all my heart. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise of the book was promising - two people writing letters to each other, contemplating the direction their lives have taken? Sign me up!
The book turned out to be so much more than that, though. Each character has such a thoughtful approach to their life, and they express themselves so eloquently, it was such a pleasure to read. Since it is an epistolary novel, I expected the pacing to be slow. What I didn't expect was to savor the letters that Tina and Anders exchanged. I lingered over their thoughts, the way they meditated over missed opportunities, regrets, and little joys in life. I loved reading the growing intimacy of their thoughts and the way they addressed one another. Like the warm moment when the greetings change from "Sincerely, Tina Hopegood" to "Love, Tina."
The book was, in turn, happy, sad, hopeful, comforting but always reflective, interesting and heartwarming. I loved it. I treasured it. As Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor once said, "I want to break it into little pieces, and love them all to death."
maureenr's review against another edition
4.0
a sweet, short epistolary novel. I love this form, but I know there are some that do not enjoy something made up solely of letters. Of course, the gold standard for this is 84 Charing Cross Road. The only real resemblance is the fact that the two letter writers are in late middle ages - I would say in their sixties? Other than that, the letters go very different places than do the ones in 84 Charing Cross Road.
But...I liked where it went. I think it's best suited for those of us that, as one of the characters says, "More behind us than ahead of us. Paths chosen that define us. Enough time left to change."
But...I liked where it went. I think it's best suited for those of us that, as one of the characters says, "More behind us than ahead of us. Paths chosen that define us. Enough time left to change."
sslinkard's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
jennifermreads's review against another edition
4.0
When Tina writes a letter to a professor, she does not expect a reply. And when Anders replies to Tina, he does not expect her to write again. But a long correspondence does develop and, as they share their despair, happiness, and dreams with each other, a deep friendship grows.
My only “complaint” with this book is the mention in the blurb that “Tina’s letters suddenly cease.” Um, they didn’t cease until near the end of the book … like the very end. It is a pointless addition to the blurb because the story is really about Tina and Ander’s developing friendship and self-growth.
The story packs a gentle punch. The letters are beautifully written and made me long for the days when the only means of correspondence was a pen, paper, and stamp.
My only “complaint” with this book is the mention in the blurb that “Tina’s letters suddenly cease.” Um, they didn’t cease until near the end of the book … like the very end. It is a pointless addition to the blurb because the story is really about Tina and Ander’s developing friendship and self-growth.
The story packs a gentle punch. The letters are beautifully written and made me long for the days when the only means of correspondence was a pen, paper, and stamp.
pianorunner421's review against another edition
5.0
I have read many good books lately, but this one inspired an audible Wow on more than one occasion. I don't often enjoy books written in this style but this is absolutely beautifully written. This is a sink in with your favorite beverage And absorb the words kind of book. Moving without being saccharine coated. So glad I picked this up at the library.
teaandlibri's review against another edition
1.0
It sounded like an endearing and sweet premise: A professor in Denmark whose wife has died and a housewife stuck on a farm in England begin a correspondence via old-fashioned letters. They write about the Tollund Man and begin a friendship told only through these letters. And we learn about their lives, their loves and everything in between.
Not so much. It was a slow book with not a lot happening and characters I didn't really come to care about, either. It was short but felt painfully long--it might be the format. The concept was really nice but in some ways it's a story we've seen before: two lonely people begin writing each other and develop a connection without ever seeing each other in person or otherwise.
I'm sure there are others who would like this book (as seen by the high ratings in Goodreads and elsewhere) but this was definitely not a a must read for me. Library but I'd skip it unless you really like these type of books.
Not so much. It was a slow book with not a lot happening and characters I didn't really come to care about, either. It was short but felt painfully long--it might be the format. The concept was really nice but in some ways it's a story we've seen before: two lonely people begin writing each other and develop a connection without ever seeing each other in person or otherwise.
I'm sure there are others who would like this book (as seen by the high ratings in Goodreads and elsewhere) but this was definitely not a a must read for me. Library but I'd skip it unless you really like these type of books.
annelo's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Simple on the surface, but runs very deep. Perhaps I am just the right age to appreciate its themes, with five and a half decades behind me. I would be interested to know how younger readers perceive it.
I also really enjoyed the archaeological aspects of the story.
I borrowed this book from the library, although I think it is one I would like to own. And I have already requested Anne Youngson’s second book. A truly wonderful find, this author, who wrote her first book in her senior years.
I also really enjoyed the archaeological aspects of the story.
I borrowed this book from the library, although I think it is one I would like to own. And I have already requested Anne Youngson’s second book. A truly wonderful find, this author, who wrote her first book in her senior years.