Synopsis: It is 1960. When Jennifer Stirling wakes up in the hospital, she can remember nothing-not the tragic car accident that put her there, not her husband, not even who she is. She feels like a stranger in her own life until she stumbles upon an impassioned letter, signed simply “B”, asking her to leave her husband.
Years later, in 2003, a journalist named Ellie discovers the same enigmatic letter in a forgotten file in her newspaper’s archives. She becomes obsessed by the story and hopeful that it can resurrect her faltering career. Perhaps if these lovers had a happy ending she will find one to her own complicated love life, too. Ellie’s search will rewrite history and help her see the truth about her own modern romance.
Review: I heard many times about Jojo Moyes and the opinions I’ve seen of her books have been awesome. I knew that it was about time for me to start reading one of her novels. However, for this, I was waiting to have a summary that would really please me and it happened with The last letter of your lover. The story seemed really interesting and I always find it very intriguing to see an author mixing past and present in the same novel. I must say that I now understand all the praises as I had a great time there and the author’s writing style is a delight to discover and to follow.
Ellie is a young woman of our time who has a relationship with a married man. Despite what everyone says about it, she loves him and it’s hard for her to believe that he will not leave his wife for her. A stereotype you will surely say, but all relationships are different, so why not this one? Living as a journalist, she has to write an article with documents collected from the archives. This is also where she will fall on letters that will resonate in her and that will take us away at the same time. We also discover Jenny Sterling, a young woman living in the 60s and whose beauty has charmed many. Jenny is married to a very rich man, but that does not make her necessarily happy in her marriage and her meeting with Anthony makes her realize that there may be more than that. But it is a story of cursed lovers that we follow here, a story that touches our heart and splits it. A story that we follow, hopping that it will end well and yet life is always there to put obstacles in their way. The first one? An accident makes Jennifer amnesia. Jenny… Oh poor Jenny … Everyone is expecting to see the woman she was before, and that means the happy wife of her husband. That’s why she is now confined to this role. But our heroine wants more, she does not know who she is, she does not know what’s going on and plays the role entrusted to her while trying to change her image. This is certainly the case until the discovery of these letters, some passionate letters from a man. A man she does not remember anything about in fact but the words touch the deepest part of herself. Jennifer is going to try to collect the pieces of her life, to find out what everyone is hiding and to finally live. But is it even possible?
I really had a great time with this story. Jenny and Anthony really touched me and their history is so complicated and tortuous. I was carried away by their emotions, their letters, their hopes, their desires. We’re taken very easily by the story and we’re hoping that all will end well for them. Yet nothing is ever easy and I have to say that they really suffer both. The letters are also very moving and it’s true that I was looking forward to read more and to know the end of the story of the two lovers. Of course everything comes in due time and it is true that I was quite impressed with everything they had to overcome to live as they wished. Many times missed, false beliefs and obstacles.
One thing is certain, the writing of the author is a real pleasure to read and to follow and I am very curious to read more and therefore to immerse myself in another of her stories. I had a great time as I have said and I can only advise you to start it too. I’m sure you will not be disappointed!
blodeuedd
I have heard so many things too. I think I have read one, but I want to read more
Melliane
I hope you’ll try soon!
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Not sure that storyline is quite for me but you have me curious about her writing 🙂
Melliane
it’s beautiful
Beth
I read this last year, and it made my cry SO MUCH. It’s not my favourite by Jojo Moyes (I preferred Me Before You and One Plus One), but it is worth a read.
Beth x
Melliane
I need to try these ones I think too
Emma @ Never Judge a Book
Oh my mum loves these books, and I always say to myself these days I need to get into some adult books, I just seem to not want too. I’m too addicted to YA. Lol. But I really must stem from it soon. I’m so glad you gave this a high rating, she really is a brilliant writer I think from what I’ve heard. Great review, Melliane. 🙂
Melliane
Ah that’s for sure that YA and adult are different but in some it’s not that much.
Kirsty-Marie
Glad you were so connected with the story and loved the characters, I haven’t read one by the author yet, but thanks for reassuring all the good things! 🙂
Melliane
you should try, everyone is loving her
Silvia
Never heard of this before, but it sounds different and very interesting. I’m glad you had such a wonderful time with this book, Melliane!
Melliane
yes it is, I loved it!
Braine
I want to read her work and those Rosie Project books. This is quality stuff
Melliane
yes I keep hearing that!
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
Ooo this sounds like something my mother in law would absolutely love! Definitely going to pass on your recommendation to her Melliane. So glad you’ve found a new favorite in Jojo Moyes!
Melliane
I hope she’ll love it as well if she tries.
kindlemom1
This is another author I have heard so much about and just really need to try. I am so glad you loved this!
Melliane
thanks! I was great
Ramona
Haven’t read Ms. Moyes, and it sounds like I should be ashamed of myself for it. The story, or perhaps your impression of her writing, sounds special. And special is rare nowadays, in a market overflowing with books… Thanks for bringing her to my attention, I’ll make time to read her <3
Melliane
I think you could really enjoy it as well.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I haven’t read anything by this author either, but I’ve heard many, many great things and the fact that you were so happy with the writing and that you gave it 5 stars is certainly a point in their favor.
Wonderful review!
Melliane
yes I was really happy about this one!
ShootingStarsMag
That’s great you loved this one. I really want to read a book by this author too. I think I’ll try Me Before You; it sounds awesome.
Heidi
Here is another author I need to read. I have so many great things about other books by her. I will be kicking myself if I don’t try her soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Such a lovely review. I have heard so many wonderful things about this author, and actually have her on my list of authors to try in 2015…yay me. I love the synopsis and your thoughts on the story and characters have me adding it to my growing wishlist!
Lola @ Hit or Miss Books
WOOT, a five star book!! Been some time since I last saw one on your blog 🙂 Just finished a five star book myself!! *high five* Always a pleasure to read books that suck you in their story. Wonderful review, Melly xoxo
Missie
I have only read one of Jo Jo Moyes books and I loved it. I will have to check this one out
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Haven’t heard of this one, but it seems like a more elegant and refined telling of the amnesia-after-an-accident theme. It’s not my usual type of book, but I am intrigued, especially by your rating. Thanks for the review 🙂
Melliane
that’s trie but it’s really well done!
Paula M. @ Her Book Thoughts!
Have you read Me Before You , Melliane? It’s from Jojo Moyes too and it was so good. It made me cry for days! Her writing really is so good and I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I’ll surely add this on my TBR
Melliane
no this one is my first and only one but I really should try!
Carole Rae
I am late in responding (damn laptop dying on me)
But this sounds horribly sad. It will make me feel feelings that I do not want to feel at the moment. So I shall put this on a list for when I am in the mood to feel.
Melliane
Ah yes it’s not an easy story…
Joy // Joyousreads
Oh Melliane! This is really good to hear. I’ve had this book for a while, but have yet to pick it up. I love Jojo Moyes, but the title of this book scares me, to be honest. It doesn’t sound promising as far as HEA is concern. Lol.
Melliane
I’m curious to see what you think of it!
Alise
Sounds like a really great read, I would definitely fall in love with the characters and their story just like you did. The concept itself is somewhat familiar because there was a movie similar to the plot but it doesn’t sound like that was a problem, especially if you feel for the characters so much. Nice review!
Melliane
I don’t think I’ve seen a movie like that so it was ok for me.