Kathryn Hughes (2)

The Memory Box had me spellbound from start to finish. It's beautifully written, evocative and emotional and absolutely my favourite kind of read.

Jenny is about to turn the grand old age of 100. She's doing so in Green Meadows Residential Home because everybody she ever loved or cared for has gone. By her side is Candice, a carer to whom Jenny has become close. The two of them plan for a trip to Italy to deal with something in Jenny's past which unfolds throughout the course of the show more book.

Jenny is a wondrous creation. She's feisty, sharp-witted and nobody's fool. Her narrative and her inner thoughts, especially about Candice's boyfriend, made me smile so much. But there's also heartbreak in Jenny's story going back to World War II and when Candice finds the memory box full of Jenny's most important mementoes she knows it's time to face the past before it's too late.

The Memory Box is a fairly large book but I didn't want it to end. I love a book which follows a long life, one well-lived but full of the ups and downs that come with it. The author has weaved some real events into the story which really added to the interest for me. Taking us from the relative safety of Wales to occupied Italy and then back to the current day in England, each setting was portrayed to perfection, putting me right there alongside the characters I had come to care about.

There are a couple of surprising turns in the story, one of which had me exclaiming out loud. I think it was testament to the author's all-consuming writing that I felt that surprise so keenly. I absolutely adored this tale of a woman looking back on her long life and the young woman who has barely embarked on hers but for whom spending time with Jenny might just change it forever. The Memory Box is easily one of my favourite reads of the year and is one I won't forget. show less

This is a story of two women living in Manchester decades apart but both with heart wrenching stories.

Chrissie meets Billy in 1939 and just as war breaks out, she finds out that she is pregnant. Billy reacts badly to the news and decides to write Chrissie a letter. Before Chrissie receives the letter she is packed off to Ireland by her strict parents.

Tina is married to Rick and is a volunteer at a charity shop in 1973. Rick is an alcoholic and Tina is a victim of domestic violence. Tina show more finds Billy's letter in a donated suit and she sets out to find Chrissie to deliver the letter.

Part Two of the book focuses on William, Chrissie's son, who was born in a convent in Ireland and adopted by an American couple. William has travelled to Ireland and then Manchester to find his birth mother and joins forces with Tina when he finds her searching for Chrissie to deliver the letter from his father.

The story of Rick and Tina is disturbing at times due to the depths of the abuse and violence and the story of Billy and Chrissie is heartbreaking as Chrissie is ultimately forced to give up her son. I was close to shedding a tear on more than one occasion and I would recommend that you read this book with a few tissues by your side. Kathryn Hughes really brought the characters to life and gave a voice to the story of thousands of women who have given up their babies in convents across Ireland.

I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

THE LETTER by Kathryn Hughes, performed by Rachel Atkins is truly spellbinding! The most captivating, moving and emotional audiobook I have ever read (listened to)—from secrets, loss, pain, sacrifice, and love.

A story of two women whose lives become entwined when one discovers a letter that was written in 1939 but never sent. (never posted; not online posted, but postmarked-stamped). Two powerful stories connect; fate steps in; across history, time, and oceans- for an explosive reunion; a show more love story so profound- mesmerizing; leaving you utterly speechless when you reach the end; a novel and characters, you will remember long after the book ends.

As the novel begins present day, we hear from a granddaughter and grandmother while visiting in the lovely garden, pulling weeds, (symbols for people in our lives-everything belongs). Readers then hear a tragic and heartbreaking story, told from the loving grandmother; her story, how she met the love of her life- as events unfold, which changed her life.

From Manchester in 1973, the story begins with Tina Craig, a young woman married to a violent and evil man, Rick her husband-controlling, a drunk, lost his job, he drinks, smokes, and gambles and beats her. He has two personalities ranging from good to evil. She has been desperately saving her money in order to escape and leave him; as she has no family or anywhere to turn; however, he finds her money in the coffee can, and now she is doomed once again.

Tina has a wonderful caring friend, Graham at work, and he is worried about her. She also works at a charity shop volunteering and enjoys her customers, where she is not worried about everything she says or does. Her husband gives her money to bet (turns out, it was her coffee money); however, she does not do so, but her friend Graham places the bet for her and wins. He gives her the money, and she offers it to her husband and keeps the part she had saved, and moves out. She is finally happy. The race, March 31, 1973 Grand National horse racing, sealed her fate.

However, Rick cleans up his act, gets a job and quits drinking. He wants her back and says he has changed. She wants so much for a family. She is torn and unsure if he has really changed, but she finds herself pregnant from the last violent time he raped her. When she goes back to pick up her clothes, he slowly turns on the charm and talks her into coming back. Her friends do not share in the joy, as they are very suspicious of Rick, doubting he has really has changed. It works for a while; however, soon thereafter his old ways return. She is afraid for her life and her unborn baby. He is drinking again and this time his violence is the worst ever, leaving her for dead, and baby?

The reason for his anger, is due to The Letter. He finds a letter in her purse. A love letter. Drunk, jealous, and enraged. However, little does he know the letter was one Tina found in one of her customer’s coat pockets; a special love letter from over thirty some years earlier from a solider going off to war, to his pregnant girlfriend.

Tina, now broken and alone, is haunted by the letter, obsessed with finding this Billy and his love. If she cannot be happy, she needs to someone to be. Why didn’t Billy post the letter? Chrissie, the pregnant intended recipient never received this letter. Are they still even alive? Little does Tina know this letter will later change the course of her own life. What became of this couple torn apart? Tina is moved by the contents of the letter but also puzzled as why such a heartfelt message was left in a pocket. She vows to find out what became of Billy and Chrissie.

The second story is of a young woman and man, we meet later in the book, back in 1939- Billy and Chrissie. They are in love. Chrissie’s controlling father, a doctor (one evil cold man), does not like Billy, the boy she is dating. When Chrissie tells Billy she is pregnant he is overwhelmed due to the war, and the economy and unsure about their financial future. He leaves; however, later that evening, he begins to regret his harsh words and writes a letter to Chrissie. 4th September 1939. One of love. He declares his love and asks for her hand in marriage. When he stops by her house the next day the father informs him, she does not wish to see him. (Of course, she is unaware of any of this).

Billy tells her father he has written her a letter and since the postal service is having issues, the father says he will deliver the letter, but he does not. He puts the letter in a coat pocket which is found years later by a woman. Chrissie is heartbroken, wondering why Billy has deserted her.

Of course, the controlling father will not allow his daughter to bring shame upon the family name, so sends her off to a commune to live with hateful evil nuns and is forced to give up the baby. Her mother, dad, and aunt turned their back on her. Her baby is adopted by Americans. Two young women's lives destroyed by evil men and separated from their babies.

Years later the boy, now a man has always wondered about his biological parents, so sets off to England to find answers. Chrissie (the biological mother)’s life in England is left empty of the life taken away from her so cruelly.

In his search abroad, William runs into Tina working at the library, and tells her of his search for his birth mother and father. She has The Letter which will connect the two stories. The two of them, strangers, begin the search for the owners of the letter, William’s parents to solve the mystery of a past life.

A letter which caused the death of one child, and the saving grace for another. When the two storylines connect, it is one of the most powerful reunions. Ordinary women who overcome extraordinary heartache. A beautiful poignant ending.

Wow, I am not an emotional person; however, here I was traveling, driving in rush hour traffic with iPod, with tears rolling down my face, to the point I could barely see. The reunion scene was the most emotional and vivid scene, making you feel as though you were there. Rachel Atkins' performance was award-winning, even her voice was broken, and cracking, as she was speaking. I was literally hanging on every word, feeling the powerful emotion, pain, and feelings.

Hughes and Atkins were in perfect sync. Hughes writing is amazing, and the way she created both storylines with pitch perfect pacing, and fabulous character development. Please, let this be the narrator for the next book. While in Costco, I finished the book, and re-listened to the last four chapters on the way home once again. It is that powerful; highly recommend the audio version.

Not sure how I missed this stunning book along the way, however, I stumbled upon the audiobook (released May 7, 2015) on Audible and was hooked the first five minutes to the end. Could not put it down until I finished. (Oct 18, 2015 Paperback)

Hard to believe this is a debut! Can understand why it hit number one on the Amazon Kindle Chart, spending 130 days in the top 100 with 2,000 reader reviews. I have since read, world rights including film have been attained from this self-published book (I want a front row seat), and cannot wait for her second book, coming in 2016. A definite pre-order. Kathryn Hughes has a rare talent, and trust me when I say, this gal can write and oh, can Rachel Atkins perform!

A thought-provoking novel, The Letter, a 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. My Top 30 AudioBooks of 2015, Hughes has been added to my favorite author list. SCORE 5 Stars+

For readers who enjoy historical fiction and a suspenseful love story, recommend, The Particular Appeal of Gillian Pugsley by Susan Ornbratt. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1177817599 show less

The story of two (2) women who have suffered abuse in different ways and are brought together unexpectedly by a letter left in the pocket of an old suit donated to a charity shop. The novel is at times heart wrenching, at times inspirational, and most of all a compelling, page-turning, riveting read that has an enduring message of hope, friendship, and love. In that way, it reminded me of all the emotions felt as I read "The Baker's Daughter" by Sarah McCoy and particularly one of the quotes show more from that novel as follows:

“I've never been fooled by the romantic, grand gestures. Love is all about the little things, the everyday considerations, kindnesses, and pardons.”

After reading this novel, it is difficult to perceive that this is the author's first novel. One can only hope that Kathryn Hughes will never stop writing.

Following the author's acknowledgements, there is a section entitled, "Bonus Material" which is a "Conversation with Kathryn Hughes," a series of questions and answers which give meaningful glimpses of the true 'art' of the writing and background of story development. This is followed by a brief biography which again adds to the reading experience in a heartwarming and satisfying way. show less