Keeper of Lost Things is not the type of novel I would choose to read as the descriptions on the (beautifully designed) cover of ‘charming’, ‘exquisite’ and ‘wonderful’, may actually have put me off – too whimsical. However… the very first paragraph drew me in. What a brilliant start to the book! I immediately wanted to read on and I am delighted I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and enjoyed getting to know the characters (although there was – am I a bit dim? – a slight element of initial confusion between the parallel characters of Laura/Anthony and Eunice/Bomber). Once I had got to grips with the personalisations, I loved the way the plot gently unfolded, each story intermingling every so often with the other.
The portrayals were so well described that I could picture Anthony and Bomber, a little less so with Laura and Eunice. Sunshine was a bonus and although I don’t know anyone with her syndrome, she came over as being very believable and added a good dimension to the story line (I still smile at ‘the lovely cup of tea’), the dogs too!
The description of Bomber’s parent’s descent into severe memory loss and old age was sensitively written and I actually felt sad when it became obvious that the same fate awaited him.
I did not really enjoy the power of Therese. I don’t enjoy anything ‘ghosty’ and hoped that her involvement would be minimal but of course, she was the central thread weaving in and out of each chapter. Suspending belief (non-belief?!) with Therese’s antics, I was delighted when, at the climax of the story, everything came together and Therese could rest in peace with Anthony.
I could see this book becoming a film, along the lines of ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, especially the dreaded Portia (who was probably misunderstood…?!) – the next big romcom?
My question to Ruth (and many congratulations for an amazing first novel) would be ‘how did the premise for the storyline come to you? Did you find something and wonder about the story behind its loss?’
Many thanks, Gransnet, for a really good read
What do you wear Christmas Day, actively hosting?