Customer Reviews

The Letters

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Sam and Hadley West have lost their precious son in an accident in the wilds of Alaska and they both deal with their loss in different ways. Sam who is a sports journalist chooses to make the long journey to the place where their son lost his life. Hadley finds solace in a haunted cottage off the Maine coast. Their loss has changed their relationship and while they are both on individual spiritual journeys to put their son's death into prospective they wait for the finalization of their divorce. And yet the two of them exchange letters voicing what they could never say face to face. Through the letters they recall the happier times, the reasons why they married and as a result the love that they once shared. But is it too late for them as a couple?

This story is without an emotional rollercoaster. This title touches on some very heavy issues, redemption, grief, forgiveness and regret. If you tend to cry during Hallmark commercials you may want to have a box of Kleenex handy as this story is unabashedly heartbreaking.

This book is sweet and an endearing. It is sentimental and that's not an insult. It reminds us that relationships are hard work and that we all make mistakes. It also reassures that, if we want to, we can find our way back to the one we love.

Sam and Hadley West are stunned to learn their beloved adult son Paul died in a plane crash in a remote part of the Alaskan Arctic wilderness. Instead of helping each other through the grief process, the Wests go their separate ways, each coping alone. As they file for divorce, Sam feels a deep need to visit the exact spot where Paul died; while Hadley runs away to a Maine barrier island turning to painting for catharsis.

Thousands of miles apart, they exchange letters telling the other what they could not explain in person. Each looks back at their long marriage with fondness and love. Sam is nearing the end of his trek, but the most arduous journey begins as he uses a dog sled to go from the last outpost Laika Star to the crash site. Hadley believes her Sam deserted her on a fool's errand until the letters keep on coming explaining his obsession while she responds explaining her obsession.

Soap operish as at times too overly emotional, readers will still relish this engaging look at grieving the loss of a son. Interestingly the tale works because the lead couple comes across as shallow with Sam only thinking of himself and Hadley angry and acrimonious. Over the course of the letters, readers understand what distress and agony can do to caring loving people as grief is a singular journey of the mind and heart.

Harriet Klausner

I was surprised when I saw the average ratings for this book. At first I didn't buy it because of the ratings, but I am glad I did. I thought it was fantastic. I am a big fan of Luanne Rice, and while this is somewhat of a departure from her usual writing style, I found myself rapidly turning the pages to find out what happened next.

The main part of the story is set in the wilderness of Alaska, a place that is mystical, beautiful and at times harsh. I enjoyed getting to know the back story of the two main characters, a husband and wife, going through a difficult time in their marriage.

As in all good marriages, communication is one of the most important tools to keep the relationship healthy. I felt like I was a dear, close member of their family, reading their intimate thoughts and feelings. The honesty depicted in the book is precious.

There are times in a marriage where a traumatic event can either make you stronger or break you, and this book was a good reminder for me, to treasure my loved ones every day.

I have loved all of Luanne Rice's books, but this one just didn't hold my interest. It was interesting in the fact that I did learn all about sled dogs.

I listened to this book on tape. I found the juxtaposition of the two writing styles intriguing. Will it live through the ages as classic fiction? Probably not. However, I did find the premise captivating, the use of words elegant, and the story compelling. I was touched emotionally and was not sorry at all to have spent time "reading" this book.

I could not put this book down. Nothing will tear a marriage apart like the death of a child. This book had so many passages that I wanted to underline and show the father of our son who had died, however since it was a library book I could not. But it is a book I will purchase. Many passages described the feelings I had and still do have....the eternal agony of loss. This is not something you get over, but something you learn to live with. A wonderful read for anyone who has lost a child.

Sam and Hadley have lost a 20 year old son, Paul. This is revealed immediately when the book begins, and is a primary topic throughout. The book is, as it states in the title, is composed entirely of letters written by Sam and Hadley. As they reveal previously assumed long-dead feelings, sprinkled liberally with their individual memories, they take the reader on an in-depth journey through their past. When the end of the letters (and subsequently, the novel) approaches, the reader is left with the sense that a firm resolution between Sam and Hadley has been reached. A short novel packed with emotion, "The Letters" is a memorable read.

Some of the other reviews have called this book "boring" and "slow." Instead, I would call is subtle and realistic. So many books skim over the meat of a relationship and go right to the resolution. However, this book is very real in how the characters try to understand what happened to them in the the wake of unimaginable heartbreak. The voices of the two characters are authentic, as each is written by the author of the same sex. Not only did I enjoy the book, I do not regret paying full price for the hardback. I will re-read it and actively suggest it to my friends and to you.

This was a very touching, poignant love story.Each author brought their own style and emotions into this book,for an inside look into their characters' marriage.