Seven Letters is a beautifully poetic novel about love, loss, finding oneself, and second chances. At first glance, it seems like an awful lot to put into one story (and there are a few times where it wanders), but overall, the author does a fantastic job of keeping everything together.
Kate Moreton visits the Blasket Islands (off the coast of Ireland) to research her dissertation. While in the area, she meets Nora Crean, and they take an instant liking to each other. Kate then meets Nora’s grandson, Ozzie. And this is where the story takes off.
As always, you can read recaps in other reviews and get an idea of the plot through blurbs. I’m here to tell you what I thought worked and didn’t work in the book. Fortunately, there is a lot more of the former to discuss.
I liked how the seven letters represented different stages of Kate’s journey. Because that is what this story ultimately is: Kate’s recognition of herself and how she has approached her life. From the first letter regarding her dissertation to the last one sent to her best friend, Milly, the reader can see Kate’s growth and gradual acceptance of her place in life.
I thought that the prologue of the Irish tale was effective. It set the tone that the characters would somehow fit the parable, but the author did this subtly, which I enjoyed. I did guess who Kate and Ozzie were in relation to the parable, and it was interesting to see how the author explored that.
I also liked how the author wrote Ozzie as a little bit of mystery, giving the reader the chance to figure him out as Kate did the same. The characterizations were strong which made the actions and reactions more believable.
There were a few places where the plot seemed to move jarringly in an odd direction. Ozzie seemed especially prone to sudden pronouncements and changes in mood. I understand why the author wrote him that way, but a couple of times, it didn’t feel genuine.
I have traveled extensively, and I very much appreciated how the author was able to capture little moments about travel. For example, I could relate to Kate’s moments on her initial bus tour (I loved that opening). I also loved the observation that Europeans go out to be social and stay home to be alone, while Americans are the opposite. I just experienced that in Spain on a recent trip, and it is absolutely true.
I thought the book ended rather abruptly, which was disappointing. But, in general, I thought it was a well-done commentary on figuring out what is essential in life and being open to new thoughts. I highly recommend this book.
Seven Letters by J.P. MonningerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The theme of this book is set right from the opening Irish tale of love lost due to foolish (or selfish) choices. The author traces one woman’s journey over many years, paralleling the fable from the prologue. I enjoyed reading Kate and Ozzie’s story. I thought the author did an incredible job with detail, especially when it came to the Blasket Islands. Reading those stories made me curious about the realities, and I researched them further; what I found was fascinating. I also liked how the author made the point that there is often another side to people that even those closest cannot see. There is so much truth to that. I definitely recommend this book. For a complete review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary digital ARC of this book.
View all my reviews
