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Gemma's Reviews > The Lost Letter
The Lost Letter
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by
This is a good and moving story, a light read despite its WW2 backdrop. Everything in the narrative focuses on one central mystery, an unopened letter with a striking stamp. However I had some problems with how it’s told, mostly the very ordinary nature of the prose. I think this is largely a question of taste. I’m not a great fan of simple unimaginative writing. There wasn’t a single sentence in this book that I couldn’t have written myself and I want more from people who write for a living. I suppose if an author doesn’t describe things very well you’re compelled as the reader to imagine the things yourself and I understand the attraction of this. Sometimes over-elaborate description can be annoying, as if the author is trying to seize control of your imagination. Interestingly the book I’m currently reading, The Zookeeper’s wife, is, so far at least, guilty of this trait. If this is underwritten the Zookeeper’s Wife is probably overwritten. It’s also a story where romance is dominant and I’m not a great fan of romance fiction. All in all a bit too tidy, fluffy and light for my taste.
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Reading Progress
June 23, 2017
– Shelved as:
to-read
June 23, 2017
– Shelved
June 29, 2017
– Shelved as:
21st-century
June 29, 2017
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
June 29, 2017
– Shelved as:
world-war-ii
July 7, 2017
–
Started Reading
July 17, 2017
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-11 of 11 (11 new)
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Candi
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Jul 17, 2017 08:23AM
Great, honest review, Gemma. I've read another by this author and felt sort of lukewarm about the writing itself as well.
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Candi wrote: "Great, honest review, Gemma. I've read another by this author and felt sort of lukewarm about the writing itself as well."I felt like I was assembling a piece of furniture while reading it, Candi. Everything fitting too neatly together as if it was conforming to a construction manual. This sensation I had killed off most of the emotion I might have felt otherwise.
Sorry this didn't quite work for you, Gemma. I went back and read my review to see if I mentioned the writing at all . I didn't which means it didn't stand out for me . However, I did love the story:)
Angela M wrote: "Sorry this didn't quite work for you, Gemma. I went back and read my review to see if I mentioned the writing at all . I didn't which means it didn't stand out for me . However, I did love the story:)"I often found myself wishing someone else had written it, Angela, someone with a bit more imaginative flair, because, like you say, the story's good.
Very interesting review, Gemma. I'm not a big romance fan either - although I see I have this one, but it isn't on my priority list, for sure.
Jaline wrote: "Very interesting review, Gemma. I'm not a big romance fan either - although I see I have this one, but it isn't on my priority list, for sure."Thanks Jaline. It's the second Romeo and Juliet novel I've read this year - From Sand and Ash was the other - which replaces the warring families of the lovers with the Nazis. Obviously the Nazis did far worse things than preventing the flowering of young love but this theme seems to be becoming a formula for successful novels and I can't say I'm a fan. I've just seen that of all the novels I've reviewed these two have the highest average rating. Just goes to show how subjective reading is! Also goes to show why authors keep churning them out!
Gemma wrote: "Thanks Jaline. It's the second Romeo and Juliet novel I've read this year - From Sand and Ash was the other - which replaces the warring families of the lovers with the Nazis. Obviously the Nazis did far worse things than preventing the flowering of young love but this theme seems to be becoming a formula for successful novels and I can't say I'm a fan. I've just seen that of all the novels I've reviewed these two have the highest average rating. Just goes to show how subjective reading is! Also goes to show why authors keep churning them out!"Yes, some of these themes are getting a bit worn out. I didn't mind the Jane Austen Project novels at all - in fact, I really enjoyed all of the ones I read. But there weren't two alike: each author chose (or was assigned) one to 'modernize' or re-do with the main themes intact. It was creative and fun to read! I'm not sure about the Romeo and Juliet theme. There was another one that I don't recall the title of - the two young people were on opposing sides of the Middle East conflict and met in the U.S. I think some readers liked it (I haven't read it myself) but the "star-crossed lovers" theme is definitely not my favorite.
It's Romeo and Juliet fighting the Nazis I'm getting tired of, Jaline!
Gemma wrote: "It's Romeo and Juliet fighting the Nazis I'm getting tired of, Jaline!"I hear you, Gemma! :)
I agree with you that either too simplistic or too flowery writing is bothersome. I ended up abandoning the Zookeeper's Wife. Good luck!
Victoria wrote: "I agree with you that either too simplistic or too flowery writing is bothersome. I ended up abandoning the Zookeeper's Wife. Good luck!"I can understand why you'd give it up, Victoria! There are passages that are ridiculously overwritten. I think I've learnt that I prefer overwritten to underwritten though. And the story of The Zookeeper's wife is more mature than this book was. I'm more interested in a husband and a wife trying to keep their child safe than Romeo and Juliet taking on the Nazis!
