Letters to a Stranger

The power of the written word.

Letters to a Stranger is a wonderful and unique book that has the characters interacting through the use of letters, texts and emails. I enjoy reading along as they shared about their lives, gave advice, and helped others with information.

Letter writing and receiving a letter in the mail can be a lovely thing. In this day and age, people rely on texts and emails to communicate. There is convivence and instant gratification in that and yet putting a letter in the mail, waiting, and then receiving one in return can, does and did give people something to look forward to.

Pen Pals, remember those? I remember having a pen pal as a child and it was nice to see a pen pal relationship develop in this book.

In the beginning of this book, it is 1939 and the world is on the brink of war. Seventeen-year-old Ruby is beautiful, full of life and in love with a young man named Edmondo. It is a tough time to be alive, there is danger, mistrust and Ruby makes a decision that means she must keep a secret.

In 2020 Ruby is 96 years old and has become a pen pal to a young single mother named Cassie. There was a mix up at Cassie’s son’s school and her six-year-old was assigned a pen pal. When they receive the letter from Ruby, Cassie writes back to inform Ruby of the mistake and in the process the two women become pen pals.

Cassie’s son has been sick, and she has rented a caravan for them to live in outside of London during the beginning of the pandemic. When not writing to Ruby, she is texting and emailing the man she rented the caravan from and her boyfriend back in London.

This was a heartwarming and lovely book which shows how words have meaning. There is power in the written word. How can be vulnerable and open when sharing. How having someone to share with and help is not only comforting but needed. During a time of isolation, those in this book build bonds, form relationships, support and help each other.

I found this book to be unique, lovely, and heartwarming.

#LetterstoaStranger #NetGalley #SarahMitchell

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.