Books

The Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

The Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan is an absolutely charming contemporary tale about life and love.

Love is the greatest gift we can ever give or receive. Much love is to be found within the pages of the novel. There is a love that says I will care for you in sickness and in health. There is a love that says I love you because of your differences. And there is a love that says I love you beyond the confines of the grave. The whole novel is a celebration of love.

There are a wonderful mix of characters including an aging author, a young divorcee and a young lady called Sunshine with Downs syndrome. She really is a breath of fresh air, very kind and remarkably perceptive. Some of the things she says are very touching and others are extremely funny.

People lose items. Others find them and make it their ambition to reunite owners with their lost things.

The house, Padua, is almost a character in its own right. It is a house of peace and quiet and healing. “Padua was more than just a house; it was a safe place to heal… for licking your wounds, drying tears and rebuilding dreams.”

There is a character who has ambitions to be a novelist. The parodies of famous novels are hilarious, especially when you are familiar with the actual novels.

Within the tale there are also some delightful short stories surrounding the lost objects.

The Keeper Of Lost Things was positively wonderful, a real feel-good read that injects some serenity into the life of the reader as we are left smiling.

JULIA WILSON