Book Review | Ruth Hogan's The Keeper of Lost Things

Ruth Hogan's The Keeper of Lost Things

"Anthony Peardew is the Keeper of Lost Things. Once a celebrated author of short stories, now in his twilight years, Anthony has sought consolation from the long-ago loss of his fiancée by lovingly rescuing lost objects--the things others have dropped, misplaced, or accidentally left behind. Realising that he's running out of time, he leaves his beautiful house and all the collected treasures to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, the one person he trusts to fulfil his legacy and reunite his lost objects with their rightful owners.

Recovering from a bad divorce, Laura is in some ways one of Anthony's lost things. But when she moves into his lovely old Victorian mansion, her life suddenly begins to change. Anthony's final wishes set in motion a most serendipitous series of encounters as Laura sets out to realise Anthony's last wish: reuniting his cherished lost objects with their owners."

This isn't the sort of novel I would normally pick up but I liked the sound of it after reading Charlotte's post so I added it to my goodreads. Fast forward a few months and I was looking for inspiration so decided to give it ago and I'm very happy I did.

The book centres around Laura while she tries to find her place in the world and fulfils Anthony's last request. You want the very best for Laura from the very beginning which is probably why I enjoyed the book so much. Sunshine, a young woman with downs syndrome, was a wonderfully written character and a beautiful addition to the story.

Normally short stories aren't for me but the ones peppered throughout this book are another asset to the story and a great insight into the 'lost things' that affected Anthony's life. Within the book there is a tale about another couple which is equally well written and moving but I won't spoil that for you.

I urge you to read Ruth Hogan's debut novel - I now want to read some more of her work.

Books I Have Read This Year