Kathryn Hughes (2)Critiques

Google review: Every so often a love story comes along to remind us that sometimes, in our darkest hour, hope shines a candle to light our way ... Tina Craig longs to escape her violent husband. She works all the hours God sends to save up enough money to leave him, also volunteering in a charity shop to avoid her unhappy home. Whilst going through the pockets of a second-hand suit, she comes across an old letter, the envelope firmly sealed and unfranked. Tina opens the letter and reads it - a decision that will alter the course of her life for ever ... Billy Stirling knows he has been a fool, but hopes he can put things right. On 4th September 1939 he sits down to write the letter he hopes will change his future. It does - in more ways than he can ever imagine ... The Letter tells the story of two women, born decades apart, whose paths are destined to cross and how one woman's devastation leads to the other's salvation.

Thank You to Headline and Netgalley for allowing me to review this wonderful book xx

This book is a wonderful read which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is set in the 1970s and the present day.It is a very moving story which is beautifully written with passion.There are plenty of twists on each page to keep the reader guessing too. I loved this book and read it in one sitting.

Thank You to Headline and Netgalley for allowing me to review this wonderful book xx

This book is a wonderful read which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is set in the 1970s and the present day.It is a very moving story which is beautifully written with passion.There are plenty of twists on each page to keep the reader guessing too. I loved this book and read it in one sitting.

The idea for ‘The Letter’ by Kathryn Hughes is enticing; the lives of two women, forty years apart, linked by a letter found in the pocket of an overcoat at a charity shop. What follows is a dual storyline – about an abused wife and her road to freedom, and a young woman in love for the first time as war breaks out.
This is a story about two couples. In 1974, Tina Craig works in an office during the week and on Saturdays she volunteers at a charity shop to get out of the house, away from her abusive husband Rick. Staying, though she knows she must leave, Tina listens to the advice of friends but continues to excuse and forgive Rick’s behaviour. Until a mysterious letter found in the pocket of coat sets her off on the trail of the people involved. The letter is sealed and stamped but never posted. Why. When she opens and reads the letter she starts to think about Billy, who wrote the letter in 1939 as war broke out, and about Chrissie, the woman who never received his letter.
In the summer of 1939, Chrissie and Billy fall in love in the last days of peace. As Billy is called up, Chrissie faces the cultural judgements of the day combined with her bullying father.
Tina’s pursuit for the truth of the letter leads her across Manchester and to Ireland. Hughes tackles heart breaking subjects – forced adoption, Irish nunneries, bullying parents, domestic abuse – perhaps too many. The ending is predictable via a number of coincidences, facts fall into place and old hurts forgotten. Despite its frustrations, I enjoyed this story though I did long for more showing and less telling.
If you like your endings neatly tied up, you will enjoy this. A good read for holidays.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

This is a story of two women living in Manchester decades apart but both with heart wrenching stories.

Chrissie meets Billy in 1939 and just as war breaks out, she finds out that she is pregnant. Billy reacts badly to the news and decides to write Chrissie a letter. Before Chrissie receives the letter she is packed off to Ireland by her strict parents.

Tina is married to Rick and is a volunteer at a charity shop in 1973. Rick is an alcoholic and Tina is a victim of domestic violence. Tina finds Billy's letter in a donated suit and she sets out to find Chrissie to deliver the letter.

Part Two of the book focuses on William, Chrissie's son, who was born in a convent in Ireland and adopted by an American couple. William has travelled to Ireland and then Manchester to find his birth mother and joins forces with Tina when he finds her searching for Chrissie to deliver the letter from his father.

The story of Rick and Tina is disturbing at times due to the depths of the abuse and violence and the story of Billy and Chrissie is heartbreaking as Chrissie is ultimately forced to give up her son. I was close to shedding a tear on more than one occasion and I would recommend that you read this book with a few tissues by your side. Kathryn Hughes really brought the characters to life and gave a voice to the story of thousands of women who have given up their babies in convents across Ireland.

I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was a late entrant to join The Key blog tour and I thought that I would struggle to read the book in the time given, but I couldn't have been more wrong. No sooner had I picked the book up than I was wiping my eyes after turning the final page. Kathryn Hughes is such a talented author that she effortlessly weaves so much emotion into the pages that even the coldest heart can't fail to be moved.

The prologue is set in 1956 with an attempted dual suicide and murder that made me gasp out loud, but we are teasingly left dangling for quite a few chapters before we pick up this thread again. As we meet Sarah in 2006 we discover the abandoned Ambergate Lunatic Asylum and Sarah is determined to tell its story through a book she is writing. Sarah befriends a homeless young man who is sheltering in the asylum and the pair investigate the empty corridors and empty rooms together. One day they stumble across the attic filled with suitcases and one suitcase in particular is like opening the wardrobe door to Narnia as we glimpse into the past of 1956.

Student Nurse Ellen Crosby is very empathetic and wants to make a difference; her outspoken views often get her into trouble with the sister and the doctor, but I loved her standing up to them to get her point across. Ellen is drawn to Amy Sullivan who is admitted on the same day that Ellen started at Ambergate and is the same age as her. Amy's story is terribly tragic and her misery is compounded as each day of her incarceration in Ambergate passes. In 2006, Sarah traces Amy via Ellen and the whole heartbreaking story is revealed.

I had to brush a few tears away whilst reading The Key; the pain and suffering must have been immense for the men and women forced into institutions, many of them as sane as you or I. It's quite shocking to think that places such as Ambergate Asylum actually existed. Thank goodness for Enoch Powell, then Minister of Health, who promised to close many of these asylums in his 'water tower' speech delivered in 1961.

The Key is a completely heart-wrenching and poignant story that left me completely powerless to prevent my eyes blurring with tears as the story unfolded. It reminded me of the TV show Long Lost Families as my happiness for the characters at the end of the book was coupled with a lone tear trickling down my face. It's a beautifully written novel, inspired by the real-life discovery of a room filled with suitcases in a derelict asylum in Willard, New York. In addition to reading The Key, it's well worth visiting the Willard Suitcases website to read more about this amazing story. I definitely won't forget The Key anytime soon.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The story of two (2) women who have suffered abuse in different ways and are brought together unexpectedly by a letter left in the pocket of an old suit donated to a charity shop. The novel is at times heart wrenching, at times inspirational, and most of all a compelling, page-turning, riveting read that has an enduring message of hope, friendship, and love. In that way, it reminded me of all the emotions felt as I read "The Baker's Daughter" by Sarah McCoy and particularly one of the quotes from that novel as follows:

“I've never been fooled by the romantic, grand gestures. Love is all about the little things, the everyday considerations, kindnesses, and pardons.”

After reading this novel, it is difficult to perceive that this is the author's first novel. One can only hope that Kathryn Hughes will never stop writing.

Following the author's acknowledgements, there is a section entitled, "Bonus Material" which is a "Conversation with Kathryn Hughes," a series of questions and answers which give meaningful glimpses of the true 'art' of the writing and background of story development. This is followed by a brief biography which again adds to the reading experience in a heartwarming and satisfying way.

1973, Tina Craig is married to Rick. Married life is not bliss as Rick is an abusive husband. Tina works all hours she can and volunteers in a charity shop where one day she comes across an unopened letter in a suit pocket. 1939, Billy Stirling writes a letter to his girlfriend Chrissie hoping to put things right.

Sometimes I enjoy reading a book like this as it makes a nice change. The story follows Tina as she uncovers the story behind the letter and the reader goes back and forth between the two time periods. The story itself is quite engrossing and really held my interest. Saying too much more would really give the whole storyline away.

These type of books for me are comfy reads and the sort of story to get carried away in. This one for me I enjoyed. At times the story was raw with the subjects it touched on but at other times I felt it was a little sugary. This for me was the case with the ending. Overall I quite enjoyed the book.

The premise of this book intrigued me from the start, and I did enjoy it, but I found the coincidences to be a little unbelievable by the end of the book. In places, I found it hard to remember time frames and characters and whom belonged to which time period. It's still a good read with likable characters with some interesting history thrown in also.

I needed a quick read and this was it. The story didn't stall anywhere. I could relate to Tina and William as I was once on a quest to find people from another generation. I suggest the book for a #Fridayread or #weekendread as the book moves right along.

Lifetime movie

THE LETTER
Kathryn Hughes

MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️
PUBLISHER March 19, 2015
PUBLISHED Headline Review

A touching intricately woven tale of love, loss, survival and joy.

SUMMARY
Two women, who were born decades apart, lives are intricately woven to create a story of friendship, love and the kindness of strangers that can make a world of difference in a life. Chrissie Skinner lives in Manchester England in the late 1930s. She lives with her controlling parents and in order not to bring shame on the family she is ultimately forced to move to Tipperary, Ireland to live with an aunt.

Tina Craig lives in Manchester in the 1970s and is unhappily married to an abusive and alcoholic husband. She volunteers at a charity shop on Saturdays, and one day while sorting through the pockets of an expensive secondhand suit she comes across an old letter. The letter is firmly sealed, and had never been mailed. Tina opens the letter and finds it was written on September 4, 1939. She's moved by the contents and wonders why the letter was never mailed. She embarks on a major quest to find out what became of both the writer and the intended recipient. The letter had a major impact on her life.

The mystery of how this love letter ended up in Tina's hands is uncovered through Billy Stirling’s story from the late 1930’s. He writes a letter to his love that could change his life forever, but unbeknownst to Billy, that letter will not be delivered for thirty-four years.

REVIEW
THE LETTER is a touching tale of love, loss, survival and joy. The book was immediately engaging. KATHRYN HUGHES has created a page-turning story that will keep you entertained. Chapters alternate between Chrissie, Billy and Tina; and between 1973 and 1939. Despite the various points on view and change in timeframes, the book is remarkably easy to follow. Hughes writing is easy to read. Both Chrissie and Tina’s characters are human, with human strengths and weaknesses; and both grow a great deal emotionally during the course of the book. The ending of the book was throughly satisfying. Overall, it's a creative book and definitely worth the read.

Pensavo fosse un thriller ma invece è narrativa. E' un bel libro, avvincente e con bei personaggi. Il convento è terrificante.

Beautiful yet heartbreaking story of Tina Craig, an abused wife (1970's) and Chrissy Skinner, a doctor's daughter (1930's). How their worlds unite over an un-posted letter written during the war found tucked away in a donated suit. How their lives although years apart; parallel each other, until they unite in a little village in Ireland. At first, I wasn't so keen on Tina, going back to her abusive husband, and giving him all the excuses he didn't deserve, but understanding how she feels that love will conquer all. My heart broke for her and all of the sadness that she encountered. Then years before, Chrissy Skinner, whose father sent her to live in Ireland with her aunt out of the shame she caused her family. 2 women whose heart wrenching tragedies stemmed from loving the wrong men. Listened to this on Audible Audio - The narrator, although pretty good.. sometimes seemed like she was eating or chewing on something which was annoying. Otherwise, enjoyed it. A few loose ends, but would recommend.

THE LETTER by Kathryn Hughes, performed by Rachel Atkins is truly spellbinding! The most captivating, moving and emotional audiobook I have ever read (listened to)—from secrets, loss, pain, sacrifice, and love.

A story of two women whose lives become entwined when one discovers a letter that was written in 1939 but never sent. (never posted; not online posted, but postmarked-stamped). Two powerful stories connect; fate steps in; across history, time, and oceans- for an explosive reunion; a love story so profound- mesmerizing; leaving you utterly speechless when you reach the end; a novel and characters, you will remember long after the book ends.

As the novel begins present day, we hear from a granddaughter and grandmother while visiting in the lovely garden, pulling weeds, (symbols for people in our lives-everything belongs). Readers then hear a tragic and heartbreaking story, told from the loving grandmother; her story, how she met the love of her life- as events unfold, which changed her life.

From Manchester in 1973, the story begins with Tina Craig, a young woman married to a violent and evil man, Rick her husband-controlling, a drunk, lost his job, he drinks, smokes, and gambles and beats her. He has two personalities ranging from good to evil. She has been desperately saving her money in order to escape and leave him; as she has no family or anywhere to turn; however, he finds her money in the coffee can, and now she is doomed once again.

Tina has a wonderful caring friend, Graham at work, and he is worried about her. She also works at a charity shop volunteering and enjoys her customers, where she is not worried about everything she says or does. Her husband gives her money to bet (turns out, it was her coffee money); however, she does not do so, but her friend Graham places the bet for her and wins. He gives her the money, and she offers it to her husband and keeps the part she had saved, and moves out. She is finally happy. The race, March 31, 1973 Grand National horse racing, sealed her fate.

However, Rick cleans up his act, gets a job and quits drinking. He wants her back and says he has changed. She wants so much for a family. She is torn and unsure if he has really changed, but she finds herself pregnant from the last violent time he raped her. When she goes back to pick up her clothes, he slowly turns on the charm and talks her into coming back. Her friends do not share in the joy, as they are very suspicious of Rick, doubting he has really has changed. It works for a while; however, soon thereafter his old ways return. She is afraid for her life and her unborn baby. He is drinking again and this time his violence is the worst ever, leaving her for dead, and baby?

The reason for his anger, is due to The Letter. He finds a letter in her purse. A love letter. Drunk, jealous, and enraged. However, little does he know the letter was one Tina found in one of her customer’s coat pockets; a special love letter from over thirty some years earlier from a solider going off to war, to his pregnant girlfriend.

Tina, now broken and alone, is haunted by the letter, obsessed with finding this Billy and his love. If she cannot be happy, she needs to someone to be. Why didn’t Billy post the letter? Chrissie, the pregnant intended recipient never received this letter. Are they still even alive? Little does Tina know this letter will later change the course of her own life. What became of this couple torn apart? Tina is moved by the contents of the letter but also puzzled as why such a heartfelt message was left in a pocket. She vows to find out what became of Billy and Chrissie.

The second story is of a young woman and man, we meet later in the book, back in 1939- Billy and Chrissie. They are in love. Chrissie’s controlling father, a doctor (one evil cold man), does not like Billy, the boy she is dating. When Chrissie tells Billy she is pregnant he is overwhelmed due to the war, and the economy and unsure about their financial future. He leaves; however, later that evening, he begins to regret his harsh words and writes a letter to Chrissie. 4th September 1939. One of love. He declares his love and asks for her hand in marriage. When he stops by her house the next day the father informs him, she does not wish to see him. (Of course, she is unaware of any of this).

Billy tells her father he has written her a letter and since the postal service is having issues, the father says he will deliver the letter, but he does not. He puts the letter in a coat pocket which is found years later by a woman. Chrissie is heartbroken, wondering why Billy has deserted her.

Of course, the controlling father will not allow his daughter to bring shame upon the family name, so sends her off to a commune to live with hateful evil nuns and is forced to give up the baby. Her mother, dad, and aunt turned their back on her. Her baby is adopted by Americans. Two young women's lives destroyed by evil men and separated from their babies.

Years later the boy, now a man has always wondered about his biological parents, so sets off to England to find answers. Chrissie (the biological mother)’s life in England is left empty of the life taken away from her so cruelly.

In his search abroad, William runs into Tina working at the library, and tells her of his search for his birth mother and father. She has The Letter which will connect the two stories. The two of them, strangers, begin the search for the owners of the letter, William’s parents to solve the mystery of a past life.

A letter which caused the death of one child, and the saving grace for another. When the two storylines connect, it is one of the most powerful reunions. Ordinary women who overcome extraordinary heartache. A beautiful poignant ending.

Wow, I am not an emotional person; however, here I was traveling, driving in rush hour traffic with iPod, with tears rolling down my face, to the point I could barely see. The reunion scene was the most emotional and vivid scene, making you feel as though you were there. Rachel Atkins' performance was award-winning, even her voice was broken, and cracking, as she was speaking. I was literally hanging on every word, feeling the powerful emotion, pain, and feelings.

Hughes and Atkins were in perfect sync. Hughes writing is amazing, and the way she created both storylines with pitch perfect pacing, and fabulous character development. Please, let this be the narrator for the next book. While in Costco, I finished the book, and re-listened to the last four chapters on the way home once again. It is that powerful; highly recommend the audio version.

Not sure how I missed this stunning book along the way, however, I stumbled upon the audiobook (released May 7, 2015) on Audible and was hooked the first five minutes to the end. Could not put it down until I finished. (Oct 18, 2015 Paperback)

Hard to believe this is a debut! Can understand why it hit number one on the Amazon Kindle Chart, spending 130 days in the top 100 with 2,000 reader reviews. I have since read, world rights including film have been attained from this self-published book (I want a front row seat), and cannot wait for her second book, coming in 2016. A definite pre-order. Kathryn Hughes has a rare talent, and trust me when I say, this gal can write and oh, can Rachel Atkins perform!

A thought-provoking novel, The Letter, a story of two women, born decades apart, whose paths are destined to cross and how one woman's devastation leads to the other's salvation. My Top 30 AudioBooks of 2015, Hughes has been added to my favorite author list. SCORE 5 Stars+

For readers who enjoy historical fiction and a suspenseful love story, recommend, The Particular Appeal of Gillian Pugsley by Susan Ornbratt. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1177817599

It was just ok, could have been better but too many coincidences and not enough depth. One for when you are on holiday.

This is a dual time narrative story with a lot of the elements that I enjoy in a book, but I'm afraid this one wasn't for me. In 1973, abused wife Tina finds a letter, written in 1939 by Billy, a young man on the verge of going off to war. He was writing to his love, Chrissie, but for some reason the letter never found its way to her. Tina decides that she wants to try to deliver the letter.

I was looking forward to this book but it just didn't do anything for me. I know it's had a lot of 5* reviews which is great, but I found the writing lacked depth and there were too many convenient coincidences to make the story come together. Ultimately, I just found it all a bit lame.

This book has many heavy topics such as domestic abuse, verbal and psychological abuse, being single and pregnant. Through one letter written years ago a mystery is solved and the truth comes to light. Well written and woven together this book shift back and forth from the past to the present. Tina at the end of the story finds happiness. Hughes has written several books. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

Billy Stirling is a young man in Manchester on the eve of World War 2. He has been seeing Chrissie, the daughter of a doctor and a midwife, a young girl who suffers from her controlling father’s abuse. When Chrissie becomes pregnant, a series of misunderstandings lead to her leaving for Ireland and leaving the love of her life behind.

In 1974 Tina is married to an abusive husband. So she doesn’t have to spend time with him, apart from working Monday to Friday, she works Saturdays at a Charity Shop. One day she is going through the pockets of a donated suit when she comes across a letter. The letter, written in 1939, is still sealed and has never been sent. She feels compelled to find out what has become of the writer and the recipient of the letter, and also to discover why it was never sent.

Tina’s search leads her to places she never imagined she would go; to meet people she could not imagine meeting and to discover the new and unimaginable path her life would lead.

An easy book to read, Hughes has managed to write a story that keeps the reader interested throughout and intrigued to discover the mystery of the letter.

Review to follow.