Rainey’s grandmother makes a startling request: Take me home. To Ireland, the country she fled post–World War II. Though they’re inseparably close, Rainey knows few of her grandmother’s secrets. Until they arrive at Aisling—the majestic estate on the southern coast of Ireland where her grandmother was raised—and Rainey discovers a collection of seventy-year-old letters in a trunk.
Dublin, 1945. The Germans surrender, celebrants crowd the streets, and fourteen-year-old Evie meets her best friend, the spirited Harding McGovern. Years on, they are more like sisters when rumors begin that Harding works in the black market trade—a source of wealth that could give her a dream life in America but could also cause great danger. Evie is uncertain of the truth but will stand by Harding, whatever the cost.
As Rainey uses the letters to reunite her grandmother with the past, what unfolds is a never-forgotten story of family, friendship, and love, and the healing that comes from letting go of secrets.
***
“The Lost Letters of Aisling” is a masterfully crafted historical fiction that delves into the intricacies of relationships—be it friendships, family dynamics, or romantic entanglements—layered with elements of mystery and misunderstanding.
One of the highlights of the book for me is the author’s vivid portrayal of Ireland, which immerses readers in the setting and time period, making them feel as though they’re truly experiencing it firsthand.
The seamless blending of past and present narratives, with the povs, adds depth and richness to the storytelling. The parallels drawn between different time periods enhance the overall narrative cohesion.
However, readers should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, as the novel is replete with beautifully tragic moments and haunting scenes that will linger long after reading the book.
While the narrative is compelling throughout, I find the ending a bit abrupt. An epilogue tying up loose ends would have provided a more satisfying conclusion to the story, allowing closure and further insight into the characters’ lives / future.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published on April 1, 2024 by Lake Union Publishing
About the Author
Cynthia Ellingsen is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Starlight Cove series. The Lost Letters of Aisling is her tenth novel. A Michigan native, Cynthia has lived in Los Angeles and Chicago. Currently, she lives in Lexington, KY with her family and two sassy but charming Siamese cats.
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