I didn’t write a book of the month post last month because with all the traveling that I did in September, I only finished reading one book and it wasn’t one that I would highly recommend.

The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant

Kayte Nunn

Three storylines about three very different women gradually come together in this engaging novel which I found difficult to put down.

In 1951, Esther Durrant, a young mother suffering from severe depression, is committed to an isolated mental asylum by her husband who has no idea how to cope with her anguish. There she is cared for by a pioneering psychiatrist who normally only treats men who are suffering from war-related traumas, but who agrees to take her on as a favour to her husband, his long-time friend.

In 2018, marine scientist, Rachel Parker, comes across a stash of hidden love letters while involved in a research project on the Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago off the southwest coast of England. Captivated by their contents, she determines to track down their intended recipient.

Meanwhile, in London, 23-year-old Eve Ambrose is caring for her elderly grandmother, who is recovering from a broken hip, and helping her write her memoirs. When she is contacted by Rachel, the three storylines begin to merge and secrets that were kept hidden for more than six decades are revealed.

In addition to the three women, a substantial cast of secondary characters come to life on the pages of this novel. It’s a story of love, loss, and sacrifice with a bit of mystery and adventure thrown in. Definitely an enjoyable read!