Review of 'A Letter from Ireland' by Ann O'Loughlin
Release date: Oct 7, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
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REVIEW
I have been trying to think what to say after reading A letter from Ireland by one of my favourite Irish authors Ann O’Loughlin. I am somewhat speechless. This is a deeply complex emotional story that moved me on so many levels. I was onboard from the first page and carried on the waves of Ann’s words across many tumultuous experiences to the very last page with its delightful ‘sunny’ resolution.
The plot is driven by letters written by a friend who has passed away. This woman, Rosie, who lived in New York, has quite a number of secrets she has harboured for many years. Upon her death, after battling cancer, she unveils all of the most important aspects of her life: what made her happy, sad, fulfilled and unfinished. There is a lot to process for the reader when she begins sharing everything bit by bit through her letters. But how much more traumatic it is to the friends she has written to in order to explain her requests and reasons behind them. There are lots of twists and surprises: some unexpected but appreciated.
It all starts with Rosie’s request that her friends Casey, Debbie and Georgie go to this little island Scarty, off Ireland, where they must stay for two months in a very rustic farmhouse (with an outside toilet) and spread her ashes at the close of their stay in her favourite location. Many questions rise in their minds but Rosie answers them all (mostly) through her letters by the close of the novel. But this is not just an information journey. It is one of discovery for the three women who will battle between themselves and others—even with their dead friend. A number of letters will be sent to them about her life: some revelations will shock, upset and even madden them but other acknowledgments will make them weep. They will not only learn unexpected things about their friend but also a lot about themselves. These truths will give them courage, clarity and a desire for completeness in their own lives. So Rosie’s plan works. She wants her friends to achieve real happiness, take stock of their current lives by sending them to an island without conveniences. To force them to get in touch with nature and ultimately with their own inner voices.
On this journey, these three women meet some lovely Irish friends of Rosie’s. Many wonderful but also confronting things happen as they get to know themselves, their late friend and establish new friendships. The two months brings much needed change, connection and realignment. Irish Dan, May and Shay are intriguing characters who help Americans Casey, Debbie and Georgie adjust to the dramatic land and seascape. As they share their own stories of Rosie, they realise they did not know all of her deep secrets, either. Of course, we all learn what those things were that plagued, propelled and changed Rosie: how she came to this island and the people she loved and lost.
I enjoyed immensely the ‘Letters’ that are shared from late Rosie to her friends. These words are the tangible living pieces or the essence of this woman, written in her last days before her breath expired. The island, too, is a physical representation of her. Through these two things, Rosie’s presence or spirit remains. And although all the friends have many dramas swirling around them, Rosie’s life is the fixed focal point of the plot. But she is the source of their change.
I must add that I never tire of stories that share stories through the words of letters. Thoughts written down by late loved ones always move me. Just as I have looked at the handwriting of my own ancestors and imagined the days they lived, seeing their soul experiences, their names, etc. on paper, it always inspires me. Their physical writings are a tangible link to the past.
A Letter from Ireland is a beautiful, heart stirring, thought provoking story about the importance of family and friends, love, healing, connecting, reconnecting, trusting your inner voice and having courage to live your best life. 5 Heart-Felt Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
