Review of 'The House of Lost Whispers' by Jenni Keer

Review of 'The House of Lost Whispers' by Jenni Keer

Release dateL April 27th, 2025

Publisher: Boldwood Books

REVIEW

The House of Lost Whispers (aptly titled) by Jenni Keer is an amazing, creative and exciting display of historical fiction and magical realism. Set in the past and drawing upon the Titanic disaster and the First World War, this complex novel captured my imagination and heart— hook, line and sinker with its powerful delivery, fascinating plot and intriguing characters! Let’s not forget the haunting romance between Seth and Olivia that crosses time and universes! My emotions were riding high and sometimes I felt like a rudderless ship tossed about the waves with all the twists and turns as I watched their dilemmas unfold. But thankfully the author navigates us well and we eventually come to a peaceful hum when waters quiet in the wee hours of a seemingly endless night of trauma.

I love Jenni’s novels and coupled with my interest in the Titanic, I knew this was going to be a rollicking ride. In our current world, the ill-fated ship has met its end on its maiden journey, along with taking down countless lives of its passengers. Olivia Davenport’s parents were on that ship and did not survive. She was meant to be on that voyage as well but circumstances prevented it which ends up being a blessing as this means her life was spared. But she is a child when it happens and losing her parents is a tragic and terrifying experience. She is a creative, imaginative girl with qualities and gifts similar to her parents—particularly like her father who is a famous novelist. It is into this area of creativity she plunges for refuge and as a way of working out her emotions.

Initially when Olivia is orphaned, after the death of her parents on the Titanic, she is taken in by her guardians, the Fairchilds. They live in a Jacobean mansion called the Merriford Manor and Mrs Fairchild begins to think of her as a daughter among her four sons who all grow to love their ‘new’ sister. Despite the love and attention she receives from the entire family, she still feels alone, until one day she hears a voice coming from the other of side of the wall in her tower bedroom. At first she thinks it is her imagination— a way her mind tries to deal with her grief. But when she is older, in her twenties, and the war has come and claimed so many of the Fairchild men, she begins to realise there is something unusual happening in the tower. The voice of Seth becomes her lifeline, a great comfort as they share their hearts, disappointments and dreams. During this time of getting to know each other, much to her amazement, she learns he lives in a world where the Titanic has not sunk. This means there may be other people she loves still alive. As she tries to grapple with this new reality, the frustration mounts as how will she cross from her world into Seth’s?

This is a stunning novel that is my number one favourite now of Jenni Keer’s. I devoured this beautiful heart-crushing story. From the first page, I fell head first into this realistic magical realm and never once slowed down. The pacing is excellent as it continues to spin and weave plots that leave your head swirling! There are some magnificent surprises and a number of tragic ones, too. This is a magnificent, well- crafted complex story. I will shout it from the rooftops of how much I loved The House of Lost Whispers for I cannot praise it enough! Loved, loved, loved it immensely. Such a clever, creative and captivating read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.