Author: Ruth Hogan   Publisher: Two Roads   Year: 2017   Pages: 336

Since Spring has officially started, there isn’t better book to celebrate this season as The Keeper of Lost Things. You might think “what do the lost objects have to do with Spring?” Well, everything and starting with the cover! This book is like a flower, it starts off as a little bud and slowly grows day by day. And since is Spring some days are beautiful and sunny, and others are rainy and gloomy. Although, that doesn’t stop it from blooming into a beautiful flower.

Maybe this didn’t make any sense to you, but for me, this book is a celebration of the seasons. I felt as if I was in a spring sunny day smelling the fresh air and all the flowers in my garden, while it was pouring outside. By the way, if the cover hasn’t given away, roses are a theme in the book, and the only thing that could make this book even better would be scented pages. Just a couple of roses perfume spritz and the book would be on point.

Anthony isn’t like any other elderly he is the Keeper of Lost Things. Since his fiancée passed away 40 years ago, he started to collect everything he found lost in the street. He’s hoping that retrieving the objects to the real owners would amend a promise he broke a long time ago. Laura on the other end started working with Anthony at Padua, after an awful divorce, she hopes to find the life she has lost. Now that Anthony’s time is reaching an end, he needs to pass on his mission, and there isn’t anyone he trusts more than Laura. Although, she’s not prepared to learn about Anthony’s past and discover everything about the lost things.

Despite beautifully written this book is very descriptive. I thought this would be something that could throw me off although it pulls me in even more. The way the author grabs a simple detail and enlarge it to give the reader a dipper perception of the scene is gold for me.

“Laura opened the window to let in some air. The roses in the garden below were in full bloom; undulating ruffles of scarlet, pink and creamy petals, and the surrounding borders frothed with fluttering peonies punctuated with sapphire lances of larkspur. The scent of the roses floated upwards on the warm air and Laura breathed deeply, taking in the heavy perfume.”

This is an example of the writing style you find in this book. I much prefer an almost poetic way, instead of being direct and stick to the point. Since I’m speaking about writing, the author also describes some events backwards. For instants, we are presented with something that has already happened, but we don’t know when, so the author takes us back step-by-step until we reach the initial point. To simplify, the author tells a lot of things indirectly, which makes this book very descriptive. From a person that more often than not can get quite bored without much dialogue, if you connect with this book from the first chapter you will fly through it.

One thing that I didn’t know but I want to point out is the dual perspective. The story is told in the present, where we follow Laura and Anthony, and in the past, with Bomber and Eunice. The first time I read Eunice’s chapter (which is the third chapter) I was a bit confused since I wasn’t expecting it at all. To contribute even more to my confusion, it’s a story by itself without any apparent connection what so ever. Although that is something that I don’t mind, actually if I knew from the start it would make me want to read this book even more. Another great surprise is the objects stories. Since they are a huge part of the book, having the stories to tag along with a specific object is a delight.

I’ve read some reviews describing this book as funny, and even though it has a few hilarious moments that will catch you by surprise, I didn’t feel it was a theme throughout. But this doesn’t mean it’s a heavy story. It has some sad moments I’m not going to lie, it made me cry 30 pages to the end, but most of the time you get a heart-warming feeling that is very comforting and makes you happy for reading it. Part of this feel-good mood is thanks to how everything ties up so nicely in the end. There isn’t any loss ends or questions to answer, which makes me feel good.

Another detail that just made my heart sink are the dogs. In this book, dogs aren’t just pets, they are part of the family, and most of all, are characters. I adore how each dog has their own personality, and as a dog owner, I can identify my dog with some of the traits. The snoring, the moods, the constant hunger, and the different tastes that distinguish them from each other. It’s a small part of the book that makes it even better.

One thing that is quite refreshing are the relationships between the characters. In my point of view, this book doesn’t have any romance, instead, it has love. And I’m talking about all kinds of love, by a pet, a friend, a child, and between soulmates. The care and love for another person are much more important than to have a beautiful, romantic, and passionate kiss scene. Even though I love to read cheesy romances, it’s nice to read something that doesn’t focus on a romantic relationship. I rather prefer it centre in the friendships.

In conclusion, if you are a dog person, you should read this book. If you love flowers, you should read this book. And if you love hearing grandparents stories, you should read this book. The truth is, there are many reasons why you should read this book that even that it’s a reason for you to read this book. Have I convinced you yet??

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