Pages: 297
Published: 21st February 2017
Genre: General Fiction/Magical Realism
Content warnings: Discrimination
Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. Forty years ago, he carelessly lost a keepsake from his beloved fiancée, Therese. That very same day, she died unexpectedly. Broken hearted, Anthony sought consolation in rescuing lost objects—the things others have dropped, misplaced, or accidently left behind—and writing stories about them. Now, in the twilight of his life, Anthony worries that he has not fully discharged his duty to reconcile all the lost things with their owners. As the end nears, he bequeaths his secret life’s mission to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, leaving her his house and and all its lost treasures, including an irritable ghost.
Recovering from a bad divorce, Laura, in some ways, is one of Anthony’s lost things. But when the lonely woman moves into his mansion, her life begins to change. She finds a new friend in the neighbor’s quirky daughter, Sunshine, and a welcome distraction in Freddy, the rugged gardener. As the dark cloud engulfing her lifts, Laura, accompanied by her new companions, sets out to realize Anthony’s last wish: reuniting his cherished lost objects with their owners.
Long ago, Eunice found a trinket on the London pavement and kept it through the years. Now, with her own end drawing near, she has lost something precious—a tragic twist of fate that forces her to break a promise she once made.
As the Keeper of Lost Objects, Laura holds the key to Anthony and Eunice’s redemption. But can she unlock the past and make the connections that will lay their spirits to rest?
Things get lost, you know. They can be items of immense sentimental value or something altogether more humdrum and inorganic, but they always have some degree of significance, leaving their own unique imprint in our lives. That idea forms the basis of this book and what makes its storytelling so powerful, as it offers a thoughtful, philosophical perspective that envelops the reader in uplifting vibes.
It is rather whimsical, taking place in a microcosm of a world where the characters are a little quirky and larger than life, but written with great affection. Magical realism is also at the heart of things, and despite never shying away from some of the harsher realities of life, the author creates an enchanting atmosphere and injects the story with ample amounts of humour.
The opening line instantly provides intrigue, giving you the sense that this book is going to be fairly unique. At first it is not clear where it will actually lead, but as the plot winds its way through dual perspectives with one timeline set in the past and moving forward in time up to the present day, it impressively comes full circle and the ending acts as a really good payoff.
Given the nature of the timelines, the twist near the end is perhaps one that you should see coming, although it is rather hidden in plain sight. When these pieces of the puzzle slot together, it feels more poignant having gone through the adventure with the characters and being able to make the connection, while it also acts as an extremely fitting way for the two timelines to overlap.
Indeed, this is a very character-driven story where the pace of the plot is relatively slow and serene. It relies much more on introspection than action, with the most of the time focused on exploring the many different relationships. In the case of Laura and Freddy, too much time is spent on them and that is where things did drag out a little and move away from the lost items, but for the most part it was thoroughly engaging to read.
The death of Anthony early on is really sad and just when you think he is going to be the main character, it turns out to be Laura. She has her flaws but the author captures her loneliness and lack of self esteem quite well following her messy divorce, even though the slow-burning romance with Freddy does feel rather convenient. However, what truly brings them together is Sunshine, who lives up to her name. She is a joy to read and her sixth sense for knowing more about Anthony’s collection of lost items is where most of the magical realism comes in.
In the past timeline we have Eunice, who works as an assistant for a charismatic publisher known as Bomber. They develop a very close companionship that encompasses both light-hearted and serious moments, and generally speaking it was wonderful to see such a detailed portrayal of a long and heartfelt platonic bond between two friends. The parts where they read extracts of novels by Bomber’s disagreeable sister Portia will make you laugh out loud.
Some of the nicest sections of the present day timeline are when it references a particular item from Anthony’s office and tells the story of how it was lost. That gives each object more provenance and further illustrates how each one of them has a personal association. It made me think of some of the precious items I have lost in the past and what may have happened to them.
Overall, this is a story that helps make you appreciate the little things in life, with a gentle pace and magical elements ensuring a healthy dose of escapism. Though leisurely and a bit too hung up on the romance of Laura and Freddy, the plot is well crafted with a suitably emotional ending. It has a unique concept and a real depth of meaning that will strike a chord with lots of readers.
Ruth Hogan began writing The Keeper Of Lost Things after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and was undergoing chemotherapy. That came years after studying English and Drama at Goldsmiths University in London and then taking a job in local government. Writing became more of pursuit following a car accident that meant she had to work at home.
The novel was published in 2017 and has been critically acclaimed, nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards that same year. A larger than life character like some of her fictional creations, she lives in a Victorian house with her husband and several rescue dogs.
A little ponderous at times, but largely an enjoyable book which while full of emotional themes, does not take itself too seriously either. A pleasant read for the holiday season.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Stephen Reads Books 