Goodreads Review: The Keeper of Lost Things

 

 

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Possibly my favorite book of last year, The Keeper of Lost Things is, for lack of a better term, is an enchanting read. I finished the book in two days; I was that caught up in it. It's romantic, mysterious, simple and a total feel good read (plus the cover is beautiful!).

Little things can hold a great deal of significance. They have the power to hold memories both good and bad. They can bring smiles or tears. Some can have one owner for a lifetime while others are meant to be passed down. Author, Anthony Peardew knows that better than anyone, which is why he devotes his life to finding and archiving random little items he comes across every day. A button, a puzzle piece, a cup and saucer, etc. When he lost he most precious thing a man could have, he spent the rest of his years finding the beautiful within the ordinary.

Laura is lost. The life she had lived for so long comes to an end when she and her husband settle their divorce. Not really knowing where to go or what to do, Laura answers an ad for a housekeeping position for Anthony Peardew. This little job proves to be a miracle for Laura as she and Anthony strike up a wonderful friendship; and Laura meets the other residents of Anthony' home and community. Anthony shows Laura his archive of Lost Things, each seemingly insignificant that has a story connected to it and Anthony's mission to ensure that they eventually are returned to their rightful owner. However, a restless spirit in the house doesn't necessarily approve of this arrangement.

40 years before another friendship is created in publisher Charles "Bomber" Bramwell Brockley and his assistant, Eunice. Over the decades, Bomber and Eunice remain lifelong companions in spite of the in and outs of society and Bomber's greedy sister who seems determined to undermine her brother and his friendship with Eunice.

At some point in time, these two stories will merge together as the little lost things and the stories attached to them come out of hiding and are brought back home.

I loved this book! The individual stories behind the lost items, the friendships and the looming mystery of Anthony's house, all of it kept me enraptured from beginning to end. I finished the book in two days, that's how invested I got into it! The Keeper of Lost Things reminds me of Not a Swan , in that we get caught up in two remarkable stories separated by generations, but both having a great impact on the reader, well they did with me at least.