The Keeper of Lost Things
A Novel
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Full of character, wit, and wisdom, The Keeper of Lost Things is heartwarming tale that will enchant fans of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, Garden Spells, Mrs Queen Takes the Train, and The Silver Linings Playbook.
Lime green plastic flower-shaped hair bobbles—Found, on the playing field, Derrywood Park, 2nd September.
Bone china cup and saucer—Found, on a bench in Riveria Public Gardens, 31st October.
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. Brokenhearted, 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?
A charming, clever, and quietly moving novel of of endless possibilities and joyful discoveries that explores the promises we make and break, losing and finding ourselves, the objects that hold magic and meaning for our lives, and the surprising connections that bind us.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Anthony Peardew spent his life collecting lost items and hiding them away. When he dies, he leaves his home to his housekeeper, Laura—along with the task of reuniting countless objects with their rightful owners. Ruth Hogan’s intriguing debut novel weaves together multiple storylines with delicacy and a hint of magic. Her cleverly structured story follows Laura’s journey in tandem with that of Eunice, a publisher’s assistant with more than a few connections to Anthony. We love the book’s miniature vignettes and colorful characters and settings. The Keeper of Lost Things is a very enjoyable read.
Customer Reviews
Found
Very enjoyable
Excellent read
A jewel of a book about the heartache of lost love and unexpected friendships along the journey of life.
More than a ghost story
Delightful ghost story with a great back and forth to the past and present. I loved the character of Sunshine and her honesty.