So good. Great writing. Great narration.
And it’s funny our lead character isn’t a fan of audio books. I forgive her, but suggest she read, er, listen to her own.
If you are a middle-aged adult, particularly one with adult children or children who are getting close to adulting, this will connect in profound ways.
The format — all exchanged letters between a multitude of characters — requires a higher level of attention. You’ll likely look at your phone (or screen in car) a few times to double check who’s writing/who’s receiving and the date. That’s because you’ll care about the nuances, the subtle words that are firmer than what’s conversational because they are formally considered, edited and recorded for the record. You’ll see characters screw up in real time… and the resulting regret after thorough introspection.
The central tragedy is profound. My guess is that more than a few listeners shed tears of empathy, either lived through or merely feared. And Evans does something I so appreciate… she doesn’t lose track at the end, tie a bow or leave us hanging and uncertain. She’s sharp and on-point with beautiful prose and you’ll conclude your listening with a “thank you,” as I did.