The Keeper of Lost Things Book Summary

by Ruth Hogan110

TL;DR

Anthony Peardew, a celebrated author, collects lost objects to atone for a broken promise. His assistant Laura inherits these treasures and the mission to reunite them with their owners, triggering serendipitous encounters.

What is The Keeper of Lost Things about

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan is a heartwarming novel about loss, redemption, and the power of connection. Anthony Peardew, a once-famous writer, spends his days collecting lost objects to compensate for a promise he failed to keep. As he nears the end of his life, he bequeaths his house and the collection of lost things to his loyal assistant, Laura. Tasked with reuniting the objects with their rightful owners, Laura embarks on a journey filled with unexpected and touching encounters. The novel intertwines the stories of Anthony, Laura, and a parallel narrative involving Eunice and Bomber, highlighting themes of love, loss, and healing.

The Keeper of Lost Things 5 Key Takeaways

Theme of Loss and Recovery

The novel explores the pain of loss and the journey towards recovery through its characters' experiences, emphasizing that healing often comes through unexpected connections.

Character Development

Anthony, Laura, and Eunice all undergo significant personal growth, driven by their interactions with the lost objects and each other, demonstrating the transformative power of empathy and understanding.

Symbolism of Lost Objects

The lost objects symbolize not just physical items but also lost dreams, promises, and connections, each with its own story that contributes to the healing process for the characters.

Serendipity and Fate

The novel suggests that serendipitous events and encounters are not mere coincidences but integral parts of life's tapestry, leading to meaningful and sometimes life-changing outcomes.

Interwoven Narratives

The book skillfully blends multiple storylines, including the main narrative of Anthony and Laura and the secondary story of Eunice and Bomber, enriching the reader's understanding of the themes.

Top The Keeper of Lost Things Quotes

  • Sometimes, the things we lose have a way of coming back to us, often in the most unexpected ways.
  • All lost things have their own story, and it's up to us to find them and give them their happy ending.

Who should read The Keeper of Lost Things?

The Keeper of Lost Things will resonate with readers who enjoy heartwarming, character-driven narratives that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate stories about personal growth and the serendipitous nature of life.

About the Author

Ruth Hogan is a British author known for her uplifting and emotionally resonant novels. Before becoming a writer, Hogan worked in local government and pursued a career in public relations. Her debut novel, The Keeper of Lost Things, was met with critical acclaim and widespread popularity. Hogan's writing often weaves together themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Her other works include The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes and Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel.

The Keeper of Lost Things Best Reviews

  • One of the most charming novels either of us has read. Don't lose it. Keep it. - Richard & Judy
  • The first book I read in 2017 - and if another as good comes along in the next 12 months, I'll eat my special gold reviewing spectacles. - Daily Mail

The Keeper of Lost Things FAQs

What is the summary of The Keeper of Lost Things?

Anthony Peardew has spent half his life collecting lost objects, trying to atone for a promise broken many years before. Realizing he is running out of time, he leaves his house and all its lost treasures to his assistant Laura, the one person he can trust to reunite the thousands of objects with their rightful owners.

What age is The Keeper of Lost Things appropriate for?

The book is recommended for readers over the age of 13. It contains some adult themes and mild references to sex and violence, primarily in the short stories within the novel.

What is the theme of The Keeper of Lost Things?

The central theme of the book is loss and recovery, explored through the intertwining stories of Anthony, Laura, Eunice, and Bomber. It delves into various forms of love, including unrequited love, family love, and the love of pets, ultimately highlighting the healing power of human connection.