This is a beautiful and lyrical book. The plot is that of a sci-fi eco mystery thriller - but I was captivated by the poetic use of language and the journey of Lumi as a healer. I am surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did: I would normally be put off by such lyrical use of language, or by time spent on description rather than character or plot. But in the The Monday Letters, I was transported by the descriptive quality of the writing, and the poetic style gave the book a serenity and pace that allowed me to immerse myself deeply into the world.
The main narrative vehicle - Lumi writing in notebooks for Sol on the assumption that he will one day read them - is interspersed with other first person perspective and flashbacks. Other reviewers have criticised this inconsistency, but I found the switch between perspectives to be natural and helpful - and provided some variation where I think a complete reliance on the “notebook” form may have become contrived or tiring.
The plot is intriguing, and ultimately satisfying, although the continued absence of Sol felt contrived once or twice - but this is nit-picking. The development of Lumi as a healer shows a glimpse into a spiritual world that could easily be the basis of other books (other books I would be interested in reading) - and it is this aspect of the book that I was most drawn to and found most rewarding.
I now have that bitter sweet feeling of loss that I get at the end of a particularly immersive book - knowing that I can’t continue to explore the world that Emmi Itäranta has created.
My rating: ★★★★★
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