Thursday 12 February 2009

PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

Publisher: Hyperion
Pub. Date: January 2005
Pages: 512pp
Format: paperback
Source: purchased

Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed.
The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world!

I expected great things from this book because the synopsis and everything they said on newspapers and magazines over here sounded extreme. I even asked some of my friends who had actually read it before and they all complimented PS, I Love You. To my dismay, this book turned out to be quite disappointing.

There was nothing wrong with the plot or how Cecelia writes. Honestly, I really loved the story itself because it was touching, heartfelt and made us appreciate the people we love even more. It also dealt with getting over a great loss, learning to live on your own and finding happiness. The story flew from the beginning to the end, maybe not in a perfect way, but nice enough. However, there were certain reasons why I didn't enjoy it. First it was too typical and Cecelia didn't add anything to make the story stand out. Second, there were so many parts about Holly's mourning, therefore it became draggy in the middle of the book. I was a bit sad that there was no climax, like the story could go on and on and on forever.

About the character, I really liked Gerry. My favorite parts of the books must be the flashbacks and the letters he left Holly. He was such a sweet, thoughtful, loving guy who cared more for his wife than himself. I was very touched when I read on how he sneaked out of the hospital to book Holly a trip he thought would make her happy. So, guess whom I disliked? Holly. I knew that she was hurt and depressed after the love of her life had gone but man, she was weak to the point of annoyance. She cried at times I thought she shouldn't and was way to dependent.

Overall this book is an okay one. You may or may not have fun reading this, I cannot tell : |

Rating: 2.5/5

6 comments:

Steph Su said...

Thanks for the honest review! Have you seen the movie version of it? It's supposed to be a so-so chick flick, too, I've heard.

Barrie said...

I haven't read the book, but did see the movie.

prophecygirl said...

I enjoyed the book, and the movie. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read this yet, but I plan too eventually. People tell me it's good. (Well, besides you I guess. .lol.) My sister & mom saw the movie and loved it but the movie didn't interest me enough to watch it.

Bookworm said...

Too bad. The movie looks cute, though!

Lenore Appelhans said...

I found this really touching when I read it. It stands out in my mind as one the great romances I've read.