The Letters

Rating:
Summary: The Letters.
Review: This beautiful story explores the unfathomable questions and uncertainties of death that haunt those left behind through the innocent eyes of a child. While it does not seek to provide answers, it does direct the reader toward an affirmation of both the values of life, and of the compassionate actions of others.

Through her memories, the main character recalls the events immediately following the death of her father, never aware that she was being caringly guided through difficult times. It is only as an adult, and even then, only in the events following the death of a remarkable and rather mysterious, old woman who befriended her as a child that she comes to understand all of these things.

This is a story for teenagers or adults as it addresses some mature concepts, but always with tact or good-nature. It is difficult to believe that the text was translated from Japanese; Cathy Hirano's work here is brilliant. Some understanding of Japanese culture may help in places, but the story can be understood easily, and its meaning will not be lost.