Postscript

16 years after "P.S. I love you" I would have never expected a sequel to the book I liked very much. But here it is! Wow! I was not sure if it's wise for Cecilia Ahern to revisit this story and its characters, if she could match the quality of the first book. I still wasn't sure after reading the first 50 pages. But as soon as Holly hooks up with the club, I was lost in this beautiful story! In the novel only 7 years have gone by since Gerald has died. Holly has moved on and even found a new partner. But she is also still mourning her loss and the life she couldn't live. The book really feels like a postscript, with scenes featuring Holly & Gerry, with more letters, and with a club of terminally ill people who want to leave their families similar letters and seek Holly's advice and actual help with writing them. But is she strong enough to face the past and all the pain again? I especially liked how Holly is re-evaluating the letters she once received, how she realizes - by meeting the club members - that they have not only meaning for herself but also for Gerry while planning and writing them. I liked the flashbacks into the past of Holly and Gerry, but I also liked the stories of all the new people we meet and their tailormade "Goodbyes". Towards the end the book got quite emotional and even heart-breaking. And still it manages to give hope, which is quite amazing. I love it!