The Light We Lost Hardcover – 18 May 2017

I started this book with high expectations, and did really enjoy it for a good half of the storyline. Lucy meets Gabe on September11 2001; As their city crumbles, they fall in love. Unfortunately, for me, I couldn't quite understand just what Lucy saw in Gabe, past the passion of youth. I felt Gave was a selfish character, and I struggled to understand why Lucy would continue to forgive him and be besotted with him. Especially after her marriage. I don't really want to give away the storyline, but for me it was ultimately disappointing and cliched - and by the end of the novel, I had very little sympathy left for Lucy. Yes, we have all felt loved first bitter sting, but then we grow older and wider and appreciate the deeper love we find. I am sad to say, I feel rather let down by this story, after such a bold beginning. Less Romeo and Juliet for me, more Hamlet.

This book was an okay easy read, the story line was catchy and I found myself reaching for it whenever I could spare the time to read. However, the characters were extremely unlikable. I just could not understand them and found myself hating Lucy and Gabe. I didn't read the last chapter as I saw no point, the story line kept on repeating itself, so I just skipped to the last few pages. People have compared it to One Day by David Nicholls but I would say it does not compare in the slightest. Don't waste your time reading this.

Ive been trying to read this for about a month now and only a quarter of the way through. I just can’t get into it but I’m loath to put it down unfinished. To put that into persoective, the last few books I really enjoyed, I got through in a couple of days.I bought it based on excellent reviews and recommendation from other purchases but I’m underwhelmed so far.

This is the first book review I've written. I felt compelled to because I wanted to talk about this book but didn't know who with. I related to the protagonist's life, from meeting the greatest love of her life, living in a great city in the prime of her life when life is lived in Technicolour, and the longing that came from random thoughts or dreams of him after she got married to someone else and became a mother. From Gabe and Lucy's first meeting, I got sucked into it and pages after pages were turned without as much as a pause for breath. First of all, the kind of love story between Lucy and Gabe is one that some of us may have been lucky to have at one point in our lives, but because of the circumstances that we were in that stage of our lives and our fears, dreams and expectations, just couldn't make it work. I wanted Lucy and Gabe to end up together, but so much of what they both want in life is different that it may not have been a good ending anyway. I loved the complexity of Gabe's character, but I wanted to know more about Gabe's inner thoughts from his own point of view but unfortunately this wasn't explored as much. Lastly, I would love to have known someone who's had the intensity of such a great love as Gabe and Lucy's, those who've remained in touch for over a decade in spite of a break up, hurt feelings and changes in circumstances - because that takes so much maturity and being secure in yourself to do.

It's rare that a book moves me to tears but this one has! Astonishingly good. Powerfully simple in parts - and for an author this is quite an accomplished skill. If you're looking for a novel that throws all sorts of questions about life, love and fate into the mix: this is it... Just have a box of tissues ready!

I really enjoyed this book because it was a nice, easy read. I found myself turning the pages and didn’t want to put it down. I was a little underwhelmed towards the end and I felt it was quite predictable, but I’m sucker for this kind of story! I wasn’t too sure about the characters, but grew to like them in the end! Definitely recommend to take on holiday for an easy read.

This love-story is told from the perspective of aptly named Lucy ("Luz"), who is re-visiting her entire relationship with her lover and friend, Gabe. The story presents us with a series of vignettes, snapshots of their relationship over the course of a decade. It reads like a collection of diary entries, or maybe an epistolary novel, though the chapters aren't letters but rather reflective monologues addressing Gabe. The tone is mature, questioning, nostalgic and philosophical in parts but never self-indulgent or narcissistic. It questions what constitutes the essence of a person, of meaningful relationships and reflects on the role of choice vs. fate and the importance of the priorities we set and their timing.A thoroughly engaging read.

This is a very good story,a story that will make you feel for the story teller. To love and be loved is the most beautiful thing in your life but to love and be loved by two is a no go ,why's that you may ask.......... read on... excellent book well written.