The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant

A Novel

By: Kayte Nunn

Narrated by: Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood

A cache of unsent love letters from the 1950s is found in a suitcase on a remote island in this mysterious love story in the tradition of the novels by Kate Morton and Elizabeth Gilbert.

1951. Esther Durrant, a young mother, is committed to an isolated mental asylum by her husband. Run by a pioneering psychiatrist, the hospital is at first Esther's prison but soon surprisingly becomes her refuge.

2018. Free-spirited marine scientist Rachel Parker embarks on a research posting in the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast. When a violent storm forces her to take shelter on a far-flung island, she discovers a collection of hidden love letters. Captivated by their passion and tenderness, Rachel determines to track down the intended recipient. But she has no idea of the far-reaching consequences her decision will bring.

Meanwhile, in London, Eve is helping her grandmother, a renowned mountaineer, write her memoirs. When she is contacted by Rachel, it sets in motion a chain of events that threatens to reveal secrets kept buried for more than sixty years.

With an arresting dual narrative that immediately captivates the reader, The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant is an inspirational story of the sacrifices made for love.

Lovely story, unusual plot.

It stirred me from inside. Highly recommended and lovely. Very good interpretation. Love it

Simply awe inspiring

This book kept me interested and on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this author and narrator.

Family Secrets

I started reading The Last Party at Silvertom Hall then I decided to listen to audible and picked this book. later that evening I returned to reading and was extremely confused with all the names. strangely the stories were similar and it took me a while to figure out I was confusing the two books. The forgotten Letters is the better book between the two. it's a dual timeline regarding secrets held by a grandmother. She is nearing death and a stranger in town provides an opportunity for a second chance and to reveal her secret.

A Touching Story

The setting was vivid and the characters were realistic and relatable. A great story of resilience with true love triumphing under the most difficult and unusual of circumstances.

Healing, Love, and Hidden Secrets

This was a very intricate story about two women; one from the past and one in the present. As the story unfolds the main characters journey after a personal tragedy that changed her life forever. Meanwhile, a young biologist is ship wreck on an island where she discovers an artist and forgotten letters that start her on a path she wasn't expecting.

I really enjoyed listening to this story. It has loveable characters and few plot twists. I recommend this to those who enjoy love stories, that have more modern trials. There is a love scene, but it's not as detailed as a romance novel which I prefer. I hope you enjoy this book.