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Love Letters
Reflections on Living with Loss

by Andris A. Baltins



      Love Letters, a series of thirty-nine stories written by author Andris A. Baltins to his deceased wife Nancy who has lost her battle with cancer, is a compelling book that gives us glimpses of despair, hope, and acceptance. The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride as he reads and responds to these different emotions.

As Baltins remembers certain events in his life with his wife, he writes her a letter and it would appear that his wife is at his side as he asks her questions and solicits her comments on past events. Sometimes he tells her of his dealings with other people and again asks if he did the right thing.

When the pain is most excruciating, writings by Nancy show how she accepts her cancer as fate. As such, she deals with the illness on a heroic level.

One of the most beautiful parts of the story deals with Mac, their son, who has Down Syndrome yet seems to have faith and understanding far beyond the so-called normal people.

Baltins does not come across as perfect in these letters. He sometimes has a hard time dealing with Mac and his slowness, but he is reminded that Mac’s mom treated him in a way that they both could accept.

The book is very easy to read and gives the reader a sense of how to deal with a loss that is almost unthinkable yet one that happens every day. This is a must read for anyone who has lost a loved one and is having a hard time dealing with the consequences.

The Book

Syren Book Company
February 15, 2007
Paperback
0929636708
Nonfiction/memoir
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Willie Elliott
Reviewed 2007
NOTE:
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