The Keeper of Lost things is a novel by Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hogan.
After reading and enjoying Madame Burova by Ruth Hogan, I sought out some of her previous books. I’d heard really good things about The Keeper of Lost Things so decided to read that one next. It was her debut novel and was picked to be part of the Richard and Judy Book Club.
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Plot
Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. After accidentally losing a keepsake belonging to his beloved fiancee shortly before she died, he dedicates his life to rescuing lost things with the hope of reuniting them with their owners.
As he is becoming older and increasingly frail, Anthony worries about what will become of his collection of lost things. He therefore entrusts Laura, his recently divorced assistant and friend, with his life’s secret mission. He bequeaths his house and all its possessions to Laura, including a grumpy ghost.
Laura, alongside her new friend Sunshine and Freddy the gardener, sets out to fulfil Anthony’s last wish of reuniting the lost treasures with their owners.
The Keeper Of Lost Things Book Review
I’m completely conflicted when it comes to this book. I really enjoyed the opening and the concept was brilliant, I just didn’t love the way it was executed. Laura wasn’t a particularly likeable character and many of the other characters were one dimensional and communicated through stilted and often unrealistic dialogue.
There were some lovely moments but overall it was just all a bit too twee and sweet for me. Others may find it charming and whimsical but it just wasn’t for me. I failed to be moved by the romance as it lacked any real depth, like many of the characters.
My main annoyance came with the character of Sunshine, a girl with Down’s Syndrome. She was a sweet and likeable character, probably the best part of the book. I loved her wisdom and kindness. However, I hated how she was constantly referred to as Down’s Syndrome or “dancing drome”. At one point somebody actually says to her “you are dancing drome.” As someone who has worked with people with Down’s Syndrome, I know you should never refer to them by it. If you had diabetes or autism or cerebral palsy, you wouldn’t say “you are diabetes” or “you are cerebral palsy”. It might seem like I’m nitpicking but it’s something I’m passionate about. Down’s Syndrome does not define a person any more than diabetes or cancer can define another. The language we use matters.
So to sum up, I didn’t love this book and in fact, found it to be really disappointing. However, this won’t put me off reading any more of Ruth Hogan’s books. Madame Burova had the right mix of drama, mystery and romance and I found it to be a far superior read.
What to read next
If you enjoyed The Keeper Of Lost Things, I’d suggest reading other books by Ruth Hogan, such as Madame Burova. If you’re looking for feel-good fiction I’d also recommend The Lido by Libby Page and Away With The Penguins by Hazel Prior.
Nancy
Wednesday 17th of May 2023
I was also put off by the fact that sunshine has magical abilities. It harkens back to the days when people with disabilities were seen as angels.