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The Missing Pages
From international bestselling author Alyson Richman comes a love story, a ghost story, and an elegy to the healing power of books.
Harry Widener boards the Titanic holding tight to a priceless book he just purchased in London. After mayhem strikes the ship, Harry’s last known words are that he must return to his cabin for his treasure. Neither the young man nor the book are seen again. In his honor, his mother builds the Harry Widener Memorial Library at Harvard to memorialize her son and house his extensive book collection.
Decades later, Violet Hutchins, a Harvard sophomore recovering from her own great loss, is working as a page at the Widener Library. When strange things begin happening at the library—books falling off shelves or opening to random pages—Violet wonders if Harry Widener’s ghost is trying to communicate the missing pieces of his story from beyond the grave.
This powerful and haunting novel is perfect for readers of Marie Benedict’s The Personal Librarian and Sulari Gentill’s The Woman in the Library.
Harry Widener boards the Titanic holding tight to a priceless book he just purchased in London. After mayhem strikes the ship, Harry’s last known words are that he must return to his cabin for his treasure. Neither the young man nor the book are seen again. In his honor, his mother builds the Harry Widener Memorial Library at Harvard to memorialize her son and house his extensive book collection.
Decades later, Violet Hutchins, a Harvard sophomore recovering from her own great loss, is working as a page at the Widener Library. When strange things begin happening at the library—books falling off shelves or opening to random pages—Violet wonders if Harry Widener’s ghost is trying to communicate the missing pieces of his story from beyond the grave.
This powerful and haunting novel is perfect for readers of Marie Benedict’s The Personal Librarian and Sulari Gentill’s The Woman in the Library.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2025
501 people are currently reading
16964 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Richman
19 books2,049 followersAlyson Richman is the USA Today bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of several historical novels including The Velvet Hours, The Garden of Letters, and The Lost Wife, which is currently in development for a major motion picture. Alyson graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in art history and Japanese studies. She herself is an accomplished painter and her novels combine her deep love of art, historical research, and travel. Alyson's novels have been published in more than twenty-five languages and have reached the bestseller lists both in the United States and abroad. She lives on Long Island with her husband and two children, where she is currently at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
July 1, 2025
This book is exquisite! The writing, the pace, the characters all grabbed me and wouldn't let go.
In a dual timeline we move from early 1900's and America's wealthiest, to modern day Harvard University, where Violet works as a page at Widener Library, a library that displays the collection of Harry Widener, who went down with the Titanic.
Why did he get his own library, what is his connection to Violet and why is his ghost still lingering?
This is a story for booklovers, collectors and librarians. Historical fiction meets modern day mystery, exploring human strength and perseverance.
The characters are decent, likable, honest human beings.
Harry, a true gentleman with calm manners and respect for his surroundings.
Ada, a strong woman in a paternal society, connecting collectors.
Violet, keeping it together in modern day, while exploring history and defying all odds.
The twist in the end took my breath away, what a treat!
Thank you Netgalley and Union Square for the ARC.
In a dual timeline we move from early 1900's and America's wealthiest, to modern day Harvard University, where Violet works as a page at Widener Library, a library that displays the collection of Harry Widener, who went down with the Titanic.
Why did he get his own library, what is his connection to Violet and why is his ghost still lingering?
This is a story for booklovers, collectors and librarians. Historical fiction meets modern day mystery, exploring human strength and perseverance.
The characters are decent, likable, honest human beings.
Harry, a true gentleman with calm manners and respect for his surroundings.
Ada, a strong woman in a paternal society, connecting collectors.
Violet, keeping it together in modern day, while exploring history and defying all odds.
The twist in the end took my breath away, what a treat!
Thank you Netgalley and Union Square for the ARC.
November 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing. I am auto-approved by this publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Alyson Richman is an author that I cannot resist. I would classify her latest title as a dual timeline historical mystery with a dash of supernatural and romance.
Inspired by a plaque at a university library (Harvard)referencing Harry Elkins Widener, an American businessman who collected rare books, who lost his life because of the Titanic disaster, Richman chose him as the focus for her next book. Readers have chapters that relay his story, while also having chapters with ghost Harry following our other main character, Violet, in the 1990s, as she looks into his life.
There were aspects of the novel I enjoyed, but I felt that the book was longer than it needed to be. I appreciated the short, punchy chapters, but I did find myself getting restless for a resolution. That's why I am going to settle on a 3-star rating.
#TheMissingPages #NetGalley
Publication Date 13/10/25
Goodreads Review 23/11/25
Alyson Richman is an author that I cannot resist. I would classify her latest title as a dual timeline historical mystery with a dash of supernatural and romance.
Inspired by a plaque at a university library (Harvard)referencing Harry Elkins Widener, an American businessman who collected rare books, who lost his life because of the Titanic disaster, Richman chose him as the focus for her next book. Readers have chapters that relay his story, while also having chapters with ghost Harry following our other main character, Violet, in the 1990s, as she looks into his life.
There were aspects of the novel I enjoyed, but I felt that the book was longer than it needed to be. I appreciated the short, punchy chapters, but I did find myself getting restless for a resolution. That's why I am going to settle on a 3-star rating.
#TheMissingPages #NetGalley
Publication Date 13/10/25
Goodreads Review 23/11/25
November 3, 2025
I have loved Alyson Richman's novels in the past and went into it thinking it would be a home run. This has all the elements of a fantastic novel with themes of the power of books, love and legacy, loss and grief, tragedy, the supernatural. I enjoyed the shared loss between the characters who connect across decades but I was unable to connect with these characters over the course of the novel. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. I listened to the audiobook.🎧
October 5, 2025
This is a beautifully written, entertaining, dual timeline historical fiction novel, which is inspired by actual persons and events. It has likable and engaging characters, romance, tragedy, heartbreak, the healing power of books, paranormal elements, mystery, an unexpected twist, and the message that love is eternal. I especially liked the role of the birds, who remind us of those who we have loved and lost. The author's note is interesting and enlightening, and is truly appreciated. Many thanks to Union Square & Co. - a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing, Ms. Richman, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of the fabulous novel. This is my honest opinion.
July 31, 2025
The Missing Pages
By: Alyson Richman
Pub Date: October 14, 2025
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
This novel is such a fun one. Mystery, historical fiction, romance, love, paranormal activity, tragedy and more in this fresh storyline.
A lot of us know about The Titanic and several stories have been told, but this was one I was not aware of. Be sure and read the author notes which gives you more insight.
When Harry Widener sets sail of the Titanic he holds a priceless book and a secret about a budding romance.
Violet Hutchins is a student at Harvard decades later and works as a page at the Widener Library. The library was created by Harry’s mother who lost her son and husband on the Titanic.
Two worlds collide in this delightful book. Thank you, Richman and Get Red PR, for having me on your tour. I will pre-order this book to relive the magic on this novel.
By: Alyson Richman
Pub Date: October 14, 2025
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
This novel is such a fun one. Mystery, historical fiction, romance, love, paranormal activity, tragedy and more in this fresh storyline.
A lot of us know about The Titanic and several stories have been told, but this was one I was not aware of. Be sure and read the author notes which gives you more insight.
When Harry Widener sets sail of the Titanic he holds a priceless book and a secret about a budding romance.
Violet Hutchins is a student at Harvard decades later and works as a page at the Widener Library. The library was created by Harry’s mother who lost her son and husband on the Titanic.
Two worlds collide in this delightful book. Thank you, Richman and Get Red PR, for having me on your tour. I will pre-order this book to relive the magic on this novel.
October 11, 2025
Ever since I was a teenager, I've been fascinated by stories surrounding the RMS Titanic. I would read everything and anything I could on the topic. So when I read the synopsis of THE MISSING PAGES, it was a given I'd be reading it as soon as I could. And this one promised to be a poignant story with the Titanic playing a major part.
There is so much to love about this book by Alyson Richman. Firstly, that lovely and breathtaking cover. It is definitely one of the most beautiful I’ve seen this year! Secondly, the synopsis promises a ghost story with alternating timelines, one against the backdrop of the Titanic's fateful voyage. And thirdly, a mystery spanning decades, with the love of books at its heart.
There is absolutely no doubt that THE MISSING PAGES is a beautifully written, endearing story, one that deftly combines fact with fiction, as we are introduced to Harry Elkins Widener, a young bibliophile who lost his life on the Titanic. In our modern timeline, we are introduced to Violet, a college student who becomes entranced by Harry's story and the mystery surrounding his death. Violet and Harry, our two protagonists, are well-developed and so likable, and the author does a wonderful job intertwining the stories from the past and the present (actually, the 1990s). Each timeline is compelling, although I enjoyed Harry’s a bit more--that is probably because of my love of historical fiction.
As I read the book, I became so immersed and engrossed in the storyline. The historic element was compelling and I was fascinated to learn about Harry and his unique collection of books. Admittedly, I did find it was a bit slow in parts, with uneven pacing, but once I hit the last third, I couldn’t put it down! THE MISSING PAGES truly is a poignant story that touches on themes of inconceivable loss and the all-consuming grief that follows, with love being the anchor connecting people in unimaginable ways, even across time.
I want to thank NetGalley, Alyson Richman, and Union Square & Co. for gifting me the ARC of THE MISSING PAGES. It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review.
There is so much to love about this book by Alyson Richman. Firstly, that lovely and breathtaking cover. It is definitely one of the most beautiful I’ve seen this year! Secondly, the synopsis promises a ghost story with alternating timelines, one against the backdrop of the Titanic's fateful voyage. And thirdly, a mystery spanning decades, with the love of books at its heart.
There is absolutely no doubt that THE MISSING PAGES is a beautifully written, endearing story, one that deftly combines fact with fiction, as we are introduced to Harry Elkins Widener, a young bibliophile who lost his life on the Titanic. In our modern timeline, we are introduced to Violet, a college student who becomes entranced by Harry's story and the mystery surrounding his death. Violet and Harry, our two protagonists, are well-developed and so likable, and the author does a wonderful job intertwining the stories from the past and the present (actually, the 1990s). Each timeline is compelling, although I enjoyed Harry’s a bit more--that is probably because of my love of historical fiction.
As I read the book, I became so immersed and engrossed in the storyline. The historic element was compelling and I was fascinated to learn about Harry and his unique collection of books. Admittedly, I did find it was a bit slow in parts, with uneven pacing, but once I hit the last third, I couldn’t put it down! THE MISSING PAGES truly is a poignant story that touches on themes of inconceivable loss and the all-consuming grief that follows, with love being the anchor connecting people in unimaginable ways, even across time.
I want to thank NetGalley, Alyson Richman, and Union Square & Co. for gifting me the ARC of THE MISSING PAGES. It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review.
November 17, 2025
Do you know what is worse than a bad book? A book with a compelling concept that the author cannot adequately execute.
May 27, 2025
I have a confession to make: for the majority of the book, I was under the impression this was a debut effort. I was surprised to learn it is actually the twelfth (or so) published work of a bestselling novelist. For me, while the premise had potential, the result felt very raw and unpolished.
I was initially drawn in by the Titanic background, the ghost story, and yes, the compelling cover. Though I do love me some ghosts, there is, unfortunately, a risk of maudlin sentimentality wherever they are found, and this book certainly jumps into the Hallmark factor from page one. Ouija board communication, signs from beyond, and cliches about love and loss ensue. The ironic comments of characters presaging the Titanic disaster are also a little on-the-nose and cringey.
What particularly bothered me was that the story was based on an actual figure from comparatively recent history. I completely understand the allure of a true story from history and wanting to expand and extrapolate from it, but I personally feel this should be reserved for historical people of a more remote time period. The amount of pure, unadulterated fiction here blows the Widener story out of all realistic proportion. I feel it would have more appropriate to create a completely fictional character to serve the story's purposes. Even if it bore more than a passing resemblance to the real Widener history, it would have been a respectful way to make it clear the author was inspired by real life but chose to go on a tangent of imagination--which is a perfectly natural and acceptable thing.
That being said, I enjoyed Harry's POV much more than present-day Violet's. Violet is another victim of the "dull modern character" syndrome which afflicts almost all dual timelines. Both her character and the writing style in her chapters feel immature. There is an overabundance of telling not showing, and stating the obvious. Having the same character speak twice in a row without the appropriate use of action tags also made it difficult to know who was speaking (this affected both timelines). The other present-day characters have no personality at all. The book slasher subplot turns out to be irrelevant.
There are two macguffins in the story--the "Little Bacon" and a bejeweled Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam--where there really needed to be only one. The fact that one of them is "cursed" is certainly a familiar Titanic trope. But it's not alone. There are two major reveals near the end, one of which is infamously overdone in historical fiction of the sentimental variety. The other reveal is blatantly ripped from the movie Titanic. I blushed to read it. In fact, I can hardly believe it made it past an editor.
Other things that should have been caught: the description of the bow rising up when it should have been the stern, as others have pointed out. This error occurs not once, but several times. So, too, the repeated use of a date given as 1916 when it should have been 1913. Hopefully the book is still in the editing stage and these can be corrected.
Despite some of these issues, it was refreshing to find an historical novel not set in WWII and I enjoyed the literature and poetry references. It was easy to connect emotionally with Harry and Ada--those were the chapters that kept me reading. There was one passage in particular, about the difference between a spirit and a soul, which I found especially apt and memorable.
I've already mentioned the cover but it bears repeating--absolutely gorgeous.
I was initially drawn in by the Titanic background, the ghost story, and yes, the compelling cover. Though I do love me some ghosts, there is, unfortunately, a risk of maudlin sentimentality wherever they are found, and this book certainly jumps into the Hallmark factor from page one. Ouija board communication, signs from beyond, and cliches about love and loss ensue. The ironic comments of characters presaging the Titanic disaster are also a little on-the-nose and cringey.
What particularly bothered me was that the story was based on an actual figure from comparatively recent history. I completely understand the allure of a true story from history and wanting to expand and extrapolate from it, but I personally feel this should be reserved for historical people of a more remote time period. The amount of pure, unadulterated fiction here blows the Widener story out of all realistic proportion. I feel it would have more appropriate to create a completely fictional character to serve the story's purposes. Even if it bore more than a passing resemblance to the real Widener history, it would have been a respectful way to make it clear the author was inspired by real life but chose to go on a tangent of imagination--which is a perfectly natural and acceptable thing.
That being said, I enjoyed Harry's POV much more than present-day Violet's. Violet is another victim of the "dull modern character" syndrome which afflicts almost all dual timelines. Both her character and the writing style in her chapters feel immature. There is an overabundance of telling not showing, and stating the obvious. Having the same character speak twice in a row without the appropriate use of action tags also made it difficult to know who was speaking (this affected both timelines). The other present-day characters have no personality at all. The book slasher subplot turns out to be irrelevant.
There are two macguffins in the story--the "Little Bacon" and a bejeweled Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam--where there really needed to be only one. The fact that one of them is "cursed" is certainly a familiar Titanic trope. But it's not alone. There are two major reveals near the end, one of which is infamously overdone in historical fiction of the sentimental variety. The other reveal is blatantly ripped from the movie Titanic. I blushed to read it. In fact, I can hardly believe it made it past an editor.
Other things that should have been caught: the description of the bow rising up when it should have been the stern, as others have pointed out. This error occurs not once, but several times. So, too, the repeated use of a date given as 1916 when it should have been 1913. Hopefully the book is still in the editing stage and these can be corrected.
Despite some of these issues, it was refreshing to find an historical novel not set in WWII and I enjoyed the literature and poetry references. It was easy to connect emotionally with Harry and Ada--those were the chapters that kept me reading. There was one passage in particular, about the difference between a spirit and a soul, which I found especially apt and memorable.
I've already mentioned the cover but it bears repeating--absolutely gorgeous.
October 11, 2025
4.25/5 stars
This is a clever story based off of a real life figure from history, Henry Elkins Widener. He was an avid bibliophile who was from a prominent family. He and his father perished on the RMS Titanic. After his death, his mother made a large donation and there is a library at Harvard in his name, The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library. This is one of the great locations in the book.
Perfect for this time of year, this book features a ghost in the library, a bit of paranormal activity and the atmospheric historical backdrop of the Titanic disaster. I found myself engaged in the story from the first pages.
One of the main characters, Violet, has suffered a great loss. She takes a job as a page in the Widener Library, and soon she begins to notice many strange events.
This is a dual timeline story and I have to say that I enjoyed them both a lot. The characters are interesting, and I always enjoy reading about libraries, and the theme of the healing power of books was so appealing to me.
The book is well written, and I enjoyed the fascinating world of book collecting also.
The setting of the Titanic really grabbed me, and I could have read even more of that part of the story. Be sure to check out the author's note for more background on her inspiration for this book. So interesting!
I’m a huge fan of this author and her book, The Lost Wife, is one of my all-time favorites. So happy I read this newest book.
[Thanks to the publisher, Union Square & Co. and NetGalley, for the advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
This is a clever story based off of a real life figure from history, Henry Elkins Widener. He was an avid bibliophile who was from a prominent family. He and his father perished on the RMS Titanic. After his death, his mother made a large donation and there is a library at Harvard in his name, The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library. This is one of the great locations in the book.
Perfect for this time of year, this book features a ghost in the library, a bit of paranormal activity and the atmospheric historical backdrop of the Titanic disaster. I found myself engaged in the story from the first pages.
One of the main characters, Violet, has suffered a great loss. She takes a job as a page in the Widener Library, and soon she begins to notice many strange events.
This is a dual timeline story and I have to say that I enjoyed them both a lot. The characters are interesting, and I always enjoy reading about libraries, and the theme of the healing power of books was so appealing to me.
The book is well written, and I enjoyed the fascinating world of book collecting also.
The setting of the Titanic really grabbed me, and I could have read even more of that part of the story. Be sure to check out the author's note for more background on her inspiration for this book. So interesting!
I’m a huge fan of this author and her book, The Lost Wife, is one of my all-time favorites. So happy I read this newest book.
[Thanks to the publisher, Union Square & Co. and NetGalley, for the advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
November 15, 2025
4.5 stars. 🎧
September 19, 2025
FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON OCTOBER 15.
From the Titanic to the Widener Library in Harvard University, we learn about Harry Widener, the library his mother built in his honor, and Violet a page in the library present day.
A beautiful, nostalgic book that will keep any historical fiction fan, book lover, and book collector captivated and turning the pages. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
From the Titanic to the Widener Library in Harvard University, we learn about Harry Widener, the library his mother built in his honor, and Violet a page in the library present day.
A beautiful, nostalgic book that will keep any historical fiction fan, book lover, and book collector captivated and turning the pages. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 16, 2025
Fully engaging and enjoyable! I will always have a soft spot for stories touched by the tale of the Titanic. This was the first Alyson Richman book I've read and I'm curious now to pick up some others.
The only thing that boggles me is that,
The only thing that boggles me is that,
October 11, 2025
This was one of the most heart warming and soul touching books I’ve read in a long time. I read it in one day, and that never happens.
I loved reading from Violet and Harry’s POV and seeing how their stories came together. Mystery, book collectors and finding family all together, what’s not to love.
I found myself hoping that history would rewrite itself even though we know the story of the Titanic and the tragedy from it. I teared up many times and didn’t want the book to end.
But the ending itself was beautiful. 2 souls meant to come together did in the best way.
Thank you Union Sq Co for the beautiful arc.
I loved reading from Violet and Harry’s POV and seeing how their stories came together. Mystery, book collectors and finding family all together, what’s not to love.
I found myself hoping that history would rewrite itself even though we know the story of the Titanic and the tragedy from it. I teared up many times and didn’t want the book to end.
But the ending itself was beautiful. 2 souls meant to come together did in the best way.
Thank you Union Sq Co for the beautiful arc.
October 3, 2025
Whether you'll enjoy The Missing Pages depends upon the "Venn diagram" of your reading preferences.
If you enjoy romances, you'll find The Missing Pages a delight with a two-timeline approach to the loss of someone who dies young. The first of those two timelines follow the story of Harry Widener, a young book collector who died on the Titanic. Mourning his loss, his mother pays for the construction of the Henry Widener Memorial Library at Harvard as a testament to his life. He's in the novel along both timelines: as a young bibliophile in the past and again as a ghost watching Violet Hutchins, a n new, present-day undergraduate employee of the library. Violet is doing her best to be alive--but her life has screeched to a halt due to the death of her best friend and soul match. Small, but ghostly events begin occurring as Harry attempts to communicate with Violet about undocumented parts of his short life and, perhaps, more.
I'd picked this book up anticipating a biblio-mystery, connecting the missing pages of the title with a possible incomplete or deliberately damaged book. That's not what the missing pages are. They're significant, but a human, not a literary, mystery underlies them. So, readers of mysteries, you may or may not enjoy this title depending on the extent to which you enjoy your mystery serving the purpose of romance.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
If you enjoy romances, you'll find The Missing Pages a delight with a two-timeline approach to the loss of someone who dies young. The first of those two timelines follow the story of Harry Widener, a young book collector who died on the Titanic. Mourning his loss, his mother pays for the construction of the Henry Widener Memorial Library at Harvard as a testament to his life. He's in the novel along both timelines: as a young bibliophile in the past and again as a ghost watching Violet Hutchins, a n new, present-day undergraduate employee of the library. Violet is doing her best to be alive--but her life has screeched to a halt due to the death of her best friend and soul match. Small, but ghostly events begin occurring as Harry attempts to communicate with Violet about undocumented parts of his short life and, perhaps, more.
I'd picked this book up anticipating a biblio-mystery, connecting the missing pages of the title with a possible incomplete or deliberately damaged book. That's not what the missing pages are. They're significant, but a human, not a literary, mystery underlies them. So, readers of mysteries, you may or may not enjoy this title depending on the extent to which you enjoy your mystery serving the purpose of romance.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
Thank you @getredprbooks and @unionsqandco foe the gifted copy
TITLE: The Missing Pages
AUTHOR:Alyson Richman
PUB DATE: 10.14.2025
Alyson Richman has done it again. The Missing Pages is haunting, romantic, and utterly unforgettable. From the icy decks of the Titanic to the quiet stacks of Harvard’s Widener Library, this novel is a love story, a ghost story, and above all, a tribute to the healing power of books.
I was captivated by Harry Widener’s devotion to his rare book collection, even in the face of disaster, and moved by Violet Hutchins, whose grief and resilience make her the perfect guide through the library’s mysteries. Strange happenings, whispered voices from the past, and the lingering presence of lost love made me feel like I was wandering those halls myself.
Richman’s prose shimmers with beauty and tenderness. This isn’t just a story you read, it’s one you feel. A must for anyone who loves historical fiction, ghostly mysteries, and novels that remind us of the solace we find in books.
TITLE: The Missing Pages
AUTHOR:Alyson Richman
PUB DATE: 10.14.2025
Alyson Richman has done it again. The Missing Pages is haunting, romantic, and utterly unforgettable. From the icy decks of the Titanic to the quiet stacks of Harvard’s Widener Library, this novel is a love story, a ghost story, and above all, a tribute to the healing power of books.
I was captivated by Harry Widener’s devotion to his rare book collection, even in the face of disaster, and moved by Violet Hutchins, whose grief and resilience make her the perfect guide through the library’s mysteries. Strange happenings, whispered voices from the past, and the lingering presence of lost love made me feel like I was wandering those halls myself.
Richman’s prose shimmers with beauty and tenderness. This isn’t just a story you read, it’s one you feel. A must for anyone who loves historical fiction, ghostly mysteries, and novels that remind us of the solace we find in books.
November 5, 2025
I loved this book. The author's storytelling is wonderful, and the pace is on point. I love the way the characters talk about books; as avid readers, we can empathize with their passion. It's a beautiful story about love, loss, and books. The author uses a real event and real people to tell this charming story. Even though I predicted the plot twist, I loved the book entirely.
April 24, 2025
The missing pages is a historical fiction novel that unlocks the mysterious personal life of Harry Elkins Widener, business man and bibliophile, who perished on the Titanic.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way his story is revealed throughout The Missing Pages, particularly with the multiple POVs between Harry, Violet and later on, Ada.
For me, Harry’s chapters were my favourite. He really leapt off the page and I felt his love for books and Ada in my own heart. When his point of view reached his time on the Titanic, the story really picked up for me, and I suddenly felt more invested in not just him but Ada too.
Violet was the perfect person to research his life, she was smart and curious. I loved that her research was also an opportunity for her to heal after losing her boyfriend in a tragic accident.
I wasn’t a fan of any of the girls she lived with on campus, but I don’t believe I was meant to.
This is an intriguing piece of history, and its story has been delivered wonderfully.
I highly recommend giving this a read if Historical Fiction is your thing.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy.
Release date: 14th October 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the way his story is revealed throughout The Missing Pages, particularly with the multiple POVs between Harry, Violet and later on, Ada.
For me, Harry’s chapters were my favourite. He really leapt off the page and I felt his love for books and Ada in my own heart. When his point of view reached his time on the Titanic, the story really picked up for me, and I suddenly felt more invested in not just him but Ada too.
Violet was the perfect person to research his life, she was smart and curious. I loved that her research was also an opportunity for her to heal after losing her boyfriend in a tragic accident.
I wasn’t a fan of any of the girls she lived with on campus, but I don’t believe I was meant to.
This is an intriguing piece of history, and its story has been delivered wonderfully.
I highly recommend giving this a read if Historical Fiction is your thing.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy.
Release date: 14th October 2025
October 27, 2025
As a lover of books, this appealed to me from the beginning. It was very easy to get lost in both of the timelines. Although we knew what the ending of Harry's story was going to be, I enjoyed getting an insight into the book buying world as well as the early 1900s. I was mentally yelling when his mother chose not to read the letter. I did guess the twist pretty early on in the book but it did not take away from my enjoyment. I would have liked more of Violet's story at the end, I still had some questions that were left unanswered. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would pick up something else from Alyson Richman in the future. Thank you to Union Square & Co and NetGalley for access to the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
The Missing Pages by Alyson Richman was an absolute delight to read——one of those rare books that completely pulls you in. It’s been a long time since I found myself so immersed in a story that I stayed up far too late, needing to know how everything would unfold.
The novel centers around Violet, the compelling protagonist, as she navigates profound grief and a sense of isolation from those around her. Her journey takes a gripping turn when she becomes entangled in a mystery that seamlessly weaves together past and present. I especially appreciated how the story was rooted in historical truth; Richman builds her narrative from real-life fragments, which she thoughtfully introduces in the prologue—a section I found as captivating as the novel itself.
As a Massachusetts native, I particularly enjoyed the familiar backdrop of Harvard University and the surrounding areas—it felt like taking a literary stroll through places I know and love.
This novel has a bit of everything: love, friendship, mystery, a touch of the supernatural, and a deep appreciation for books and the written word. The Missing Pages is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant story that lingers with you long after the last page.
The novel centers around Violet, the compelling protagonist, as she navigates profound grief and a sense of isolation from those around her. Her journey takes a gripping turn when she becomes entangled in a mystery that seamlessly weaves together past and present. I especially appreciated how the story was rooted in historical truth; Richman builds her narrative from real-life fragments, which she thoughtfully introduces in the prologue—a section I found as captivating as the novel itself.
As a Massachusetts native, I particularly enjoyed the familiar backdrop of Harvard University and the surrounding areas—it felt like taking a literary stroll through places I know and love.
This novel has a bit of everything: love, friendship, mystery, a touch of the supernatural, and a deep appreciation for books and the written word. The Missing Pages is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant story that lingers with you long after the last page.
July 15, 2025
2.25 - I really enjoyed the plot of The Missing Pages. I thought the premise was super interesting, and the Richman did a great job researching the lives of her historical characters, like Harry Widener. However, I think there were a few errors in terms of the facts presented in the book relating to the sinking of the Titanic. She kept many imaginative pieces neatly knitted into the foundation of this story (it is partially a ghost story after all), but I felt like the historical aspect of this book still had a foot firmly planted in truth.
I feel like this would be great as a YA or children’s book. The writing was very elementary, and the dialogue was cringeworthy (victimless crime), but it doesn't feel natural at all. If the writing was better, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more, but what mainly frustrated me was that the dialogue was so stiff and unbelievable. Additionally, there were some parts that I found to be unnecessary, specifically characters. The book slasher, someone intentionally ripping pages out of books or ruining them by writing them in the library, felt like a completely unnecessary plot point to me because it didn't add anything to the overall story of Violet or Harry, or contribute to any message the book was trying to convey. The character Theo also seems rather pointless to me. He only helped Violet in the last third of the book, and I feel like the role of this character would've been better served if it had just been one of Violet's roommates instead.
The love story between Harry and Ada was this book's best quality. I loved their sections in the narration and felt like I, as the reader, learned and felt the most from this story through them. This book isn't published until October, so I'm confident the final edit will be an improvement. Nevertheless, I know readers will love Harry's story and his relationship with Ada.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC!
I feel like this would be great as a YA or children’s book. The writing was very elementary, and the dialogue was cringeworthy (victimless crime), but it doesn't feel natural at all. If the writing was better, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more, but what mainly frustrated me was that the dialogue was so stiff and unbelievable. Additionally, there were some parts that I found to be unnecessary, specifically characters. The book slasher, someone intentionally ripping pages out of books or ruining them by writing them in the library, felt like a completely unnecessary plot point to me because it didn't add anything to the overall story of Violet or Harry, or contribute to any message the book was trying to convey. The character Theo also seems rather pointless to me. He only helped Violet in the last third of the book, and I feel like the role of this character would've been better served if it had just been one of Violet's roommates instead.
The love story between Harry and Ada was this book's best quality. I loved their sections in the narration and felt like I, as the reader, learned and felt the most from this story through them. This book isn't published until October, so I'm confident the final edit will be an improvement. Nevertheless, I know readers will love Harry's story and his relationship with Ada.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC!
October 15, 2025
Alyson Richman pens compelling and poignant stories with historical backdrops that are refine, soulful and timeless. Her latest release, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴, is a fine example of such beautiful lyrical writing that can be discerned at the prologue.
The story is about two book lovers connected by one unifying thread over a timeline spanning several decades. It is told in alternate perspectives through the use of old transcripts, private correspondence, and vivid flashbacks. The year is 1912 and Harry Widener boards the RMS Titanic with a priceless book never to be seen again, until…
Harvard 1992, Violet Hutchins secures a campus position at the Widener Library as a page and immediately a strange unexplainable phenomenon starts occurring. A coincidence? Or is someone desperately trying to unburden an age-old buried secret?
ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ: I devoured this Titanic love story without ceasing and finding myself wanting more. The setting and season for this title release is perfect because it is truly haunting in both the literal and figurative sense of the word.
And what is there not to love about an unsettled ghost in a novel about books! It also includes many references to notable figures in history and their achievements, with authors and book titles I have had the enjoyment of cross referencing and adding to TBR.
Of the 3 POV’s, I was heavily invested in Ada’s account as it took me back to an antiquated time where the division in social class created multigenerational gaps and unnecessary tensions within families. Needless to mention women were not afforded much opportunity during the Gilded Age. There was so much to unpack but the author intricately weaved character stories with the right amount of suspense, passion, and charm to keep the pages turning. I weeped a little with that ending which felt very much like a punch to the gut. However, the final page did provide some closure but the seeded emotions kept on burning, even long after the book has ended.
Thank you Union Square & Co for my reviewer’s copy; all opinions expressed are my own.
The story is about two book lovers connected by one unifying thread over a timeline spanning several decades. It is told in alternate perspectives through the use of old transcripts, private correspondence, and vivid flashbacks. The year is 1912 and Harry Widener boards the RMS Titanic with a priceless book never to be seen again, until…
Harvard 1992, Violet Hutchins secures a campus position at the Widener Library as a page and immediately a strange unexplainable phenomenon starts occurring. A coincidence? Or is someone desperately trying to unburden an age-old buried secret?
ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ: I devoured this Titanic love story without ceasing and finding myself wanting more. The setting and season for this title release is perfect because it is truly haunting in both the literal and figurative sense of the word.
And what is there not to love about an unsettled ghost in a novel about books! It also includes many references to notable figures in history and their achievements, with authors and book titles I have had the enjoyment of cross referencing and adding to TBR.
Of the 3 POV’s, I was heavily invested in Ada’s account as it took me back to an antiquated time where the division in social class created multigenerational gaps and unnecessary tensions within families. Needless to mention women were not afforded much opportunity during the Gilded Age. There was so much to unpack but the author intricately weaved character stories with the right amount of suspense, passion, and charm to keep the pages turning. I weeped a little with that ending which felt very much like a punch to the gut. However, the final page did provide some closure but the seeded emotions kept on burning, even long after the book has ended.
Thank you Union Square & Co for my reviewer’s copy; all opinions expressed are my own.
November 9, 2025
To start I will say I adore this author’s books, there is something special about the stories she writes, from the characters to her choice of words I am pulled into her stories as they beautifully unfold. This book is a dual timeline book with the “present day” being 1992 and the main characters Violet working at the Widener Library, constructed after Harry Widener died when the Titanic sank in 1912. The second story line is Harry’s story in 1912 following as he works to secure books for his personal collection and in the process meets Ada. As well Harry is a narrator for part of the 1992 story line as his ghost is watching events folding in the library constructed in his honour.
This book takes you from Philadelphia to London, Boston and the Titanic as we see the mysteries of Harry life play out for the reader in such a touching way, you can immerse yourself in the scenes and feel the characters passions for books and life.
I loved this story and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, is a lover of books or overall is just looking for a beautiful story.
This book takes you from Philadelphia to London, Boston and the Titanic as we see the mysteries of Harry life play out for the reader in such a touching way, you can immerse yourself in the scenes and feel the characters passions for books and life.
I loved this story and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, is a lover of books or overall is just looking for a beautiful story.
September 23, 2025
Book Report: The Missing Pages
My Thoughts: Oh I loved this story so much! From the very first page I was swept into both Harry Widener’s world as a passionate young book collector aboard the Titanic and Violet Hutchins’ story decades later as a Harvard sophomore working in the Widener Library. When mysterious things begin happening in the stacks…Violet starts to wonder if Harry’s spirit is still lingering…urging her to uncover a long buried secret. The pacing…format and dual timelines were all perfection. Alyson Richman crafted the most beautiful blend of ghost story + love story the perfect read to usher in the autumn season 🍂✨As a 90s teen…I too had my short lived Titanic fascination (thanks, James Cameron) and this book was such an eye opening reminder of the real people who lived…loved and lost on that night. Alyson made this history feel approachable and achingly human.
One of my favorite quotes: “Our books were clues into our souls. Every day, our lives were filled with obligations, formalities, and constrictions. But in our libraries, our thoughts—our longings—had a place to breathe. In that sacred vault, we were free.” 💫
This was my first read by Alyson and it definitely won’t be my last…I can’t wait to explore her backlist!
My question for Alyson: Are you more of a “collector” like Harry, or a “browser” who loves to wander the stacks and see what finds you?
Thank you Union Square & Co.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
My Thoughts: Oh I loved this story so much! From the very first page I was swept into both Harry Widener’s world as a passionate young book collector aboard the Titanic and Violet Hutchins’ story decades later as a Harvard sophomore working in the Widener Library. When mysterious things begin happening in the stacks…Violet starts to wonder if Harry’s spirit is still lingering…urging her to uncover a long buried secret. The pacing…format and dual timelines were all perfection. Alyson Richman crafted the most beautiful blend of ghost story + love story the perfect read to usher in the autumn season 🍂✨As a 90s teen…I too had my short lived Titanic fascination (thanks, James Cameron) and this book was such an eye opening reminder of the real people who lived…loved and lost on that night. Alyson made this history feel approachable and achingly human.
One of my favorite quotes: “Our books were clues into our souls. Every day, our lives were filled with obligations, formalities, and constrictions. But in our libraries, our thoughts—our longings—had a place to breathe. In that sacred vault, we were free.” 💫
This was my first read by Alyson and it definitely won’t be my last…I can’t wait to explore her backlist!
My question for Alyson: Are you more of a “collector” like Harry, or a “browser” who loves to wander the stacks and see what finds you?
Thank you Union Square & Co.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
August 21, 2025
Kudos to Alyson Richman, Author of “The Missing Pages” for a spirited, bewitching, captivating and memorable novel. I have read all of Alyson Richman’s books, and I love everything about “The Missing Pages”, and I highly recommend this magical novel to everyone. The Genres for this novel are : Historical Fiction, Paranormal Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women’s Friendship Fiction,Ghost Fiction, Suspense, Mystery and Romance. Alyson Richman is both a master writer and storyteller, and vividly describes the scenery, plot, dramatic, complex and complicated characters. I admire the amount of research the author has done. The story begins around 1912, when Harry Widener ,an obsessed book collector boards the Titanic. In his coat pocket is a valuable priceless book that he has purchased from a book dealer in London. Harry is always researching and looking for prized books. Unfortunately, there is the tragedy of the Titanic sinking, and Harry dies. His mother survives and dedicates a library honoring her son’s memory in Harvard.
Decades later, Violet Hutchins, a student becomes a page in the Widener Library. Violet has just experienced a loss, but finds a sense of purpose in the library. Mysterious events occur, and Violet starts to wonder if the “GHOST” of Harry Widener is trying to communicate something to her. There is also someone who is damaging and slicing books.
I love the paranormal feel, and humor that are in this story. The author discusses the importance of books, legacy, family, friends, secrets truth, love and hope. The author leaves us feeling that “Books are Eternal”, and I feel that books provide entertainment, information, adventure, distraction, escape, enjoyment and so much more! This is one book that I highly recommend that you read!
Decades later, Violet Hutchins, a student becomes a page in the Widener Library. Violet has just experienced a loss, but finds a sense of purpose in the library. Mysterious events occur, and Violet starts to wonder if the “GHOST” of Harry Widener is trying to communicate something to her. There is also someone who is damaging and slicing books.
I love the paranormal feel, and humor that are in this story. The author discusses the importance of books, legacy, family, friends, secrets truth, love and hope. The author leaves us feeling that “Books are Eternal”, and I feel that books provide entertainment, information, adventure, distraction, escape, enjoyment and so much more! This is one book that I highly recommend that you read!
November 14, 2025
3 1/2 stars rounded up
December 9, 2025
Wow, I loved it, and so will you ❤️.
August 27, 2025
I received this ARC from the author and will be interviewing her in October. I will post a full review after the event.
January 6, 2026
I apologize in advance as I forgot while I was writing this that the guy's name is Harry, not Henry. I think I've got all of them but if you see a Henry in there, that's why. Really great sign that I cannot remember a protagonist's name despite finishing the book less than 48 hours ago.
The best thing about this book is the font. The capital Q has a lovely long tail that goes underneath other letters and looks cool. That's probably the most positive thing I have to say about this book. I read most of it in nearly a day, so I'll also give it that it held my attention, but after a while it turned to hate-reading because I was so annoyed and I had to see where this trainwreck (shipwreck?) went. I'm actively mad that I gave part of my life to this, but I had to see where it was going, so I'm here to tell you all the reasons why I'm furious.
I saw another review say they were surprised this wasn't a debut. I was too; I'd be more forgiving if that were the case. But instead this is an experienced author. I'm not sure I would've known it based on anything I actually read in this book.
Let's talk about our protagonists, beginning with Harry. Harry's personality trait is that he loves books. He wants his tobacco to smell like he's in his study reading. He likes going to London not because of the life of the city, but because it "smells like books." (I have a hard time imagining all of London in 1912 smelled like books, but fine.) He loves to collect. The main thing I got from Harryis that he thinks he's a Good and Serious book collector because he actually loves the books he's collecting, but I didn't actually get that impression; it felt more like he just liked having stuff. (This is probably a less charitable read of Harry, but oh well.) Harry's sole personality trait is Books until he meets Ada. Then his personality trait is Ada. I like love stories, but I don't really like it when it feels like both parties barely know one another. All told, Harry and Ada know each other for about four goddamn months, exchanging a number of letters and then hanging out for a couple weeks in London. I'm not saying that's not enough time to love someone, but it certainly was a bit overwhelming all at once.
Our other protagonist is Violet in 1992. Violet's personality trait is Sad. She is sad because her beloved boyfriend Hugo drowned in an accident that summer. Hugo was so flimsy that I didn't understand how or why Violet loved him. I've never gone through that variety of grief of losing a partner, and I'm sure there are some people who read this kind of book who feel comfort in hearing how Violet feels, but the entire time she just felt so wet and thin that I couldn't care about her grief. I'm sorry! I'm sorry your boyfriend died and your suitemates are assholes. I'm sorry that I also don't fully understand who you are separate from Hugo, other than your other personality trait (Loves Books). I feel like a real dick writing this out, but it's what I thought when I was reading it. It's not even that Violet really develops her own personality as the plot goes along and learns to live outside of her grief, or finding herself in a world without Hugo; she remains pretty much the same but at the end she is :) instead of :(.
Anyway, the plot is also about as strong as a house of cards. Violet begins investigating some stuff because she believes (rightfully) Harry's ghost is trying to contact her. Okay, cool. I LOVE ghosts (it turns out I love spookier ghosts specifically) but instead Violet immediately leaps to "have you ever been in love?" Weird question for a ghost, but fine. He says yes, she ends up trying to look up all this stuff, we get parallel chapters about his relationship with Ada while Violet's coping with her grief, blah blah blah. The secret that Harry has is so beyond predictable, because of course he sleeps with Ada on the Titanic, and of course the one time she has sex she gets pregnant, and of course she gives up the child for adoption, and of course Harry's mother's maid conveniently saved the letter that Ada wrote to her explaining she is having his grandchild and puts it into the drawer of the armoire that Violet found the key for because it's attached to his other key for winding his watch, and of course it turns out that Violet is secretly Harry's great-grandchild which is why he sought her out. WOW! So much wow! It felt like a goddamn soap opera. As soon as Ada noted that her top fit differently I figured out the rest of the plot, but it took over one hundred excruciating pages to get there. WHY!!!!!!!! WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just felt really trite and awful and I was so bored by the end of it because it unfolded pretty much exactly how I thought it would, except that Violet doesn't end up with Theo. Which is probably a good thing but boy howdy it really felt like that was going to be the case.
A bunch of stray observations because so much of this book just pissed me off:
- Violet is taking an Anglo-Saxon elegies class or something that sounds really interesting, but the lesson shown is her reading an elegaic poem aloud and wowing the class with her passion (or so it felt). I have a hard time imagining that at Harvard goddamn University, they'd spend a good portion of class reading out an entire 120-line poem. I know for sure we didn't do that at my state university. It just felt super dramatic and not life-like at all. I know I'm one to talk about "it's not like real life" in a book where there's A FUCKING GHOST, but like... come on, man.
- There were several sentences that made me stop because I was astonished by how bad they were, or how an editor didn't catch them. "Her teeth sparkled like pearls." Pearls notoriously do not sparkle. There's another bit where Violet looks at the clock. It's 10:07 and she has "a few minutes to get to her psychology class." She does something, looks at the clock again, it's 10:12 and she, once again, has "a few minutes to get to psychology." These were mere paragraphs away from one another!! Why didn't a copy editor catch that? Meanwhile Violet has a scarf that is described specifically as lavender, but then it's also described as both violet and lilac. Those are three different goddamn colours. Make up your mind, woman. There were so many moments like this that just distracted from the reading.
- This one deserves its own bullet because I'm mad that nobody did the maths about this. If you are going to refer to specific dates, this shit should be fact-checked. Ada references her mentor being "a cousin of Virginia Woolf." This conversation specifically takes place on February 3rd, 1912. Virginia Woolf wasn't Virginia Woolf at that point. I recognize that this is the nit-pickiest of nits, but I thought it was weird to have a reference to Virginia Woolf at this point considering that The Voyage Out wasn't published until 1915. I then looked up Virginia Woolf and her courtship with Leonard. Leonard proposed in January 1912; she turned him down at the time, but they married later that year. AT THIS POINT SHE STILL WOULD HAVE BEEN VIRGINIA STEPHENS. Harry also quips that this mentor "must be from good literary stock," but since Virginia Woolf hadn't published then, that's a weird comment. Theoretically he could've been referring to her father, as he wrote essays, but even then NOBODY SHOULD BE REFERRING TO THIS WOMAN AS VIRGINIA WOOLF YET. This is so easy to check! I looked it up on goddamn Wikipedia! Why didn't anybody else???????? If you are going to write historical fiction and reference authors specifically, you should be aware that there are dumbass stickler English majors like me who read this and judge you based on missing historical facts. It screams more of, again, I Love Having Books Around Me rather than caring about literary history.
(Am I just as bad as Harry is? Probably, yeah. I shouldn't pretend I'm better than any of these characters. But for some reason this detail has me irrationally FURIOUS.)
- To the last point, there were a lot of times when the author wrote in dialogue that felt like its purpose was to prove that she had done research on the topic, despite it not being relevant or (in some cases) redundant. Jack Thayer is referred to as being a seventeen-year-old twice; that's totally fine the first time, but Harry notes he had a heart-to-heart "with the seventeen-year-old" when not enough time has gone by for us to have to re-establish that fact. Harry also says stuff aloud to Ada like "It has sixteen watertight compartments." This is true! The Titanic did have sixteen compartments. But people don't normally ... say exact facts like that aloud? I don't know, it felt like something where he could've said "I've heard it's got multiple compartments so if we're struck, it's no biggie." Obviously something better than that, I'm exaggerating here, but my least favourite thing about historical fiction is when writers throw in details in the weirdest, clunkiest way as a "See? I Did My Homework :)" kind of thing. It's especially frustrating after not fact-checking something like the Virginia Woolf thing earlier.
- Chapters are told either first-person (Harry describing his life, but from ghost-perspective, I guess) or third-person (Violet). We then get third-person chapters about what Ada's going through after Harry has died. However, there's also a note at some point in the text that ghosts can take a while to pass over, and their realm is pretty limited (Harry's is the memorial library that his mother builds him). So ... is he telling us what happens to Ada at this point? How do we know where that's supposed to be coming from? We hadn't received any actual Ada POV before this so I wasn't sure how or why we were seeing "ah yeah she's pregananant and here's the job she's doing, blah blah." If anything it would've been great to have the other POVs fully stop after the Titanic went down, or Harry noting he could only see certain events or something. Seeing Ada go through the process of deciding to give her kid up for adoption etc. fully took the wind out of the sails of that mystery because it was so obvious that the kid would be Violet's grandmother. Just a weird choice all around and did nothing to assist with the mystery.
- Also speaking of chapters, a lot of them are short. Which is not bad but sometimes I couldn't figure out why they were that short? There were at least a few instances where a chapter ends and the next one picks up in the same scene, but it's not like it was necessarily a natural breaking point. If there were major revelations or something I can understand it, but at times it just felt kind of random. I understand that short chapters can keep people reading but I like short chapters to have a logic to them. It just felt poorly planned out.
- The blurb describes Violet as a sophomore (she's confirmed a junior in the text, so it's factually wrong), but also "an elegy to the healing power of books." I can't say that books actually play a role in healing much here tbh. Harry collects books. He makes a library. Violet works in the library. At one point, a book is knocked off a cart to provide a message about ghosts, but like ... that's it. It's not like the information is secretly held inside one of Harry's books, or that Violet has to read a particular text in order to get the information. She just kind of stumbles into it via spooky stuff. Again, not necessarily bad, but not what the blurb promised me.
- There's a whole fucking subplot about someone slashing books in the library that just ... doesn't really feel relevant. It's not even a red herring, because it doesn't relate to the main mystery, and its only purpose is so that Violet kind of loses her job because her boss thinks that she's going bonkers talking about ghosts and that the slasher makes some kind of ghost comment. The slasher is not related to anyone in this book. He's revealed as a janitor. The author noted that around this time there was an IRL book slasher who was a custodian or something which is neat but it adds nothing to the plot whatsoever. A creative writing professor once told me "the truth is no excuse for bad fiction." That holds true here.
I spent a lot of this book screaming internally. I love historical fiction, I love ghosts, I love libraries, but I hated nearly everything about this book. It may be up your alley if you are less of a hater than I am but this was third-rate Titanic with nothing interesting happening in the present. Read at your own peril. I've spent forty minutes writing this review and I feel a little better about it but I am going to need a little time to recover.
The best thing about this book is the font. The capital Q has a lovely long tail that goes underneath other letters and looks cool. That's probably the most positive thing I have to say about this book. I read most of it in nearly a day, so I'll also give it that it held my attention, but after a while it turned to hate-reading because I was so annoyed and I had to see where this trainwreck (shipwreck?) went. I'm actively mad that I gave part of my life to this, but I had to see where it was going, so I'm here to tell you all the reasons why I'm furious.
I saw another review say they were surprised this wasn't a debut. I was too; I'd be more forgiving if that were the case. But instead this is an experienced author. I'm not sure I would've known it based on anything I actually read in this book.
Let's talk about our protagonists, beginning with Harry. Harry's personality trait is that he loves books. He wants his tobacco to smell like he's in his study reading. He likes going to London not because of the life of the city, but because it "smells like books." (I have a hard time imagining all of London in 1912 smelled like books, but fine.) He loves to collect. The main thing I got from Harryis that he thinks he's a Good and Serious book collector because he actually loves the books he's collecting, but I didn't actually get that impression; it felt more like he just liked having stuff. (This is probably a less charitable read of Harry, but oh well.) Harry's sole personality trait is Books until he meets Ada. Then his personality trait is Ada. I like love stories, but I don't really like it when it feels like both parties barely know one another. All told, Harry and Ada know each other for about four goddamn months, exchanging a number of letters and then hanging out for a couple weeks in London. I'm not saying that's not enough time to love someone, but it certainly was a bit overwhelming all at once.
Our other protagonist is Violet in 1992. Violet's personality trait is Sad. She is sad because her beloved boyfriend Hugo drowned in an accident that summer. Hugo was so flimsy that I didn't understand how or why Violet loved him. I've never gone through that variety of grief of losing a partner, and I'm sure there are some people who read this kind of book who feel comfort in hearing how Violet feels, but the entire time she just felt so wet and thin that I couldn't care about her grief. I'm sorry! I'm sorry your boyfriend died and your suitemates are assholes. I'm sorry that I also don't fully understand who you are separate from Hugo, other than your other personality trait (Loves Books). I feel like a real dick writing this out, but it's what I thought when I was reading it. It's not even that Violet really develops her own personality as the plot goes along and learns to live outside of her grief, or finding herself in a world without Hugo; she remains pretty much the same but at the end she is :) instead of :(.
Anyway, the plot is also about as strong as a house of cards. Violet begins investigating some stuff because she believes (rightfully) Harry's ghost is trying to contact her. Okay, cool. I LOVE ghosts (it turns out I love spookier ghosts specifically) but instead Violet immediately leaps to "have you ever been in love?" Weird question for a ghost, but fine. He says yes, she ends up trying to look up all this stuff, we get parallel chapters about his relationship with Ada while Violet's coping with her grief, blah blah blah. The secret that Harry has is so beyond predictable, because of course he sleeps with Ada on the Titanic, and of course the one time she has sex she gets pregnant, and of course she gives up the child for adoption, and of course Harry's mother's maid conveniently saved the letter that Ada wrote to her explaining she is having his grandchild and puts it into the drawer of the armoire that Violet found the key for because it's attached to his other key for winding his watch, and of course it turns out that Violet is secretly Harry's great-grandchild which is why he sought her out. WOW! So much wow! It felt like a goddamn soap opera. As soon as Ada noted that her top fit differently I figured out the rest of the plot, but it took over one hundred excruciating pages to get there. WHY!!!!!!!! WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just felt really trite and awful and I was so bored by the end of it because it unfolded pretty much exactly how I thought it would, except that Violet doesn't end up with Theo. Which is probably a good thing but boy howdy it really felt like that was going to be the case.
A bunch of stray observations because so much of this book just pissed me off:
- Violet is taking an Anglo-Saxon elegies class or something that sounds really interesting, but the lesson shown is her reading an elegaic poem aloud and wowing the class with her passion (or so it felt). I have a hard time imagining that at Harvard goddamn University, they'd spend a good portion of class reading out an entire 120-line poem. I know for sure we didn't do that at my state university. It just felt super dramatic and not life-like at all. I know I'm one to talk about "it's not like real life" in a book where there's A FUCKING GHOST, but like... come on, man.
- There were several sentences that made me stop because I was astonished by how bad they were, or how an editor didn't catch them. "Her teeth sparkled like pearls." Pearls notoriously do not sparkle. There's another bit where Violet looks at the clock. It's 10:07 and she has "a few minutes to get to her psychology class." She does something, looks at the clock again, it's 10:12 and she, once again, has "a few minutes to get to psychology." These were mere paragraphs away from one another!! Why didn't a copy editor catch that? Meanwhile Violet has a scarf that is described specifically as lavender, but then it's also described as both violet and lilac. Those are three different goddamn colours. Make up your mind, woman. There were so many moments like this that just distracted from the reading.
- This one deserves its own bullet because I'm mad that nobody did the maths about this. If you are going to refer to specific dates, this shit should be fact-checked. Ada references her mentor being "a cousin of Virginia Woolf." This conversation specifically takes place on February 3rd, 1912. Virginia Woolf wasn't Virginia Woolf at that point. I recognize that this is the nit-pickiest of nits, but I thought it was weird to have a reference to Virginia Woolf at this point considering that The Voyage Out wasn't published until 1915. I then looked up Virginia Woolf and her courtship with Leonard. Leonard proposed in January 1912; she turned him down at the time, but they married later that year. AT THIS POINT SHE STILL WOULD HAVE BEEN VIRGINIA STEPHENS. Harry also quips that this mentor "must be from good literary stock," but since Virginia Woolf hadn't published then, that's a weird comment. Theoretically he could've been referring to her father, as he wrote essays, but even then NOBODY SHOULD BE REFERRING TO THIS WOMAN AS VIRGINIA WOOLF YET. This is so easy to check! I looked it up on goddamn Wikipedia! Why didn't anybody else???????? If you are going to write historical fiction and reference authors specifically, you should be aware that there are dumbass stickler English majors like me who read this and judge you based on missing historical facts. It screams more of, again, I Love Having Books Around Me rather than caring about literary history.
(Am I just as bad as Harry is? Probably, yeah. I shouldn't pretend I'm better than any of these characters. But for some reason this detail has me irrationally FURIOUS.)
- To the last point, there were a lot of times when the author wrote in dialogue that felt like its purpose was to prove that she had done research on the topic, despite it not being relevant or (in some cases) redundant. Jack Thayer is referred to as being a seventeen-year-old twice; that's totally fine the first time, but Harry notes he had a heart-to-heart "with the seventeen-year-old" when not enough time has gone by for us to have to re-establish that fact. Harry also says stuff aloud to Ada like "It has sixteen watertight compartments." This is true! The Titanic did have sixteen compartments. But people don't normally ... say exact facts like that aloud? I don't know, it felt like something where he could've said "I've heard it's got multiple compartments so if we're struck, it's no biggie." Obviously something better than that, I'm exaggerating here, but my least favourite thing about historical fiction is when writers throw in details in the weirdest, clunkiest way as a "See? I Did My Homework :)" kind of thing. It's especially frustrating after not fact-checking something like the Virginia Woolf thing earlier.
- Chapters are told either first-person (Harry describing his life, but from ghost-perspective, I guess) or third-person (Violet). We then get third-person chapters about what Ada's going through after Harry has died. However, there's also a note at some point in the text that ghosts can take a while to pass over, and their realm is pretty limited (Harry's is the memorial library that his mother builds him). So ... is he telling us what happens to Ada at this point? How do we know where that's supposed to be coming from? We hadn't received any actual Ada POV before this so I wasn't sure how or why we were seeing "ah yeah she's pregananant and here's the job she's doing, blah blah." If anything it would've been great to have the other POVs fully stop after the Titanic went down, or Harry noting he could only see certain events or something. Seeing Ada go through the process of deciding to give her kid up for adoption etc. fully took the wind out of the sails of that mystery because it was so obvious that the kid would be Violet's grandmother. Just a weird choice all around and did nothing to assist with the mystery.
- Also speaking of chapters, a lot of them are short. Which is not bad but sometimes I couldn't figure out why they were that short? There were at least a few instances where a chapter ends and the next one picks up in the same scene, but it's not like it was necessarily a natural breaking point. If there were major revelations or something I can understand it, but at times it just felt kind of random. I understand that short chapters can keep people reading but I like short chapters to have a logic to them. It just felt poorly planned out.
- The blurb describes Violet as a sophomore (she's confirmed a junior in the text, so it's factually wrong), but also "an elegy to the healing power of books." I can't say that books actually play a role in healing much here tbh. Harry collects books. He makes a library. Violet works in the library. At one point, a book is knocked off a cart to provide a message about ghosts, but like ... that's it. It's not like the information is secretly held inside one of Harry's books, or that Violet has to read a particular text in order to get the information. She just kind of stumbles into it via spooky stuff. Again, not necessarily bad, but not what the blurb promised me.
- There's a whole fucking subplot about someone slashing books in the library that just ... doesn't really feel relevant. It's not even a red herring, because it doesn't relate to the main mystery, and its only purpose is so that Violet kind of loses her job because her boss thinks that she's going bonkers talking about ghosts and that the slasher makes some kind of ghost comment. The slasher is not related to anyone in this book. He's revealed as a janitor. The author noted that around this time there was an IRL book slasher who was a custodian or something which is neat but it adds nothing to the plot whatsoever. A creative writing professor once told me "the truth is no excuse for bad fiction." That holds true here.
I spent a lot of this book screaming internally. I love historical fiction, I love ghosts, I love libraries, but I hated nearly everything about this book. It may be up your alley if you are less of a hater than I am but this was third-rate Titanic with nothing interesting happening in the present. Read at your own peril. I've spent forty minutes writing this review and I feel a little better about it but I am going to need a little time to recover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
Really didn't emotionally connect with this one because the writing was so dry.
Beautiful cover, interesting premise, but the story execution fell short.
Thanks to Netgalley, Union Square & Co. and the author for this eARC.
Beautiful cover, interesting premise, but the story execution fell short.
Thanks to Netgalley, Union Square & Co. and the author for this eARC.
September 7, 2025
This was my first time reading Alyson Richman. She writes beautifully and the premise was interesting but my overall reading experience was uneven. I would give this one about 2.75 to 3 stars.
There were several threads and questions that felt unresolved. Why was Henry’s ghost trapped on earth and once his story was told was he finally able to move on. Was Henry the connection between Ada’s love of the color purple and her great granddaughter being named Violet. The theme of water linking Henry and Violet was compelling but not explored deeply. What happened with the book as a slasher. It was explained in the author’s note after the story but leaving it unfinished within the book itself felt unsatisfying.
The structure also left me flipping back at times to check if I had missed something. One chapter would establish something and the next would shift without a clear transition. Henry’s role as a ghost also raised questions. He could stir a breeze for his mother and appear at home but seemed unable or unwilling to help Ada even as she suffered. Ada never acknowledged sensing him which made that thread feel incomplete.
The formatting was distracting as well. Narration shifted between Henry Violet and Ada without clear delineation. Letters appeared in different font sizes. Some chapters included dropped first letters while others did not. There were also random printing glitches such as stray letters breaking up the page. Altogether it gave the impression of reading an early draft rather than a polished ARC.
While I appreciated the beauty of Richman’s writing and the potential in the premise the lack of clarity unanswered questions and formatting issues kept me from fully enjoying the book
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were several threads and questions that felt unresolved. Why was Henry’s ghost trapped on earth and once his story was told was he finally able to move on. Was Henry the connection between Ada’s love of the color purple and her great granddaughter being named Violet. The theme of water linking Henry and Violet was compelling but not explored deeply. What happened with the book as a slasher. It was explained in the author’s note after the story but leaving it unfinished within the book itself felt unsatisfying.
The structure also left me flipping back at times to check if I had missed something. One chapter would establish something and the next would shift without a clear transition. Henry’s role as a ghost also raised questions. He could stir a breeze for his mother and appear at home but seemed unable or unwilling to help Ada even as she suffered. Ada never acknowledged sensing him which made that thread feel incomplete.
The formatting was distracting as well. Narration shifted between Henry Violet and Ada without clear delineation. Letters appeared in different font sizes. Some chapters included dropped first letters while others did not. There were also random printing glitches such as stray letters breaking up the page. Altogether it gave the impression of reading an early draft rather than a polished ARC.
While I appreciated the beauty of Richman’s writing and the potential in the premise the lack of clarity unanswered questions and formatting issues kept me from fully enjoying the book
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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