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Seven Letters

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'It's GREAT! Thought-provoking, gripping and moving' Marian Keyes'It will crawl under your skin, refusing to let go. A heart-breaking read' Sunday Independent__________Sarah loves being a mother - it defines her.Every year she writes a birthday letter of love to her adored daughter, Izzy, now seven. And after she falls pregnant, she promises Izzy that the arrival of a baby brother will make their family complete. So when she collapses a few months later, the safe happy life Izzy knows is shattered.With Sarah's future, and the future of her pregnancy, in their hands, her husband and sister disagree fiercely about her treatment. The once close family starts to fall apart.The clock is ticking, and the doctors need a decision. Can those who love Sarah get beyond the fog of grief and anger to figure out what's for the best? Can they ever forgive each other for the decisions they make? Will Izzy lose everything she knows and loves?__________'Compelling, deeply moving and heartbreaking ... a must-read' Woman's Way 'Might be her finest novel yet' Irish Examiner 'What a devastating, gorgeous read' Emily Hourican'I need a therapy session after reading Seven Letters - I'm an emotional wreck!' Margaret Madden, Bleach House Library

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2019

362 people are currently reading
863 people want to read

About the author

Sinéad Moriarty

31 books496 followers
Sinéad was born and raised in Dublin where she grew up surrounded by books. Her mother is an author of children’s books. Growing up, Sinead says she was inspired by watching her mother writing at the kitchen table and then being published. From that moment on, her childhood dream was to write a novel.

After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.

After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.

Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.

Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.

Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.

Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.

Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.

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5 stars
719 (40%)
4 stars
581 (32%)
3 stars
331 (18%)
2 stars
105 (5%)
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27 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life.
908 reviews178 followers
July 19, 2019
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**3.5 stars**

Seven Letters by Sinéad Moriarty. (2019).

Being a mother defines Sarah and she loves it. Every year she's written a birthday letter of love to her daughter Izzy, now seven. And Sarah has finally fallen pregnant with a baby boy. When Sarah collapses, the safe and happy life Izzy knows is shattered. With the future of Sarah and her pregnancy in their hands, her husband and her family disagree about her treatment. The clock is ticking and the doctors need a decision. Can those who love Sarah get beyond the fog of grief and anger to figure out what's best? Can they forgive one another for their decisions? Will Izzy lose everything she knows and loves?

First of all, kudos to the author for tackling a really controversial and tough subject matter. I think the author covered the issue with respect and it was quite emotional at times imagining if Sarah's situation happened to someone close to me. It was certainly thought-provoking. However, I think the book was longer and more drawn out than it needed to be. Despite only covering a period of three weeks, it felt like it lasted a lot longer than that. I also found some of the phrases in conversation used by the 7 year old Izzy not very realistic for that age group, the same with her almost 16 year old cousin Riley although not to the same extent. I think the drama between the family members after Sarah's incident was well plotted and very believable, particularly in those terrible circumstances.
Overall I think it was a very memorable plotline with a lot of food for thought, albeit quite emotionally triggering.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,002 reviews177 followers
June 9, 2019
I'll admit that I launched into "Seven Letters" with some trepidation, not being a particular fan of either chick lit or fiction based around "thought provoking social issues". I've found Jodi Piccoult's books, which I know many absolutely love, to be quite contrived in the way her characters are placed in dramatic personal dilemmas, but frequently seem not to be required to actively resolve them one way or the other.
"Seven Letters" follows the story of the close family members of popular and beautiful thirty-something wife and mother Sarah, who unexpectedly falls into a coma when 14 weeks' pregnant. Her husband, sister and father find themselves at odds over her medical treatment, while struggling to continue "normal" life for the benefit of her 7-year-old daughter, Izzy. It's pure Piccoult territory - these authors trawl the newspapers for suitably tragic tales on which to base their next novel (Moriarty refers in her acknowledgements to an Irish news article that inspired "Seven Letters").
However, I was pleased to find that, in Moriarty's hands, what might have been a mawkish and moralistic tale proved to be a genuinely moving family drama, set against the background of a contemporary medico-legal dilemma. The reader knows that real families are facing comparable decisions right now. Her characterisations are rich and layered - none of these people are saints, even the near-death Sarah. While at times the family members are in bitter conflict, both points of view are sensitively handled.
In Piccoult's world, I have a strong feeling that the ultimate resolution would have been taken out of the hands of the protagonists - and there was an obvious mechanism for the author to have taken the plot in such a direction - but Moriarty held her nerve and followed through. The novel was immeasurably stronger, albeit genuinely tear-jerking, as a result.
While it's not particularly challenging in the literary sense, I found the novel had me seriously contemplating the dilemma the protagonists are facing and examining my own moral position around preservation of life. Moriarty deserves considerable success with this offering.
Profile Image for Olivia Dowling.
52 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2020
It's not often that I'm disappointed by book and even rarer that I actually dislike one. In fact, I can't remember the last book I read that I didn't like. However, 'Seven Letters', unfortunately, falls into both categories. I found the dialogue hard to read; it almost didn't read like dialogue, with no breaks between big chunks of talking. Moreover, there was no description of the surrounding landscape - Ireland, I presume - which made it feel like it could have been happening anywhere. Maybe this is a good thing, but for me, I would have liked to read a bit more about the actual landscape as Ireland is such a beautiful place - not that I've ever been but it looks nice of Pinterest. Finally, **SPOILER SPOILER** I thought Adam's decision to keep Sarah 'alive' was really stupid, I was getting genuinely angry, and I don't get angry in real life often let alone in books. But I thought it was kind of unrealistic how insensitive and narrow-minded he was being, which, although I finished it in roughly a week, made the book somewhat unenjoyable to read.
Profile Image for Marina B.
35 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2020
I was fighting with myself with this rating. 3* seems too low, but I gave 4* to much better books this year, so I couldn't give it to this one.
It definitely deserves 3.5*.

It was my first time reading something from Sinead Moriarty and I didn't know what to expect. I didn't even read what the book is about so I was really surprised when I realized it is a strong and realistic family drama.
I liked the writing style, I like how Moriarty handled the sad and controversial topic. I couldn't wait to finish the book and see what happens.

What I didn't like - the book has lots of fillers that didn't make sense. Some characters and some actions didn't seem realistic. Even though it's such a sad topic, I didn't cry, something was missing for me to give me that emotion.

All in all, I am not sorry I spend couple of days on this book, but I wouldn't miss it if I didn't read it.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 8 books160 followers
December 23, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Sinead Moriarty and it won’t be my last! I cried my way through this emotional and tender novel. Gorgeously real and endearing characters facing an impossible situation. I won’t forget this one in a hurry.
Profile Image for Nikki Houghton.
698 reviews14 followers
October 24, 2019
This should have been a 5 star book about a young, Saint-like pregnant Irish woman who falls into a coma and never wakes up. It is told through the eyes and lives of her immediate family, all of whom apparently loved her to bits.
It was a wonderful, devastating, beautifully written, gorgeous novel until 2/3 of the way through and then? Then it became a long, cringingly emotional, saccharine sweet, never ending embarrassing load of twaddle.
And you know what? We never get to see the letters; it should’ve been called the Surprise of the Seven Letters - the surprise being the author hadn’t bothered writing them in the first place. Nice book, shame about the ennnnnnnnnding yawn.
156 reviews
March 18, 2020
Very easy-reading but I knew that before I started it. A theme which I had come across in other books, those of Jodi Picoult for example. But Picoult's books have more depth and Moriarty is more chicklit. Still, I enjoyed reading it and it made for a nice break in between more serious books.
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,668 reviews222 followers
September 19, 2019
This book pulled my heartstrings from the very beginning.

Sarah had a great family with a loving husband and sweet daughter Izzy, when she found herself to be pregnant. A mishap and she was in coma. Her husband Colin found it difficult to deal with it. Meanwhile, sister Mia found seven letters written to Izzy, and that changed their lives.

My first book by Sinead Moriarty, and the story squeezed my emotions from my heart till they became tears falling down my cheeks. The emotions ravaged me as I read through the pages. The characters felt real and ethical issues were dealt with sensitively by the author.

Every word written by this author touched me, whether it was the predicament shown over Sarah's future treatment or the frustration of the loved ones who felt helpless. The talented author had done a fabulous job with this highly emotional book.

A complete rollercoaster, I was twisted and turned, and left dry. I cried for 2 days after reading this book
Profile Image for Di.
739 reviews47 followers
August 2, 2020
I was in a bit of a book funk after reading a slew of excellent books. Seven Letters was suggested to me by an on line friend, fellow reading addict. I was not prepared for what I was about to read.

This was a very emotional family drama. It tackled ethical and moral issues. It tackled human feelings and reactions. A young and happy family was excited to wait for a new baby until the unexpected and unimaginable happens to the Mom.

The anguish experienced by the immediate and extended family was realistic. In fact, there were times that I was ugly crying, trying to read it through tears. Not a lot of books evoke that kind of emotion from me.

The story was well presented, the characters were very real, their emotions were very real. I was satisfied with the way things were resolved.

Advice to anyone else contemplating reading this book: if you are prone to investing yourself in the books you read and the characters you meet, keep a box of tissues at your side.
Profile Image for Faye Stephens.
12 reviews
February 20, 2023
Really liked this book from the start, my interest wavered a bit but not for very long! It was thought provoking… a family divided, made me cry in parts, well detailed characters and relationships.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,147 reviews42 followers
August 15, 2019
I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't my favorite. This is a sad book and tugs at your heartstrings. (Yes, I shed a few tears, it's hard not to get emotional with this story.) I didn't love any of the characters. I hated the way Sarah was portrayed as a saint and could do no wrong. She was perfect while everyone else was flawed. Izzy didn't seem believable to me. At times, I pictured a toddler instead of a seven year old. I think she needed to be told the truth sooner instead of letting her believe her mom was going to wake up and walk out of the hospital. Riley seemed like she was older than fifteen. I thought the seven letters would play a more prominent part in the book. The reader doesn't even know what's written in the letters.

I do recommend the book. the book was beautifully written and makes you think what you would do in that situation. I'm a huge fan of the author's previous books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
362 reviews
March 26, 2020
This book was a bit of a disappointment - maybe even a 2.5 star rounded up. Really interesting plot idea, Sarah is 14 weeks pregnant when she collapses and is determined to be brain dead. Unfortunately the writing wasn’t very sophisticated and many of the subplots and dialogue not very realistic.
Profile Image for Janna.
98 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2020
Ok... I am giving this 4 stars ONLY because it is an INCREDIBLE idea for a story. However, I found myself constantly pulled out of this incredible story because of things like silly teenage drama, unnecessarily poor communication (my pet peeve), and lengthy repetitive debates. I'd still recommend this book to anyone who likes some morally complicated plotlines... really gets you thinking, "Who's right and who's wrong?" or "What would I do ?"

On to the spoilers... I could have done without Riley completely. Sure, her character provided some diversity in the family dynamics, but her selfish outbursts, her ALARMING insecurity, and her insignificant storylines took me away from the story so much that I would just roll my eyes and skim through them. Same with the non-stop repetitive arguments. Their debates went in circles! I wish the writer would have found different ways to debate the topic, or different complications, or more relevant spin-offs.

And what was with the Johnny thing? HIs little arc felt so forced and irrelevant. It seemed like it was just jabbed in there last minute to provide a little romance at the end. I'm pretty sure Johnny could have explained the offer to his wife, and together as a couple, they could have decided what to do. But no no, we must keep secrets and make assumptions. Oy.

And finally... the books is LITERALLY TITLED "Seven Letters"... yet the letters played zero role in the story. We didn't even get to read them. I don't get it.
Profile Image for Munibah.
2 reviews
April 6, 2024
I didn’t think I’d like this book very much but although it’s a different kind of grief, it re submerged me into a grief of losing my grandparents that I thought I’d very much ridden the wave of many years ago. It reminded me of a love that I had lost but had very much never forgotten and missed so terribly too.

I enjoyed the switching of voices between characters, I enjoyed seeing Adam’s perspective because if I’m honest, without it I don’t think I would’ve understood why he kept doing what he was doing. Riley’s voice reminded us that whilst there was grief, life was still going on and it didn’t subtract from the fact that she very much had her own teenage turmoils that she was dealing with too. She did frustrate me often with saying the wrong thing, but I just think that’s what a teenager does, trying to be the perfect child but often falling short. Inevitably your parents love you either way no matter what mistake you make.

This story made my heart ache and the tears flowed. But I enjoyed it nonetheless. What would you do in that situation?

I end this very convoluted review with a couple of quotes that I think everyone bearing the weight of grief should know. ‘But what is grief if not love persevering?’ ‘Grief is just love with nowhere to go.’
Profile Image for Donna McCaul Thibodeau.
1,348 reviews31 followers
February 7, 2024
This is the story of a family torn apart by a senseless tragedy. Sarah is a thirty four year old woman who is fourteen weeks pregnant with a longed for baby. She is a stay at home mother to Izzy, who is seven years old. When she collapses at home, she is taken to hospital. After three days, during which the doctors ran a battery of tests, her family received the devastating news that she is brain dead. Machines are the only thing keeping her alive. Her sister, Mia, and father, Charlie, want to let her go, whilst Adam, her husband, insists that the pregnancy is viable and she be kept alive.
This story was okay until the last third of the book. Then it felt like the author was just rehashing material she had already covered. I also found it hard to believe that Adam (totally grief stricken, I know) would bring seven year old Izzy into the ICU to see her decaying shell of a mother. I felt like this book was a second rate attempt at something that is done much better by Jodi Picoult. Not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,025 reviews83 followers
December 10, 2019
Sarah loves you daughter, Izzy, and every year she writes her a letter on her birthday. When Sarah becomes pregnant with a son the family is excited and happy but disaster strikes and now Izzy's world is upside down. Izzy's dad and aunt are fighting constantly about Sarah's treatment. Their once happy family is falling apart and the clock is ticking with Sarah's life. Sinead Moriarty has written numerous books and I've enjoyed several of them. She always writes an emotional story and this one is a tear jerker. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
1 review
August 18, 2024
Not the best book to read after having a baby but also the book had me hooked.

I felt for Sarah’s family and Adam and poor Izzy. It was well written and delved in deep. It had a good ending to tragic circumstances.
Profile Image for Janine.
2,569 reviews77 followers
September 20, 2019
A moving, thought provoking book but I found it to be a bit repetitive and long.
Profile Image for Marina Mcmaugh.
100 reviews
September 24, 2019
Reading this book was like being on an emotional rollercoaster... really enjoyed this story
Profile Image for Kerrie Paterson.
Author 16 books21 followers
January 20, 2020
A couple of days after finishing, I'm still not sure how to rate this book. Very thought-provoking but quite a confronting read.
Profile Image for Tee..
259 reviews63 followers
May 15, 2020
4.5 stars.
Would’ve been a solid 5 had it not been so long.

But oh how I cried throughout the book. If I’m being honest, I still am crying.
Really thought-provoking and it had me making promises to myself over and over again to love & cherish my family even more.
Profile Image for Rebecca Howland.
18 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2020
Read this book in a day, and shed a few tears! The book didn’t end exactly as I was expecting and this was good.
21 reviews
July 1, 2022
Overall I liked the book. It was very sad at times, but did like the ending.
Profile Image for Órna.
88 reviews
January 1, 2024
An absolutely heart breaking read. Tears were shed over this one.
4 reviews
September 10, 2024
Interesting topic and sparks some ethics related thoughts but the dialogue is slightly unrealistic and annoying.
Overall, a likeable book and it was a pleasant read about sisterly love.
Profile Image for Danielle.
120 reviews
November 10, 2024
A moving, thought-provoking, heartwarming, and heartwrenching story, all bundled up in to one book.
Profile Image for Anusha.
18 reviews
December 30, 2023
This moving and engaging storyline completely sucked me in with its gritty exploration of family dynamics. Felt like I was watching a medical drama, couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews

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