The main character is a child, yet the story carries layers of meaning that resonate deeply with adult readers. Elsa is about to turn eight and she already knows she is different. She is bright, observant, and often feels out of place. She lives with her mother and her stepfather, and her only true companion is her Granny, who happens to live in the same building.
Granny is wonderfully eccentric, the kind of person who can both charm and exhaust everyone around her. She tells the most magical stories and lives life with unapologetic boldness. To Elsa, she is a hero, even if the rest of the world thinks otherwise. When Granny dies of cancer, Elsa is left in a silence that feels too heavy for a child to carry.
Before her death, Granny leaves Elsa a series of letters to deliver to their neighbours. Each letter holds an apology. What begins as an errand slowly turns into a journey of discovery, like a treasure hunt that helps Elsa make sense of her loss. Through these encounters, she learns that every neighbour carries hidden wounds and that her Granny had quietly woven herself into all their lives.
It becomes clear that the task is far from simple, yet Elsa faces it with courage shaped by love. Along the way, she discovers connection, kindness, and unexpected friendship.
One of my favourite things about this book is the characters. They are quirky, flawed, and deeply human, yet so easy to love. Each of them feels real in their own way, and watching their layers unfold makes the story even more meaningful. I grew attached to them more than I expected.
I give this book 5 ⭐s for its heartfelt storytelling. The author once again captures grief, love, and humanity with warmth and honesty.