'A Place Called Here' by Cecelia Ahern follows the story of Sandy Shortt, a woman obsessed with finding missing people and things. One day, she mysteriously finds herself in a place called Here, where all the missing things and people end up. In Here, Sandy meets the people she had been searching for and discovers a community of lost individuals who have made a life for themselves. The plot is described as interesting, original, and different, with a touch of supernatural elements that make it a compelling read.

The narrative style of the book is praised for its modern-day fairy tale quality, exploring themes of loss, love, and obsession that resonate with readers on a personal level. The character of Sandy is portrayed as flawed and engaging, leading the reader on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the missing things and people in a whimsical yet thought-provoking manner.

Characters:

The characters, especially Sandy Shortt, are intricately developed with relatable flaws, enhancing the story's emotional depth and engaging readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and engaging, filled with detailed descriptions and philosophical themes that captivate the reader while maintaining a conversational tone.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a unique and imaginative narrative that centers on a character's obsession with loss and the discovery of a fantastical place where all things and people go missing. Some readers found the conclusion unsatisfactory, lacking closure for many characters.

Setting:

The setting combines a contemporary Irish backdrop with an enchanting fantasy realm, creating a compelling and immersive atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly brisk, though certain sections may feel slower as the story delves into character backgrounds and exposition.

Notes:

The main character, Sandy Shortt, is obsessed with finding lost things and people.

Sandy opens a missing persons agency after a childhood friend's disappearance.

Sandy has a traumatic event at age 10 involving the disappearance of her childhood friend.

Sandy's obsession leads her to a place called Here where all lost things and people go.

Ahern's books often have a spiritual or mystical component.

Readers find the plot to be uniquely original and engaging.

Sandy is portrayed as a flawed but relatable character.

The book touches on themes of loss, love, and obsession.

The ending of the book has left some readers feeling unsatisfied.

The story is considered a modern fairy tale for adults.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of loss and grief, particularly involving missing persons and the psychological impact of obsession.

Has Romance?

There is a medium presence of romance in the story, manifested through Sandy's relationships and interactions with other characters.

From The Publisher:

A redemptive and captivating novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of PS. I Love You.

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (1)

1 comment(s)

PurpleAmythest

Incredible

4 weeks

This was a really good novel. One of my favourites I've read this year, definitely. I liked the quirky concept, I liked the characters and I liked the fairly short chapters. It kept me guessing throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was a pretty easy read and even though its almost 400 pages long, there's a blank page next to the start of pretty much every chapter, so it isn't quite as long as it may first seem. I found it to be a fairly easy read overall, though it did still take me 5 days to read it through to the end (spending no more than a couple of hours or so a day reading).

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A Place Called Here

Cecelia Ahern