The Hidden Letters of Velta B.

A Novel

Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Contemporary, Fiction & Literature, Historical, Literary
Cover of the book The Hidden Letters of Velta B. by Gina Ochsner, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gina Ochsner ISBN: 9780544253124
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publication: July 26, 2016
Imprint: Mariner Books Language: English
Author: Gina Ochsner
ISBN: 9780544253124
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication: July 26, 2016
Imprint: Mariner Books
Language: English

“A beautifully spun tale” set in a tiny town in Latvia—“an astonishing alchemy of history, romance, and fable” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

Maris was born knowing things: His very large, very special ears enable him to hear the secrets of the dead, as well as the memories that haunt his Latvian hometown. As a boy, he finds himself heir to an odd assortment of hidden letters, from which he would weave a story that could finally expose—and maybe even patch—the holes in the fabric of his family and their town.

With humor, heart, and her characteristic “luminous writing [and] affection for her characters,” Gina Ochsner creates an intimate, hopeful portrait of a fascinating town in all its complications and charm. From the onset of World War II through the cold shock of independence, we see how, despite years of distrust, a community can come through love and loss to the joy of understanding (The New York Times). A finalist for the Oregon Book Awards Ken Kesey Award for Fiction, The Hidden Letters of Velta B. is “a captivating novel of secrets, love, and memory . . . This terrific novel knocked me out” (Janet Fitch, author of Paint It Black).

“Intimate, vibrant, and richly colored.” —Portland Monthly

“A gift on par with Joanne Harris’s Chocolat . . . Quirky, ethereal, hilarious, and sorrowful.” —Shelf Awareness

“[An] extraordinary feat of storytelling . . . A spellbinding novel as tough as it is beautiful.” —Helen Simonson, author of The Summer Before the War

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

“A beautifully spun tale” set in a tiny town in Latvia—“an astonishing alchemy of history, romance, and fable” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

Maris was born knowing things: His very large, very special ears enable him to hear the secrets of the dead, as well as the memories that haunt his Latvian hometown. As a boy, he finds himself heir to an odd assortment of hidden letters, from which he would weave a story that could finally expose—and maybe even patch—the holes in the fabric of his family and their town.

With humor, heart, and her characteristic “luminous writing [and] affection for her characters,” Gina Ochsner creates an intimate, hopeful portrait of a fascinating town in all its complications and charm. From the onset of World War II through the cold shock of independence, we see how, despite years of distrust, a community can come through love and loss to the joy of understanding (The New York Times). A finalist for the Oregon Book Awards Ken Kesey Award for Fiction, The Hidden Letters of Velta B. is “a captivating novel of secrets, love, and memory . . . This terrific novel knocked me out” (Janet Fitch, author of Paint It Black).

“Intimate, vibrant, and richly colored.” —Portland Monthly

“A gift on par with Joanne Harris’s Chocolat . . . Quirky, ethereal, hilarious, and sorrowful.” —Shelf Awareness

“[An] extraordinary feat of storytelling . . . A spellbinding novel as tough as it is beautiful.” —Helen Simonson, author of The Summer Before the War

More books from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Cover of the book Kingbird Highway by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Simply Done, Well Done by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book The Emperor by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book I Come as a Thief by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Black Flower by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Money Mischief by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Crises of the Republic by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Inventions of the March Hare by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Triumph by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book The Diary of Anaïs Nin, 1934–1939 by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book After Birth by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book The Lucky Ones by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Vibes by Gina Ochsner
Cover of the book Millions of Snowflakes by Gina Ochsner
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy