Book Review: The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
I just finished The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo, and it’s a heart-wrenching ride that stayed with me way past when I closed it—think back to a cozy night around 8:30 PM on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. This 2017 book follows Lucy and Gabe, two college kids whose love ignites on 9/11, only to twist and turn through years of choices, distance, and other relationships, told in a letter-like vibe.
I was snuggled on my couch with a chai, the night quiet around me, and their story pulled me right in. Lucy meets Gabe on that fateful day, and their spark is instant—dreams of changing the world together light them up. But life pulls them apart; he chases war journalism, she builds a life with Darren, and the “what-ifs” pile up. I felt every ache as Lucy reflects on their missed chances, especially when Gabe’s letters from afar hit hard. That ending? Man, it left me staring at the ceiling.
What got me was how real it feels. Santopolo captures that bittersweet love—passionate but flawed—with raw honesty. The 9/11 backdrop adds this heavy, beautiful layer, tying their fate to something bigger. That said, it’s not flawless; some of Lucy’s decisions frustrated me, and the pacing dragged a bit with her marriage stuff. Still, the emotion carries it.
This had me thinking about love and timing—I scribbled “some lights fade but never die” on a napkin that night, ‘cause it stuck. It’s a moving, tearful read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommendation: Hey, if you’re into love stories that hit hard with a side of heartbreak, grab this—perfect for a quiet night when you’re up for a rollercoaster of feels. Great for romantics who don’t mind a good cry!
| Book Details | Information |
| Book Name | The Light We Lost |
| Author | Jill Santopolo |
| Genres | Romance, Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction, Novels |
| First Published | May 9, 2017 |
| File Type | |
| Pages | 315 |
| Language | English |
| Size | 2.26 MB |
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