When it comes to love stories that will tug at your heartstrings, ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ stands out as a novel that touches on the themes of passion, longing, and the power of love letters.
Written by Jojo Moyes, this book has captivated readers since its publication in 2010. In 2021, the story was adapted into a film by director Augustine Frizzell, showcasing the tale on the big screen.
In this article, we will dive into the book summary, film summary, cast, parent guide, when and where the story takes place, film locations, who’s who, quotes, the soundtrack by Daniel Hart, and more.
Book Summary and Analysis
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ tells the story of two women living in different time periods. In 1960, we follow Jennifer Stirling, a woman recovering from a car accident and struggling to remember her past.
As she uncovers a series of love letters from a mysterious man named ‘B’, her memories slowly return, revealing a passionate affair with Anthony O’Hare, a journalist she met while her husband, Laurence Stirling, was away on a business trip.
In 2003, Ellie Haworth, a young journalist, discovers one of the love letters from ‘B’ and becomes obsessed with unraveling the story behind it.
As Ellie delves into the past, she begins to empathize with Jennifer and Anthony’s forbidden love, while also reevaluating her own relationship with her married lover, Rory.
Moyes’ novel masterfully interweaves both stories, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of written words. The story highlights the importance of following one’s heart and the struggle of choosing between duty and desire.
Film Adaptation Summary and Analysis
Augustine Frizzell’s film adaptation of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ stays true to the novel’s essence while taking some creative liberties.
The film focuses more on Ellie’s journey and her relationship with Rory, while still capturing the passion and longing between Jennifer and Anthony.
The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and vibrant colors that transport viewers to the 1960s and early 2000s.
The performances by Felicity Jones (Ellie), Shailene Woodley (Jennifer), Callum Turner (Anthony), and Joe Alwyn (Laurence) are captivating, bringing depth and emotion to their characters.
While the film adaptation streamlines certain aspects of the story, it remains a faithful and evocative portrayal of Moyes’ novel.
The film captures the essence of the book while adding a modern touch through its visual storytelling and soundtrack.
Cast and Crew of the Film Adaptation
The film adaptation of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ boasts a talented cast and crew. Felicity Jones leads the cast as Ellie Haworth, with Shailene Woodley portraying Jennifer Stirling, Callum Turner as Anthony O’Hare, and Joe Alwyn as Laurence Stirling.
Nabhaan Rizwan plays Rory, Ellie’s love interest, and Ben Cross stars as Older Anthony O’Hare.
Behind the camera, Augustine Frizzell directs the film, with a screenplay by Nick Payne and Esta Spalding.
The cinematography by George Steel and the soundtrack by Daniel Hart further enhance the film’s visual and emotional impact.
Parent Guide for ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ is a romantic drama with a PG-13 rating, suitable for viewers aged 13 and above.
The film contains some adult themes, including infidelity, and a few intimate scenes. However, the film is not overly explicit or graphic, making it appropriate for teens and adults alike.
Parents are advised to exercise discretion based on their child’s maturity and understanding of the film’s themes.
When and Where the Story Takes Place
The story of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ unfolds in two different time periods, taking place in 1960 and 2003.
The 1960s storyline follows Jennifer Stirling in London and the French Riviera, while the 2003 storyline follows Ellie Haworth in London.
The contrasting settings and time periods add depth to the narrative, showcasing how love, passion, and the search for happiness transcend time and place.
Film Locations and Behind-the-Scenes Details
The film adaptation of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ was shot in various locations across the United Kingdom and Spain.
Key filming locations include London, where the 2003 storyline takes place, and the picturesque Mallorca, Spain, which stands in for the French Riviera in the 1960s timeline. These stunning locations bring the story to life, with the beautiful scenery and architecture adding to the film’s visual appeal.
Who’s Who in the Story – Character Analysis
The main characters in ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ are Jennifer Stirling, Anthony O’Hare, Ellie Haworth, Laurence Stirling, and Rory.
Jennifer is a complex character, torn between her love for Anthony and her loyalty to her husband, Laurence.
Anthony, a passionate and romantic journalist, is willing to risk everything for his love for Jennifer.
Ellie, a young journalist in 2003, is compelled to uncover the truth about Jennifer and Anthony’s love story while navigating her own complicated love life with Rory.
Laurence is a successful businessman, struggling to understand and connect with his wife, Jennifer.
Memorable Quotes from the Book and Film Adaptation
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and its characters. Some standout quotes include:
- “I didn’t know that love could leave the lights on all the time.” – Jennifer Stirling
- “I’ve never wanted more, until I met you.” – Anthony O’Hare
- “Sometimes you just need to know when it’s time to let go.” – Ellie Haworth
- “You have no idea how your life is going to change when you meet someone who understands you.” – Anthony O’Hare
Soundtrack by Daniel Hart – Review and Analysis
The soundtrack for ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ was composed by Daniel Hart, featuring a mix of original scores and contemporary songs that add to the film’s emotional depth.
Hart’s compositions blend seamlessly with the story, enhancing the film’s nostalgic atmosphere and evoking the emotions of the characters.
The soundtrack is a beautiful accompaniment to the film, capturing the essence of the story and its themes of love, longing, and the power of written words.
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ screenplay by Nick Payne and Esta Spalding – analysis and where to download it
Nick Payne and Esta Spalding wrote the screenplay for Augustine Frizzell’s The Last Letter From Your Lover, doing an excellent job of bringing the story to life on the screen.
While there were some changes made to accommodate the format of a movie, the screenplay does a good job of capturing the essence of the story.
The screenplay is available for download online, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting or movie-making.
It provides insight into Nick Payne, Esta Spalding’s creative process and his approach to storytelling.
Curiosities and Fun Facts about ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’
- The film adaptation was initially set to be directed by Michelle MacLaren, with Lily James in the role of Ellie Haworth. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Augustine Frizzell took over as director, and Felicity Jones was cast as Ellie.
- Jojo Moyes has a cameo in the film as a guest at a party in the 1960s timeline.
- Jennifer Stirling’s wardrobe in the film was inspired by the style of iconic 1960s actress, Audrey Hepburn.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Up like the Characters – Ellie Haworth, Anthony O’Hare, Older Anthony O’Hare, and Laurence Stirling
Whether you’re attending a themed event or simply want to recreate the looks of your favorite characters, dressing up like Ellie Haworth, Anthony O’Hare, Older Anthony O’Hare, and Laurence Stirling is a fun way to immerse yourself in the world of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’.
Here are some tips for capturing their iconic styles:
- Ellie Haworth: Opt for professional attire with a modern twist, such as a pencil skirt, blouse, and blazer. Accessorize with statement jewelry and a chic handbag.
- Anthony O’Hare: Channel Anthony’s 1960s journalist style with a tailored suit, crisp dress shirt, and skinny tie. Complete the look with a fedora and a vintage camera.
- Older Anthony O’Hare: For Older Anthony, choose a more casual look, with a sweater, slacks, and comfortable shoes. Add reading glasses and a touch of gray hair color for an authentic touch.
- Laurence Stirling: Emulate Laurence’s sophisticated style with a well-fitted suit, dress shirt, and cufflinks. Finish the look with polished dress shoes and a pocket square.
Gadgets and collectibles related to ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’
If you’re a fan of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, there are several gadgets and collectibles that you may be interested in, such as action figures, posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.
These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie.
Video Games Based on ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’
While there are no video games specifically based on ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, fans of the story may enjoy narrative-driven games with romantic elements, such as ‘Florence’, ‘Firewatch’, or ‘Oxenfree’.
These games offer immersive storytelling experiences that explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Jojo Moyes’ Bio and Other Books
Jojo Moyes is a British author best known for her romance novels, including ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, ‘Me Before You’, and ‘The Girl You Left Behind’.
Born in 1969, Moyes began her career as a journalist before transitioning to writing novels. Her books have been published in over 40 countries and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
In addition to ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, Moyes has written over a dozen novels, including ‘The Horse Dancer’, ‘One Plus One’, and ‘The Giver of Stars’.
Ending Explained – Book vs. Film Adaptation
The endings of the book and film adaptations of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ differ slightly.
In the book, Ellie and Jennifer meet and discuss the past, while the film adaptation leaves their meeting more open-ended.
Both versions, however, emphasize the importance of following one’s heart and the power of love to transcend time and distance.
When does ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover 2’ come out ? Sequel updates
Given the huge success of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover 2’, we are all waiting for the release date of the sequel or the announcement of a spin-off of the movie.
They do that about anything now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it about The Last Letter From Your Lover.
In recent months, some statements by Augustine Frizzell and Felicity Jones hint at an imminent date on the release of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover 2’, and we will keep you updated as soon as we have a firm date.
While waiting for the official release of The Last Letter From Your Lover’ new chapter, you could relive the emotions and mood of the movie by reading the book ‘The Last Letter from Your Lover’ or Jojo Moyes’s other books.
Other Films by Augustine Frizzell and Similar Films to’The Last Letter From Your Lover’
Augustine Frizzell, the director of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, has also directed several other films and TV shows.
Her notable works include ‘Never Goin’ Back’, a coming-of-age comedy-drama, and episodes of popular TV shows such as ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Sweetbitter’.
Frizzell’s work often explores themes of youth, love, and self-discovery, making her a fitting choice to direct the film adaptation of ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’.
If you enjoyed ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, you may also enjoy other films that explore similar themes of love and nostalgia, such as ‘The Notebook’, ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’, and ‘The Fault in Our Stars’.
These films offer heartfelt stories and memorable characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Other Books by Jojo Moyes and Similar Books to ‘The Last Letter from Your Lover’
If you loved ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’, you may want to check out other books by Jojo Moyes, such as ‘Me Before You’, ‘The Girl You Left Behind’, and ‘Still Me’.
These novels explore similar themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and are sure to captivate and move you.
Other books that are similar to ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ include ‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Sparks, ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenegger, and ‘The Light Between Oceans’ by M.L. Stedman.
These books offer poignant and romantic stories that will warm your heart and leave you reaching for the tissues.
Where to watch ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ – streaming, download and DVD options
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ is currently available to stream on various online platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Netflix.
The movie is also available on DVD and Blu-ray; nice idea for a gift to a ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’s fan.
Conclusion
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ is a beautiful and evocative story that explores the power of love and the written word.
From its captivating characters to its stunning visuals and memorable soundtrack, the book and film adaptation offer a memorable and emotional experience.
Whether you’re a fan of romance novels or simply love a good love story, ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ is a must-read and must-watch.
