How Does the Book: Love Letters to the Dead, End?

Love Letters to the Dead, written by Ava Dellaira, is a coming-of-age novel that explores the themes of grief, love, and self-discovery through the eyes of the protagonist, Laurel. The story is told through a series of written letters addressed to various deceased celebrities, such as Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse, as Laurel tries to deal with the sudden loss of her older sister May. As readers journey through the novel, they may find themselves wondering how the book will ultimately end. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ending of Love Letters to the Dead and delve into the various themes and messages conveyed by the author.

The Main Theme of Letting Go

One of the central themes explored in Love Letters to the Dead is the idea of letting go. Throughout the book, Laurel struggles to come to terms with May’s death and finds herself frozen in time, unable to move on. She clings to her sister’s memory by writing these letters, unable to let go of the past and move forward. However, as the story unfolds, Laurel begins to realize that in order to truly grieve and heal, she must release her grip on May and learn to move on with her own life. This message is embodied in the ending of the novel, where we see Laurel finally writing her last and most difficult letter to May, recognizing that it’s time to say goodbye and let go of her.

The Importance of Self-Discovery

Another prominent theme in Love Letters to the Dead is self-discovery. As Laurel navigates through her grief and struggles with the pressure of keeping secrets from her family and friends, she also begins to question her own identity. Through her letters, we see her explore her own feelings and come to terms with her sexuality, past traumas, and dreams for the future. By the end of the novel, we see Laurel taking charge of her own life and making decisions based on her own desires, rather than what others expect of her. This journey of self-discovery ultimately leads her to a place of acceptance and peace, giving the story a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.

Unanswered Questions and Open-Ended Endings

As with many coming-of-age novels, Love Letters to the Dead leaves readers with some unanswered questions and an open-ended ending. While we do see Laurel finally coming to terms with May’s death and finding her own voice, the story also leaves room for readers to continue imagining and speculating about what will happen to Laurel in the future. Some may see this as a lack of closure, but others may appreciate the open-ended nature of the ending, as it encourages readers to continue thinking about the themes and characters presented in the book.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about the Ending of Love Letters to the Dead

1. Does Laurel ever finish writing her letters to the dead?

Yes, Laurel finishes writing her last letter addressed to May, finally letting go and saying goodbye.

2. What happens to Laurel at the end of the novel?

At the end of the novel, Laurel has come to terms with May’s death, accepted her own identity, and has a newfound sense of peace and self-discovery.

3. Does Laurel’s mother ever find out the truth about May’s death?

It is never explicitly stated, but it can be assumed that Laurel’s mother never learns the truth about May’s death.

4. Is there a sequel to Love Letters to the Dead?

No, there is currently no sequel to Love Letters to the Dead.

5. Do the letters written to the deceased celebrities have any significant impact on the ending?

Yes, the letters serve as a way for Laurel to process her grief and ultimately help her come to terms with May’s death and move on with her own life.

In conclusion, the ending of Love Letters to the Dead is a poignant and thought-provoking culmination of Laurel’s journey through grief and self-discovery. It beautifully captures the themes of letting go and finding oneself, creating a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion to this coming-of-age novel.