Loved and Missed

By: Susie Boyt

Narrated by: Polly Lee

Ruth is a woman who believes in and despairs of the curative power of love. Her daughter, Eleanor, who is addicted to drugs, has just had a baby, Lily. Ruth adjusts herself in ways large and small to give to Eleanor what she thinks she may need—nourishment, distance, affection—but all her gifts fall short. After someone dies of an overdose in Eleanor's apartment, Ruth hands her daughter an envelope of cash and takes Lily home with her, and Lily, as she grows, proves a compensation for all of Ruth's past defeats and disappointment. Love without fear is a new feeling for her, almost unrecognizable. Will it last?

Love and Missed is a whip-smart, incisive, and mordantly witty novel about love's gains and missteps. British writer Susie Boyt's seventh novel, and the first to be published in the United States, is a triumph.

©2021 Susie Boyt (P)2024 Tantor

Powerful narrative, felt so personal!

Love that the author is the granddaughter of Sigmund Freud and daughter of painter Lucien Freud. The tragedy of her drug addicted daughter is ameliorated any the life altering choice she made to step in and raise her granddaughter. The empathy in the writing triumphs over the tragic scenario.

Profound and beautiful

This is a wondrous book about the “and” in life, about the way we must simultaneously grieve the loss of and delight in the presence of people we love.

Poignant beautiful story

I loved this book! I’ve discovered a new author I want to read more of! The relationship between Ruth and Lily was in a word beautiful. Also Jean’s character was much needed, to say the things no one else would say. Bravo!

Great Read

The uniqueness of the plot as written, as opposed to the sameness of other writings dealing with addiction, is unexpected and worthwhile. Aspects are dark and funny and heartbreaking and life-affirming.
The narrator is a good fit for the story. If you’re looking for a real life read this would be a great one to choose.

Well written memoir that pulls at your heart strings.

Narration was terrific- high standard of writing maintained. Descriptions were articulate and charming. I laughed and cried- great memoir.

Sad and boring

The plot line is flat. No rising action. Painfully sad and torturously boring. Some nice turn of phrases and imagery.

Raw and sweet

Was a very emotional book that is very honest about abuse and neglect. I both liked and disliked to the way it was written felt like I was reading a diary that had no date.