As someone who usually steers clear of historical fiction, I approached The House of Hidden Letters with a healthy dose of scepticism and left with a heart full of admiration. Izzy Broom has crafted a story that doesn’t just dip into the past, it weaves it seamlessly into the present, creating a narrative that’s both emotionally rich and unexpectedly gripping whilst reminding you of the horrors that people endured in the past.
The novel centres around a series of letters discovered in a crumbling lottery win €1 villa, each one revealing fragments of a life once lived, loves once cherished, and secrets long buried. What makes this book stand out is how the historical elements are not just background, they’re integral to the emotional journey of the characters. The transitions between timelines are smooth and purposeful, never jarring, and always adding depth.
There are moments in this book that are genuinely sad—loss, longing, and the weight of choices made decades ago. But they’re balanced by real, human moments that feel familiar and grounding. You’ll find yourself rooting for characters you didn’t expect to care about, and reflecting on your own connections and histories.
Izzy Broom’s writing is evocative without being overwrought, and the pacing keeps you turning pages well past bedtime. It’s a story that lingers, not just because of its plot, but because of its heart.
And now, if you’ll excuse me—I can’t write any more. I’m off to bid for a €1 house somewhere. Wish me luck!
One More Chapter 