Summary
PS, I Love You marked the fiction debut of Irish author Cecelia Ahern. Published in 2004, this romance novel became an international bestseller, topping charts in several countries including Ireland, Britain, and the United States. The story follows a young widow's journey through grief, guided by posthumous letters from her late husband. In 2007, the novel was adapted into a major motion picture starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.
Plot
Holly and Gerry are a young married couple living in Dublin. Their life together is cut tragically short when Gerry dies from a brain tumor. Devastated by her loss, Holly withdraws from friends and family, struggling to cope with her grief.
Just before her 30th birthday, Holly receives an unexpected package containing 10 envelopes, one for each month following Gerry's death. Inside each is a note written by Gerry, ending with “PS, I Love You.” Through these posthumous letters, Gerry guides Holly on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Each message encourages her to try new experiences and face her fears, gradually giving her the courage to live life without him.
As Holly follows Gerry's instructions month by month, she begins to rediscover herself and the world around her. With the support of her friends and family, particularly her best friend Sharon and Gerry's best friend John, Holly learns to laugh again and embrace new possibilities. While Gerry's letters help Holly move forward, they also allow her to honor her love for him and the life they shared.
Themes
Grief and coping with loss
The power of love beyond death
Personal growth and self-discovery
The importance of family and friendship
Moving on while honoring the past
The healing nature of laughter and new experiences
Finding courage to face life's challenges
Setting
PS, I Love You is set in the early 2000s, primarily in Dublin, Ireland. The modern urban setting reflects the lifestyle of young professionals in the bustling capital city. While specific landmarks are not heavily featured, the novel captures the essence of Dublin's vibrant atmosphere and close-knit communities.
Beyond Dublin, the narrative occasionally shifts to other locations as Holly embarks on adventures guided by Gerry's letters. These journeys take her to various parts of Ireland, allowing readers to experience the country's diverse landscapes and cultural richness. From coastal towns to rural villages, the setting expands to showcase different facets of Irish life.
The novel also briefly touches on international locations, particularly when Holly travels abroad. These excursions serve to contrast the familiar comfort of her Dublin home with the excitement and challenges of new environments. Throughout the story, the settings play a crucial role in Holly's journey of self-discovery and healing, mirroring her emotional state as she navigates life without Gerry.
Characters
Holly Kennedy: The protagonist and Gerry's widow. She struggles to cope with her grief and gradually comes to rediscover herself after her husband's death.
Gerry Clark: Holly's late husband who leaves behind letters to help her move forward. His presence is felt throughout the story despite his physical absence.
Sharon McCarthy: Holly's best friend who provides support and companionship during her grieving process.
Denise Hennessey: Another close friend of Holly who helps her navigate life after Gerry's death.
Daniel Connolly: A potential new love interest for Holly as she begins to open herself up to new possibilities.
Elizabeth Kennedy: Holly's mother, who struggles to connect with and support her grieving daughter.
Jack Kennedy: Holly's brother, who offers a different perspective on dealing with loss.
Ciara Kennedy: Holly's sister, who provides emotional support throughout her journey.
Richard Kennedy: Holly's older brother, adding to the family dynamic as Holly rebuilds her life.
John McCarthy: Gerry's best friend and Sharon's husband, representing a connection to Holly's past life with Gerry.
Quick facts
PS, I Love You was Cecelia Ahern's debut novel, published when she was only 21 years old.
Ahern wrote the first draft of the book in just three months.
The story was partially inspired by Ahern's own experience of losing her grandmother.
The book's title is taken from the phrase Gerry uses to sign off each of his posthumous letters to Holly.
PS, I Love You spent 19 weeks at the #1 spot on Ireland’s bestseller lists.
The book has sold more than 25 million copies globally since its publication in 2004.
PS, I Love You has been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide.
The novel was adapted into a major motion picture in 2007, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.
Cecelia Ahern wrote a sequel called Postscript, which was released in 2019, 15 years after the release of PS, I Love You.
About the Author
Cecelia Ahern is an internationally bestselling Irish novelist who burst onto the literary scene at age 21. Her debut novel, PS, I Love You, released in 2004, became an international sensation and was later adapted into a successful film starring Hilary Swank.
Born in 1981 in Dublin, Ireland, Cecelia is the daughter of former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. She initially pursued a degree in journalism and media communications but found her true calling in writing fiction. Her second novel, Where Rainbows End (also known as Love, Rosie), cemented her status as an author to watch and was also adapted into a film. To date, she has published 20 novels, most recently Into the Storm, as well as a young adult series and a collection of short stories, Roar.
Known for blending romance with serious, topical themes, Ahern's work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Irish Book Award for Popular Fiction and the German CORINE Award. Her novels have been translated into more than 30 languages and published in 40 countries, selling more than 25 million copies worldwide. Beyond her success in literature, Ahern co-created the Emmy Award-winning comedy series Samantha Who? starring Christina Applegate.
