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.