• The Light We Lost

  • Reese's Book Club (A Novel)
  • By: Jill Santopolo
  • Narrated by: Jill Santopolo
  • Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (4,974 ratings)

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The Light We Lost  By  cover art

The Light We Lost

By: Jill Santopolo
Narrated by: Jill Santopolo
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Editorial reviews

"Extraordinary.... An emotional roller coaster." (Delia Ephron)

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best seller and a Reese’s Book Club pick.

He was the first person to inspire her, to move her, to truly understand her. Was he meant to be the last?

Lucy is faced with a life-altering choice. But before she can make her decision, she must start her story - their story - at the very beginning.

Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Together, they decide they want their lives to mean something, to matter. When they meet again a year later, it seems fated - perhaps they'll find life's meaning in each other. But then Gabe becomes a photojournalist assigned to the Middle East and Lucy pursues a career in New York. What follows is a 13-year journey of dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, of love. Was it fate that brought them together? Is it choice that has kept them away? Their journey takes Lucy and Gabe continents apart, but never out of each other's hearts.

This devastatingly romantic debut novel about the enduring power of first love, with a shocking, unforgettable ending, is Love Story for a new generation.

©2017 Jill Santopolo (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“This love story between Lucy & Gabe spans decades and continents as two star-crossed lovers try to return to each other...Will they ever meet again? This book kept me up at night, turning the pages to find out, and the ending did not disappoint.” (Reese Witherspoon)

One Day meets Me Before You meets your weekender bag.” (The Skimm)

“It's the epic love story of 2017.”—Redbook

What listeners say about The Light We Lost

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    2,719
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    1,124
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    667
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    260
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Story
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    2,417
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    929
  • 3 Stars
    586
  • 2 Stars
    280
  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

If it was a movie

If it was a movie I wouldn't see it. The ending is too real and too raw with emotion. I wouldn't be smiling as I left. But it is a good book. I was really half way through before I got pulled in. The selfishness and selfcenterdness of the characters made it hard for me to listen. But Ms. Santopolo's performance was excellent and as I continued to listen I became completely absorbed. In several years I would like to read the rest of the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Memorable Story!

This is such a beautiful, unique story. The author wrote in such an authentic way to represent her main character. I found myself reflecting on my own life and relationships as I read. I almost hated to end the book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Give it time

Slow in the beginning but it will hook you in. I loved it and recommend

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

So many questions...

I enjoyed this book overall, but I did not enjoy the ending. I have so many questions I need answered. Will there be a sequel?!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Such a wonderful book

The author narrates this story, and she does such a good job! I cried and laughed throughout this book. I didn't want it to end.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not my favorite

This story glorified emotional affairs, something I know harms many families. The writer does not account for is the destruction left in the wake of her star crossed lovers. Overall unrealistic. Wish I had chosen another book to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

so real

I couldn't stop listening. it was so real. I could definitely relate to some parts. definitely recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Could not wait to see what happened next....

"Give me a sign" those 4 words somewhere halfway through the book made me listen to it from a different POV, was a lightbulb moment for me....then I couldn't stop listening, I mean I liked it before but then from that point on I just wanted to finish it! The authors voice is wonderful, the story will make everyone think of someone they loved once...I hope this becomes a movie!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for young loves, and this delivers!

What can I say, listening to stories about young loves makes me giddy and put a smile on my face. If you're a sucker for those kind of romance, this is one of those books!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

SO TORN

I picked this up thinking it would be a mushy love story. Turns out it’s the sort of story where you have to figure out if you even like the characters and if you even want them to be together - which I appreciate, actually. Feels like real life.

I can’t say that I loved how things turned out, but nevertheless, I was hooked until the end.

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