Jill Santopolo proves to be a master of heartbreak in The Light We Lost, a story about first loves, focusing on the way we truly never forget them. The narrative spans more than a decade, but it is a wild ride from start to finish.

Lucy and Gabe, the two main characters, meet on one of the most tragic days in American history, September 11, 2001. As they watch the twin towers fall, their relationship begins. While this day would ultimately change the lives of millions, the meeting of these two characters would permanently alter the way in which they exist both inside and outside of each other, because they ultimately find themselves coming back together, even after years apart multiple times. This couple survives a marriage and the tumultuous tragedy of not choosing each other, but ultimately the real message lies in what they leave behind. 

This story is truly breathtaking in the way that it portrays how deep love runs within people, while also simultaneously ensuring that the readers understand that nothing can be taken for granted, mostly because it can be taken away in an instant. While it ends in tragedy, Santopolo chooses not to focus on that, but rather details the ways in which these two people continuously found themselves falling back together, even if outside forces were telling them that it was not meant to be. I will say that I did not necessarily enjoy the ending, but I will admit that that is because I prefer, more of a happy ending as opposed to what this book turns out to be, but I would still recommend it because it is so beautifully written.

There are several tropes within this book, but the one that sticks out the most is definitely the second chance romance, because the foundation of the book is built upon these two characters meeting up at various points within their life. I do have to mention that there is some cheating, because I do understand that this is something that may be triggering for some readers. However, I would 100% recommend reading this book because there is so much good about it, from the way the introduction is written to the characterization of each individual, and it truly is a master class of effectively writing a range of emotions. 

If you’re looking for a heartbreakingly, exciting, next read, this is the one for you. The building in anticipation of each passing year is one for the ages, and it leaves you on the edge of your seat in the best way. I have not yet read anything else by Santopolo, but after this five star read, I will definitely be adding more of her, works to my bookshelf.