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The Love Letter
Free online fiction. Fantasy, Romance.
I've heard of secret drawers in old desks, of course--who hasn't?
But the day I bought my desk, I wasn't thinking of secret drawers, and I know very well I didn't have any least premonition or feel of mystery about it.
Also availiable at:
http://web.archive.org/web/2009022318...
I've heard of secret drawers in old desks, of course--who hasn't?
But the day I bought my desk, I wasn't thinking of secret drawers, and I know very well I didn't have any least premonition or feel of mystery about it.
Also availiable at:
http://web.archive.org/web/2009022318...
10 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 1959
18 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Jack Finney
120 books482 followersMr. Finney specialized in thrillers and works of science fiction. Two of his novels, The Body Snatchers and Good Neighbor Sam became the basis of popular films, but it was Time and Again (1970) that won him a devoted following. The novel, about an advertising artist who travels back to the New York of the 1880s, quickly became a cult favorite, beloved especially by New Yorkers for its rich, painstakingly researched descriptions of life in the city more than a century ago.
Mr. Finney, whose original name was Walter Braden Finney, was born in Milwaukee and attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. After moving to New York and working in the advertising industry, he began writing stories for popular magazines like Collier's, The Saturday Evening Post and McCall's.
His first novel, Five Against the House (1954), told the story of five college students who plot to rob a casino in Reno. A year later he published The Body Snatchers (later reissued as Invasion of the Body Snatchers), a chilling tale of aliens who emerge from pods in the guise of humans whom they have taken over. Many critics interpreted the insidious infiltration by aliens as a cold-war allegory that dramatized America's fear of a takeover by Communists. Mr. Finney maintained that the novel was nothing more than popular entertainment. The 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers was remade twice.
Mr. Finney first showed an interest in time travel in the short-story collection The Third Level, which included stories about a commuter who discovers a train that runs between New York and the year 1894, and a man who rebuilds an old car and finds himself transported back to the 1920s.
He returned to the thriller genre in Assault on a Queen (1959) and tried his hand at comedy in Good Neighbor Sam (1963), a novel based on his experiences as an adman, played by Jack Lemmon in the film version.
In The Woodrow Wilson Dime (1968), Mr. Finney once again explored the possibilities of time travel. The dime of the title allows the novel's hero to enter a parallel world in which he achieves fame by composing the musicals of Oscar Hammerstein and inventing the zipper.
With Time and Again, Mr. Finney won the kind of critical praise and attention not normally accorded to genre fiction. Thomas Lask, reviewing the novel in The New York Times, described it, suggestively, as "a blend of science fiction, nostalgia, mystery and acid commentary on super-government and its helots." Its hero, Si Morley, is a frustrated advertising artist who jumps at the chance to take part in a secret project that promises to change his life. So it does. He travels back to New York in 1882, moves into the Dakota apartment building on Central Park West and experiences the fabulous ordinariness of a bygone age: its trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, elevated lines, and gaslights. This year Mr. Finney published a sequel to the novel, From Time to Time.
Mr. Finney also wrote Marion's Wall (1973), about a silent-film actress who, in an attempt to revive her film career, enters the body of a shy woman, and The Night People (1977). His other fictional works include The House of Numbers (1957) and the short-story collection I Love Galesburg in the Springtime (1963). He also wrote Forgotten News: The Crime of the Century and Other Lost Stories (1983) about sensational events of the 19th century.
Mr. Finney, whose original name was Walter Braden Finney, was born in Milwaukee and attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. After moving to New York and working in the advertising industry, he began writing stories for popular magazines like Collier's, The Saturday Evening Post and McCall's.
His first novel, Five Against the House (1954), told the story of five college students who plot to rob a casino in Reno. A year later he published The Body Snatchers (later reissued as Invasion of the Body Snatchers), a chilling tale of aliens who emerge from pods in the guise of humans whom they have taken over. Many critics interpreted the insidious infiltration by aliens as a cold-war allegory that dramatized America's fear of a takeover by Communists. Mr. Finney maintained that the novel was nothing more than popular entertainment. The 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers was remade twice.
Mr. Finney first showed an interest in time travel in the short-story collection The Third Level, which included stories about a commuter who discovers a train that runs between New York and the year 1894, and a man who rebuilds an old car and finds himself transported back to the 1920s.
He returned to the thriller genre in Assault on a Queen (1959) and tried his hand at comedy in Good Neighbor Sam (1963), a novel based on his experiences as an adman, played by Jack Lemmon in the film version.
In The Woodrow Wilson Dime (1968), Mr. Finney once again explored the possibilities of time travel. The dime of the title allows the novel's hero to enter a parallel world in which he achieves fame by composing the musicals of Oscar Hammerstein and inventing the zipper.
With Time and Again, Mr. Finney won the kind of critical praise and attention not normally accorded to genre fiction. Thomas Lask, reviewing the novel in The New York Times, described it, suggestively, as "a blend of science fiction, nostalgia, mystery and acid commentary on super-government and its helots." Its hero, Si Morley, is a frustrated advertising artist who jumps at the chance to take part in a secret project that promises to change his life. So it does. He travels back to New York in 1882, moves into the Dakota apartment building on Central Park West and experiences the fabulous ordinariness of a bygone age: its trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, elevated lines, and gaslights. This year Mr. Finney published a sequel to the novel, From Time to Time.
Mr. Finney also wrote Marion's Wall (1973), about a silent-film actress who, in an attempt to revive her film career, enters the body of a shy woman, and The Night People (1977). His other fictional works include The House of Numbers (1957) and the short-story collection I Love Galesburg in the Springtime (1963). He also wrote Forgotten News: The Crime of the Century and Other Lost Stories (1983) about sensational events of the 19th century.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 6, 2019
... [sigh, heartbeat speeding] ...
Now, that is how a novella (a short story) should be. Interesting, with deep thoughts, hidden levels, the ending that doesn't let you forget. Writers of novellas - learn from it!
Because it was short and you can read it immediately for free (link), do it now!
It was a beautiful story about time, about changing (on the example of Boston between the 1880s and the 1950s), and about that despite all changes (in the world, society etc.) people of all times crave the same: LOVE.
I repeat it was one of the best short stories I have ever read.
Now, that is how a novella (a short story) should be. Interesting, with deep thoughts, hidden levels, the ending that doesn't let you forget. Writers of novellas - learn from it!
Because it was short and you can read it immediately for free (link), do it now!
It was a beautiful story about time, about changing (on the example of Boston between the 1880s and the 1950s), and about that despite all changes (in the world, society etc.) people of all times crave the same: LOVE.
I repeat it was one of the best short stories I have ever read.
November 19, 2018
This brief romance was the basis for the Hallmark movie, The Love Letter. Unfortunately, they both had very little in common. After watching the movie -again- recently, I think I like the short story more.
June 26, 2015
A short story about love that travels across time. If you like the film Somewhere in Time, you will love this story.
From the story:
"Helen my dear: I don't know how to say this so it will seem even comprehensible to you. But I do exist, here in Brooklyn, less than three blocks from where you now read this - in the year 1959. We are separated not by space, but by the years which lie between us."
From the story:
"Helen my dear: I don't know how to say this so it will seem even comprehensible to you. But I do exist, here in Brooklyn, less than three blocks from where you now read this - in the year 1959. We are separated not by space, but by the years which lie between us."
February 15, 2016
I read this short story because I love the 1998 TV movie by Hallmark Hall of Fame---also called The Love Letter---which is based on this work. This is a quick, interesting read about love across two different time periods.
December 17, 2017
The movie adaptation brought me here.
I first saw probably some 15yrs ago as a Hallmark film and fell in love with its paranormal/realistic feel. Then last night I came across the film again on Youtube and I almost cried! And that's when I read in the opening credits that it's based on a short story. I had to find it!
So, not only is the writing superb, but the fact that it's 70% different from the movie version.
I guess after reading about 80 short stories for my Creative Writing course, this work gave me a splendid breather. It's always a reward to read a well constructed piece of writing. And not only that, there is so much depth to the characters that exceeds the pages.
It's extraordinary when you come upon someone who, in the midst of their chaotic life and responsibilities, takes it upon himself to put things on hold and lend you an ear — as hard as that applies within the context of this story! And I believe that's the most resonant message in it: are you willing to believe in the abnormal? That there exists a connection between souls that transcends time and space?
As impossible as that is, thinking it over kind of puts you at peace..
Short stories are a tricky thing. You either leave a mark on the reader, or you let them down to smithereens .. The Love Letter will probably stick with you for a while. A fairly long while. Read it!
I first saw probably some 15yrs ago as a Hallmark film and fell in love with its paranormal/realistic feel. Then last night I came across the film again on Youtube and I almost cried! And that's when I read in the opening credits that it's based on a short story. I had to find it!
So, not only is the writing superb, but the fact that it's 70% different from the movie version.
I guess after reading about 80 short stories for my Creative Writing course, this work gave me a splendid breather. It's always a reward to read a well constructed piece of writing. And not only that, there is so much depth to the characters that exceeds the pages.
It's extraordinary when you come upon someone who, in the midst of their chaotic life and responsibilities, takes it upon himself to put things on hold and lend you an ear — as hard as that applies within the context of this story! And I believe that's the most resonant message in it: are you willing to believe in the abnormal? That there exists a connection between souls that transcends time and space?
As impossible as that is, thinking it over kind of puts you at peace..
Short stories are a tricky thing. You either leave a mark on the reader, or you let them down to smithereens .. The Love Letter will probably stick with you for a while. A fairly long while. Read it!
March 5, 2015
VERY hard book to locate (paper copy), at least for me. As with all Finney books there's no explanation as to the mechanics of time travel but if you can set that aside it is a very good read. To be honest though I think the movie adaptation covered the ending much better.
June 14, 2017
Reminded me of a section in Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine or the film Somewhere in Time. So glad I was able to find a copy on line. The Hallmark TV adaptation changed a lot of the details but not the spirit of this story.
March 21, 2014
Jack Finney, brilliant as always.
September 24, 2014
Here is a beautifully written story about love across time. If you like time travel you'll like this one.
March 8, 2025
It's a nice short story, but I can highly recommend the film adaptation with Campbell Scott and Jennifer jason Leigh which always makes me cry no matter how often I watch it.
It's beautiful and very well done - no wonder, Dan Curtis directed it (The Winds of War) and Bob Gobert made the soundtrack (The Winds of War).
It's beautiful and very well done - no wonder, Dan Curtis directed it (The Winds of War) and Bob Gobert made the soundtrack (The Winds of War).
October 14, 2025
Oh how sweet!!! I heard about this story from a woman in my book club and had to read it. It's such a small story and once I was able to sit and read it, it was only minutes to finish it. I love this type of book, it reminds me of my favorite Christmas story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Sweet and proper.
August 4, 2025
Ok, I am a complete sucker for a time travel story that doesn't confuse you with numerous multiverses or unbelievable (to a point) scenarios. Throw in boy-meets-girl and they don't have to kill dragons or figure out some McGuyver way to split the atom, then you got me. All these two have to do is figure out how to figure it out! Finney's Time and Again is one of my all time favorite books because I felt that I was absorbed into 1882 New York with our characters. I cared for them. I wanted to know them more. I rooted for them. In this novella, Finney has you caring for this doomed never-to-be (or never-was) relationship but you rooted for them. Such a simple story and one I wish was a full length novel, only so I could care a little longer.
July 30, 2018
Review in English and Spanish / Reseña en Inglés y Español
____________________________________
[ENGLISH]
A few days ago, I saw a Hallmark movie based on this short story and I really liked it; cause I prefer most of the time the books than the movies, I decided to look for it and read it and I can only say that it's worth it.
This is one of my favorite short stories, in a few pages the author shows us an impossible but sentimental love story between two people who knew each other over time. That made me sigh and have a smile on my face.
I recommend it for people who love reading short stories and impossible loves.
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]
Hace unos días, vi una película de Hallmark basada en esta historia corta y realmente me gustó; porque prefiero la mayoría del tiempo los libros que las películas, decidí buscarlo y leerlo y solo puedo decir que lo vale.
Este es uno de mis relatos cortos favoritos, en unas pocas páginas el autor nos muestra una historia de amor imposible pero sentimental entre dos personas que se conocieron con el tiempo. Eso me hizo suspirar y tener una sonrisa en mi rostro.
Lo recomiendo para las personas que aman leer historias cortas y amores imposibles.
____________________________________
[ENGLISH]
A few days ago, I saw a Hallmark movie based on this short story and I really liked it; cause I prefer most of the time the books than the movies, I decided to look for it and read it and I can only say that it's worth it.
This is one of my favorite short stories, in a few pages the author shows us an impossible but sentimental love story between two people who knew each other over time. That made me sigh and have a smile on my face.
I recommend it for people who love reading short stories and impossible loves.
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]
Hace unos días, vi una película de Hallmark basada en esta historia corta y realmente me gustó; porque prefiero la mayoría del tiempo los libros que las películas, decidí buscarlo y leerlo y solo puedo decir que lo vale.
Este es uno de mis relatos cortos favoritos, en unas pocas páginas el autor nos muestra una historia de amor imposible pero sentimental entre dos personas que se conocieron con el tiempo. Eso me hizo suspirar y tener una sonrisa en mi rostro.
Lo recomiendo para las personas que aman leer historias cortas y amores imposibles.
April 21, 2017
I may sound unscientific but the time travels and messaging Finney described in this story and his other books always seemed not only to be possible for me but also natural and organic in the Being. Is it some forgotten knowledge we all sometimes get glimpses from, more often at night which is "a strange time when you're alone in it, the rest of your world asleep"?..
Thanks Jack, thanks back to 1959 from 2017!
Thanks Jack, thanks back to 1959 from 2017!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews