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Dana Sugg
I'm glad I didn't see it wasn't real until I was done. It surely would have altered my feelings as I was reading it. I think I was more engrossed when I thought it was based on a true story, then like others disappointed to find out I had been mislead.
Amy
I agree with you. "Tricked" is the perfect word, and I do resent it. However, having said that, I'm glad he admitted it at the end. I would have been even more upset to have found out later from another source.
Terrie
I think this question should be marked as a spoiler. The into and end note is "part of the author's 'book'". It was meant/written to be read as if it were true. And to have this question not marked as a spoiler, I think does the book a dis-service.
Tanya Hill
On his website he says he drew inspiration from North Carolina and the Kindred Spirit Mailbox that exists and he based the character of Tru from his trip to Africa because he was impressed with the welcoming people. So, I’m not so sure it was inspired by actual events! I’m like you, I felt like it was based on the note in the beginning but after reading the ending note and his statement on his website, I’m not so sure now!
Pamela Vaughn
I agree with Kristen. His discussion on if this was a true story was confusing. But we do know HE didn't find the story at Kindred Spirit, nor was Tru Walls character real. I believe the story of Tru and Hope is real, but heavily adapted, thus making this fiction. When he said he saw Hope and Tru on the beach at the end, did he see the real life couple or was all this just in his mind and on paper? Did he really go meet the real life man who became Tru or no?
Brenda
I looked on his website as Tanya mentioned. Like Dana I am glad I didn't know it was a work of fiction until the end. I was so caught up in their story I couldn't put the book down. Quite a let down now that I know it is fiction.
Megan
I have the same question! I really thought it was based on a true story. Reading the author's note, I think it was actually completely a work of fiction. Does anyone else know?
Courtney
Yes! Why are more people not upset about this?
Barbara Kudsk
Also disappointed greatly. Thought this was based on a true account. What a let down.
Heather
I was VERY disappointed!
MediSN
He says in the author's note that he meant it to be read as though the narrator/author was a character in the story. As though you are reading about this story from the person who discovered it at Kindred Spirit, "Nicholas Sparks". I personally loved that he wrote the story this way, makes it very unique and memorable. While it was a let down to know it wasn't based off of a true story, it is still incredible that Kindred Spirit is real and inspired a real website, as well as the amount of research that went into writing about Zimbabwe.
Karen Miles
I was not disappointed at all. I think was a great twist to the book.
Amy Payne
Agreed. That's exactly how I felt at the end. Why build it up that way? I marked it down a star because of that.
Jennifer
Totally feel the same way!
Rachel Munson
I thought he was saying the same thing...I'm not sure now lol
Courtney Knaus
I was a bit confused as well. Was none of it true?
Cari Graham
Totally! I just finished writing that exact thing in my review! Yes, it is a complete work of fiction. The only "Tru" part of the book is that their is a mailbox somewhere on the coast of North Carolina "known to locals as The Kindred Spirit".
Lindaburkart
I kind of felt tricked until I read the author’s note at the end. Wrapped it up for me. Loved the story otherwise. Beautiful story.
Christine
I'm almost finished the audio version. The author speaks at the beginning about reading a letter from the Kindred Spirit mailbox and seeking out the writer after which he decided to write a novel based on that experience. Surely he didn't make that up did he?
Debbie Marinelli
Yes it was all from his imagination.
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