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Growing up in Norway, Anne Egseth moved to London to become a classically trained actress. After performing for two decades in theaters in the UK and Scandinavia, she relocated to Washington DC where she started writing, teaching and coaching. She now lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and daughter. This Is All He Asks of You is her debut novel.
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Anne Egseth’s endearing literary work, This Is All He Asks of You, features letters written by an imaginative twelve-year-old girl to her absent father. Now twenty-two, Luna looks back at her twelve-year-old self through the letters she wrote then which remained unsent. In 2007, Luna is just getting acclimatized to life in Washington, D.C. after moving from Norway with her mother. To keep herself from getting bored, she begins to write about her experiences through the letters. Despite the changes, Luna’s ability to identify the magical moments in her life and in nature remains. She wishes her mother would slow down and notice these moments too, but her mother is pragmatic and burdened by multiple responsibilities. Still, Luna’s devotion to her mother is steadfast and together they share some beautiful moments.
This Is All He Asks of You is a heart-warming epistolary work that celebrates the beauty in the simple things in life. As the main character, Luna’s curiosity, perceptiveness, and loving nature are inspiring. Though imperfect, Luna’s relationship with her mother is heart-warming. The supporting characters are equally eccentric and interesting. I loved that the book is written through Luna’s perspective, hence her opinions are highlighted. The letters also reveal Luna’s intimate thoughts, including her wishes, struggles, and musings. The end of the novel is powerful and moving. It explores Luna’s fears and dreams and culminates in a compelling scene. Heart-breaking yet still filled with hope, This Is All He Asks of You by Anne Egseth is an unforgettable story told through the words of a charming main character.
