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Ellie is a 32-year-old features writer for the *Nation* newspaper in 2003 London. She struggles to maintain her career while involved in a frustrating relationship with a married man. When tasked with finding historical material in the archives, she uncovers a passionate 1960 love letter that makes her question her own romantic choices.
Romantic interest of John Armour
Acquaintance of Rory
Friend of Douglas
Employee of Melissa
Friend of Corrinne
Friend of Nicky
Jennifer is the wealthy wife of an industrialist living in 1960s London. After a severe car accident strips away her memories, she feels alienated from her luxurious life and her emotionally distant husband. Finding hidden love letters addressed to her sparks a desire to uncover her past and figure out her true identity.
Wife of Laurence Stirling
Romantic interest of Anthony O'Hare
Friend of Yvonne
Acquaintance of Violet
Acquaintance of Reggie Carpenter
Anthony is a foreign correspondent for the *Nation* in 1960. He is attempting to rebuild his career and reputation after an alcohol-related breakdown during an assignment in Africa. His journalistic work brings him into contact with the wealthy Stirling family.
Romantic interest of Jennifer Stirling
Employee of Don Franklin
Ex-husband of Clarissa
Father of Phillip O'Hare
Laurence is a wealthy and influential industrialist whose business involves asbestos mining. He expects his wife to conform to traditional social expectations and maintains a cold, controlling presence in their household.
Husband of Jennifer Stirling
Employer of Moira Parker
John is a married thriller writer living in 2003. He maintains a casual affair with Ellie, communicating primarily through noncommittal text messages that leave her anxious and uncertain about their status.
Romantic interest of Ellie Haworth
Husband of Jessica
Rory is a young librarian working in the *Nation* newspaper's archives in 2003. He assists Ellie in locating old letters and files for her feature article.
Assistant to Ellie Haworth
Yvonne is a conventional middle-class woman and one of Jennifer's main social contacts. She represents the rigid societal expectations of 1960s London, encouraging Jennifer to accept her domestic life and ignore any dissatisfaction.
Friend of Jennifer Stirling
Cousin of Reggie Carpenter
Don is an executive editor at the *Nation* in 1960. He manages Anthony's assignments and acts as a stabilizing professional contact.
Employer of Anthony O'Hare
Moira works as Laurence Stirling's secretary. She assists him with managing his affairs and correspondence.
Employee of Laurence Stirling
Douglas is a friend of Ellie in 2003. He openly criticizes her decision to pursue a married man.
Friend of Ellie Haworth
Clarissa is Anthony's ex-wife. She manages the custody of their child and prefers that Anthony keep his distance.
Ex-wife of Anthony O'Hare
Mother of Phillip O'Hare
Phillip is the son of Anthony and Clarissa.
Son of Anthony O'Hare
Son of Clarissa
Melissa is Ellie's boss at the *Nation* in 2003. She is strict about deadlines and expects high-quality output.
Employer of Ellie Haworth
Jessica is John Armour's wife. She forms a boundary in his relationship with Ellie.
Wife of John Armour
Violet is a social acquaintance of Jennifer and Laurence.
Acquaintance of Jennifer Stirling
Reggie is Yvonne's cousin. He interacts with Jennifer socially and goes by the nickname "Bear."
Cousin of Yvonne
Acquaintance of Jennifer Stirling
Corrinne is part of Ellie's social circle in 2003.
Friend of Ellie Haworth
Nicky is one of Ellie's friends who questions John's commitment.
Friend of Ellie Haworth
Felipe is a barman who interacts with Jennifer during a hurried evening in London.
Acquaintance of Jennifer Stirling