Letting Go, a true story

Romantic, emotional, with adventure and trauma, you are taken on an eventful journey to the beautiful city of Stockholm. Agneta's story is a real lesson in life, love, travel and personal growth. Very effective in learning how to let go and move forward! She moved from Sweden to England in 1972, to be with her boyfriend. They married, had children and she settled into the culture. Many years later, and now on her own with the children, she eventually meets up with a group of ex-pats. An uncertain love story commences at this vulnerable point in her life. She focuses on an already planned trip to Sweden. Sailing on ‘Princess of Scandinavia’, was almost the best part of a journey home. Agneta and teenage son, Tom, spend three weeks visiting family and friends. Drama starts on the very first morning; she has left their medical cover behind! Stockholm is alive with performing arts and music, as it hosts a ten-day long ‘Water Festival,’ celebrating the ecology and waterways in and around the city. A visible solar eclipse also adds an awesome input. Then we are back in England, and how will the confusing relationship unravel? Comment: I can't believe this is not fiction. It's compulsive. It's sad. It's happy. It flows. Richard P-S

I can't help thinking that you're as much a philosopher as you are a chronicler. There are little pearls of wisdom and poetic observations dotted around amongst the crisp dialogue and engaging scenes, that make this a beautiful and often poignant study of what it is to be human. Shelved.

Drew X
BiteMARKS


Agneta, one of the finest things about this is how understated is your description of being an ex-pat. Those who have not lived that life cannot understand the solitariness--it's not exactly loneliness is it--that is part and parcel of the situation. Nor can they understand that it takes many many years to form understanding friendships. So I really appreciated that aspect of this.

I also really appreciated the distinction you made between a grown-up and a kid, because that's a thing which few people want to grapple with--and yet it's vital isn't it?

I very much appreciated your willingness too to be so honest about having been in love, having been spun along--possibly not out of any kind of malice--because it all came straight from the heart. And your Tom sounds a very good egg, from beginning to end!

MM (Of Honest Fame) – Authonomy


Dear Agneta - Here's what caught me immediately: "(obsession)...until your mind rules your spirit." I knew I would find treasures in your work, and I do. You write beautifully, thoughtfully, and reading Letting Go is a delight. Now - the story. I adore this story. I felt every flutter, every bit of nervousness, every euphoria in this strange and wonderful love story with the dentist. I love that you weren't overly descriptive of Mick, let us imagine him. Their almost-awkward teasing was so sweet, and every time she called for another appointment I was as breathless as she was! It was kind of cat-and-mouse, written so innocently, and yet I felt the attraction and sexual tension building. It was wonderful! Then, when Eva went to see him - that was priceless.
You make me feel all warm and romantic...thanks.
Lizzi (Dionysus) - Authonomy


They say truth is stranger than fiction - but in this case, a true romance is better than fiction. The tension you build between Mick and yourself caused knots in my stomach.
I found myself absorbed into your story. Loved it.
KJKron - Authonomy


I'm here for our trade.
I find that I like this - as a woman I can relate to your story - this really sparkles with warmth and charm. I like how you mix up the story with dialogue - some people don’t do that in a memoir and I find this a much more enjoyable read with it - and everyone can relate to the dentist story!
Karen Carr - Authonomy


Everyone enjoys reading passages like this:

“The sun was bright on a clear blue sky. I looked across at the Princess of Scandinavia. The ship looked beautiful, large but streamlined at the same time. Gleaming white in the sunlight, with its orange coloured lifeboats and light green decks. My heart surged, happiness and a sense of achievement suddenly filled me.”

And this sort of composite travelogue/personal remembrance is what carries this autobiography:

“Sitting on pendeltåget coming into Stockholm, I looked out of the window as we went over a high bridge. Here was a good view of the islands, below I could see on the right the small marina where Tom and I had stayed on my father’s boat. To the left we soon passed ‘Tanto’. My grandparents had had an allotment here with a little red and white cabin, amongst hundreds of similar plots of land also with small dwellings....We came closer to the Central Station. I could see Gamla Stan (the old part of the city) on the right, Riksdagshuset (the old parliament) in front, handsome large old buildings, and sun reflecting everywhere on shallow waves.
I felt a pang in my heart. It was good to be home.”

And of course all the time as a backdrop is this:

“‘Have you fallen in love yet?’ Stefan asked me nosily.
‘There is someone,’ I said. ‘But nothing has happened yet and I don’t know if it will.’ Stefan leant forward.
‘Who is it?’ he asked.
‘My dentist.’”

And as for the dentist:

“I looked into his eyes.
He looked into mine.
His eyes were so clear. I wondered what he was thinking, I wondered what it would be like talking to him outside of here.”

Odysseus - Authonomy


'Letting Go' is a touching and gentle tale of friendship and magical coincidence.
The reader is lifted by the storyline and taken on an emotional and geographical journey through close and caring relationships.
Sarah Lennox-Hilton

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