I Wanted You To Know

I Wanted You To Know follows Jess, a young single mother whose life is upended when she receives a devastating diagnosis shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Edie. Faced with the possibility of leaving her child too soon, Jess begins writing a series of heartfelt letters to Edie, capturing everything she wishes she could say—about love, loss, forgiveness, and living fully even in the face of uncertainty. Laura Pearson crafts a tender, urgent narrative that balances raw emotion with moments of warmth, exploring the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of maternal love.

The novel delves into themes of mortality and legacy, weaving Jess’s story with reflections on friendship, family, and the quiet courage it takes to confront the unknown. Pearson’s prose is both intimate and universal, drawing readers into Jess’s world as she navigates hospital visits, strained relationships, and the bittersweet joy of watching her daughter grow, even as time slips away. The author’s own experience with cancer treatments informs the authenticity of Jess’s journey, lending the story a poignant, lived-in depth.

Readers will find themselves immersed in Jess’s letters, which double as a guide for Edie—and for anyone grappling with life’s fragility. Secondary characters, including Jess’s estranged father and a devoted friend, add layers of complexity, highlighting how grief and love ripple through communities. The book’s structure, blending present-day struggles with glimpses of the future, underscores the timeless impact of a mother’s words.

Fans of Jojo Moyes and David Nicholls will appreciate Pearson’s ability to balance heartbreak with hope, crafting a story that lingers long after the final page. The novel’s exploration of parenthood, impermanence, and the stories we leave behind resonates deeply, offering both solace and a call to cherish the moments that matter most.