At first glance, "Letters to the Lost" might seem like a familiar story: WW II lovers parted by life and oceans and bound to spend their lifetimes looking for each other, reminiscing about their lost opportunities.

However, Iona Grey uses her long lost lovers to inform the background of their various roles and gives great insight into the expectations and social mores of England in World War II. Grey's American soldier and young, naive British wife are at times quite unpredictable. The British vicar, his best friend and his congregation are at first presented in a bucolic and serene manner.

Throughout the book, "Letters to the Lost" has numerous surprises: unexpected actions of the characters, decisions that defy present day logic, themes of violence in war and at home, unlikely liaisons. Although the themes are romantic, the pathways are not always obvious.