Dear Mr. Knightley
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, published by Thomas Nelson in 2013, is a contemporary fiction novel that explores the journey of Samantha Moore, a twenty-three-year-old orphan who has always found solace in literature. As an English major, she often expresses herself through the words of her favorite authors, but her life takes a turn when an anonymous benefactor, known as Mr. Knightley, offers to fund her education at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. The condition? She must write letters detailing her experiences, leading her to confront her own story and the complexities of love and trust.
Throughout the narrative, readers will find Samantha navigating her relationships, particularly with the charming novelist Alex Powell, as her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly personal. The book delves into themes of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one’s true character. With 327 pages, this edition invites readers to join Samantha on her emotional journey, filled with literary references and the challenges of forging genuine connections in a world that often feels scripted.
Official synopsis Publisher
Bookish Samantha has always hidden behind the words of others–namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, as she discovers love beyond the pages of her favorite novels, she will learn to write her own story.
Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.
But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.
As Sam’s memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.
Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Katherine Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.
Praise for Dear Mr. Knightley
“Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightley kept me up until 2:00 a.m.; I simply couldn’t put it down.” –Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Tower
“Dear Mr. Knightley is an emotional, haunting tale of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. With depth and honesty, Katherine Reay’s debut novel will grip your heart in the very first pages and not let go.” –Sarah E. Ladd, award-winning author of The Governess at Penwythe Hall
“Katherine Reay’s touching debut novel made me cry in all the right places. For joy.” –Laurie Viera Rigler, author of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
- Sweet and thoughtful contemporary read
- Standalone novel
- Includes a reading group guide, a Q&A with the author, and Sam’s reading list
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