Four Letters of Love

Set in 1971 Ireland, the narrative moves between the island's insular rhythms and Dublin's urban pace. The era's social norms—especially around family, faith, and propriety—shape the characters' choices. The events unfold over months, highlighting how sudden inspiration and personal loss alter life trajectories.

The story unfolds across two main settings: a remote west coast island where Isabel's family lives and Isabel attends the convent school, and Dublin where William pursues painting. The island conveys a tight-knit, traditional community tied to the sea and religious customs. Dublin provides the urban contrast, where art, ambition, and personal tragedy intersect.

💞 Love

Love crosses family lines and social boundaries as Isabel and Nicholas form a connection that transcends circumstance. The letters and the shared search for belonging become a thread linking generations. The romance unfolds against a backdrop of tradition, secrecy, and the power of art to heal and unite.

⛪️ Tradition

Isabel's life is shaped by the island's Catholic customs and the authority of the nuns, embodied by the Mother Superior. Rituals, schooling, and communal expectations constrain personal desire. The tension between spiritual discipline and individual longing drives much of the conflict.

🎨 Art

William's quitting of his civil service job to become a painter frames the narrative around artistic pursuit. His quest for inspiration leads him to the coast and back, and the resulting painting becomes a symbol of longing and connection. Art serves as a bridge between separated lives and a means of understanding love.

🕰️ Memory

Past decisions and family histories haunt the present, as letters are burned or buried and secrets linger. The story ties memory to the shared paintings and the moments of reconciliation at the coast. The final painting and reunion memorialize the journey of two lovers across generations.