At first it felt odd to read a one-sided correspondence, but the more I got into the book the closer I felt to Eluard, and to Gala as well. Something about having only his point of view, and that I had to accept it from the beginning, and knowing that Gala had preserved his letters despite his wishes, made me so fond of both of them, and drew me into their world, often filled with upheaval. Most of the letters take place before WWII broke out, but the last few take place years after, and those held particular power, after having been through so much with them through their letters. 
 This intimate collection spurs me to read more of his work, and also gave me insight into my own creative and personal relationships. A lovely book. 
 Plus! All of the footnotes introduced me to the larger world of the Surrealists, many of his friends who I wasn't familiar with. Almost like a Surrealist index or primer.