I fell that you should be able to see his eyes a little more, I know the subject is the letter, but it seems like he is sad or upset or at the least thinking about what he just read, and I want to see that in his eyes, Other than that I think it is great.
The fade/blurring is a bit too much. I'd like to see more of the person. Outside of that, the lighting looks great and it's has a very warm even tone and color.
very nice idea but honestly it does look little strange due to excessive fade out in face area while person's right hand is quite in focus. IMHO, if u apply fadding in a circular/oval fashion instead of linear centrally, it will bring out a main focal point and leave the rest to bit out of focus dreamy effect. With face on a side, the rule of 3rd will make it more appealing to many photo gurus here :)
Overall, love the idea and will look forward to see its other versions. I would love to see soft focus on face with expressions still visible.
I think this is a neat concept. It gives the shot kind of a dreamlike quality, or a sense that the person is deep in thought, wrapped up in a very emotional state, something like that. But here, IMO, it seems like just a little too much. I think maybe being able to see a little more person, especially the face, would make it easier to connect emotionally with the photo. Seems definitely worth exploring further though to me. :-)
At the arms it doesnt look so real or faded at all...It seems strange too to have the arms in opposite directions. Its a neat concept though.. I dont know maybe a little to much fading on the bottom too where the hand could be in more focus.. perhaps this will help some but dont change on account of my opinion if you like it...I am just telling you what I think because you did ask :)