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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
It was difficult to get into at first, but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. A surprising love story.
“Will it buy my husband his freedom? Will…will I buy my husband his freedom?”
The story began in World War 1, most specifically during the invasion of France by Germany. In a small town ruled by German forces, Sophie and her sister ran a cafe/bar called, Le Coq Rouge. Situation was dire as both their husbands were fighting the war; and the only man in the house was their teenage brother full of spite and bad temper. One night, when the Germans came knocking at their door with an accusation of theft, Herr Kommandant came face to face with strong willed, Sophie Lefèvre. She stood her ground, talked back to an officer, risked punishment by telling them exactly what they can do with their accusations. Herr Kommandant was stunned, and a little taken with the beauty who showed him no fear. That wasn’t the only thing that rendered him speechless, however. It was a painting of a girl full of life, desire and passion. Not at all the same girl who stood before him. It was Sophie, of course, painted by Edward Lefèvre, her husband before they got married.
Herr Kommandant was inexplicably drawn to the painting as much as he was drawn to Sophie. Every night since then, he commissioned Le Coq Rouge to provide dinner for him and for his troop. Sophie risked being hated by her neighbours, and their allegations of being a German sympathizer. But Sophie was not a selfish person, nor did she care of what they thought of her. As long as her family was eating, and she was able to provide leftover food to those in need, she continued to cook for Herr Kommandant. Besides, she’d become accustomed to his company; and their discussions about Art sated the ache of missing her husband.
But when the cruelty of the Nazi regime became even more obvious, and her husband was taken to a camp, Sophie had nowhere to turn to but Herr Kommandant.
Sophie’s story began when she was taken by the Germans on accusations of insurgence. When she thought that the Herr Kommandant came through with his promise for her to be reunited with her husband. What happens to the painting after that, becomes the crux of Liv Halston’s story, almost a century later.
I’m sorry to have written such a long summary for Sophie’s story. I feel that hers is the major draw for this book. I must admit that I felt guilty for being giddy with the forbidden romance between Kommandant Henchken and Sophie, mainly because romanticizing such a dark period in the world history is wrong. The lives lost at the time, the torture that the victims endured, and the preamble to what was to be an even more unimaginable horrors yet to come are just hard to think of but nightmarish.
Jojo Moyes captured the sombre and frightful air of a town besieged by enemies. It was a bleak world; one where supplies were controlled by the German forces, and people were hungry and afraid. Cut off from the world, post was hard to come by. Especially if they were expecting to hear from loved ones battling in the front. Here, we saw people doing what they can to salvage what was left of their riches (by burying them in their garden), and hiding missives received from loved ones. The author took great pains in making sure she captured the aura of the times, and have given justice to the sufferings of the French people.
The second part of this story is set in the modern times. It was the story of a struggling widow, Liv Halston. Her husband was a brilliant architect who died in his sleep, leaving her with an enormous house a single woman can’t afford. She’s already struggling to make ends meet, so when her purse was stolen on a night when she wanted to forget her troubles by getting smashed, she just about gave up. Enter Paul McCafferty, an expat who finds lost art for a living. Fate is such a cruel bitch. Instant connection between the two stymied by The Girl You Left Behind, a painting that was believed to have been stolen by the Germans during the war.
It was interesting to see the process of how some of the looted art during the war are being recovered. The amount of research required and the how such a delicate thing is being handled. A lot of people wouldn’t be so quick to contest a stolen art, so it was also interesting to see what kind of hostility a person would face in such a case where they refuse to hand it over.
I could go on for miles about this book. All I can say is, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. This coming at the heels of reading Night Film by Marisha Pessl, another book that I’d gladly shout praises until practically everyone I know have added it to their shelves. All you need to know is that Jojo Moyes will not fail you. The woman can turn something uncouth into something understandable, and can incite empathy to someone whose political belief was rooted in hate.
The story began in World War 1, most specifically during the invasion of France by Germany. In a small town ruled by German forces, Sophie and her sister ran a cafe/bar called, Le Coq Rouge. Situation was dire as both their husbands were fighting the war; and the only man in the house was their teenage brother full of spite and bad temper. One night, when the Germans came knocking at their door with an accusation of theft, Herr Kommandant came face to face with strong willed, Sophie Lefèvre. She stood her ground, talked back to an officer, risked punishment by telling them exactly what they can do with their accusations. Herr Kommandant was stunned, and a little taken with the beauty who showed him no fear. That wasn’t the only thing that rendered him speechless, however. It was a painting of a girl full of life, desire and passion. Not at all the same girl who stood before him. It was Sophie, of course, painted by Edward Lefèvre, her husband before they got married.
Herr Kommandant was inexplicably drawn to the painting as much as he was drawn to Sophie. Every night since then, he commissioned Le Coq Rouge to provide dinner for him and for his troop. Sophie risked being hated by her neighbours, and their allegations of being a German sympathizer. But Sophie was not a selfish person, nor did she care of what they thought of her. As long as her family was eating, and she was able to provide leftover food to those in need, she continued to cook for Herr Kommandant. Besides, she’d become accustomed to his company; and their discussions about Art sated the ache of missing her husband.
But when the cruelty of the Nazi regime became even more obvious, and her husband was taken to a camp, Sophie had nowhere to turn to but Herr Kommandant.
Sophie’s story began when she was taken by the Germans on accusations of insurgence. When she thought that the Herr Kommandant came through with his promise for her to be reunited with her husband. What happens to the painting after that, becomes the crux of Liv Halston’s story, almost a century later.
I’m sorry to have written such a long summary for Sophie’s story. I feel that hers is the major draw for this book. I must admit that I felt guilty for being giddy with the forbidden romance between Kommandant Henchken and Sophie, mainly because romanticizing such a dark period in the world history is wrong. The lives lost at the time, the torture that the victims endured, and the preamble to what was to be an even more unimaginable horrors yet to come are just hard to think of but nightmarish.
Jojo Moyes captured the sombre and frightful air of a town besieged by enemies. It was a bleak world; one where supplies were controlled by the German forces, and people were hungry and afraid. Cut off from the world, post was hard to come by. Especially if they were expecting to hear from loved ones battling in the front. Here, we saw people doing what they can to salvage what was left of their riches (by burying them in their garden), and hiding missives received from loved ones. The author took great pains in making sure she captured the aura of the times, and have given justice to the sufferings of the French people.
The second part of this story is set in the modern times. It was the story of a struggling widow, Liv Halston. Her husband was a brilliant architect who died in his sleep, leaving her with an enormous house a single woman can’t afford. She’s already struggling to make ends meet, so when her purse was stolen on a night when she wanted to forget her troubles by getting smashed, she just about gave up. Enter Paul McCafferty, an expat who finds lost art for a living. Fate is such a cruel bitch. Instant connection between the two stymied by The Girl You Left Behind, a painting that was believed to have been stolen by the Germans during the war.
It was interesting to see the process of how some of the looted art during the war are being recovered. The amount of research required and the how such a delicate thing is being handled. A lot of people wouldn’t be so quick to contest a stolen art, so it was also interesting to see what kind of hostility a person would face in such a case where they refuse to hand it over.
I could go on for miles about this book. All I can say is, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. This coming at the heels of reading Night Film by Marisha Pessl, another book that I’d gladly shout praises until practically everyone I know have added it to their shelves. All you need to know is that Jojo Moyes will not fail you. The woman can turn something uncouth into something understandable, and can incite empathy to someone whose political belief was rooted in hate.
While browsing my local thrift store, I stumbled upon a copy of The Girl You Left Behind. After hearing such wonderful things about Jojo Moyes’ books, I figured I’d pick it up. While it’s not my usual reading material, I found myself hooked on the story and the characters drew me in from the very first page.
The Girl You Left Behind alternates between 1917 and 2007. Obviously this means that there are two sets of characters. Readers are introduced to the first set in part one, featuring Sophie Lefevre, the subject matter of the painting titled ‘The Girl You Left Behind.’ Sophie’s story is the one that truly fascinated me. She is a French women living in a German occupied town during World War I. She finds herself the subject of unwanted admiration from the Kommandant stationed in her town. When it is revealed to her that her husband has been sent to a work camp, she takes it upon herself to find a way to reunite them, however she can.
Liv Halston takes over the story at part two. ‘The Girl You Left Behind’ is now in her possession, a gift bought by her husband while on their honeymoon. The Lefevre family has recently discovered the existence of the painting and they will do anything in their power to get it back. Liv and the painting become part of a grueling court case where the Lefevre family sets out to prove that the painting was stolen by the Kommandant during World War I and therefore should never have been in Liv’s possession. Had it been a normal case, Liv may have given the painting up but she always felt a connection to Sophie and it was plain to see that the Lefevre family only wanted the painting for it’s monetary value. While I did find Liv to be a bit annoying and rigid at times, I couldn’t help but feel for her and her reasoning for wanting to keep the painting in her possession.
Part One of The Girl You Left Behind was probably the most captivating part of the book while also being the slowest part. While a ton of information was given to the reader in such a small section of the book, it never once felt like the information was just being dumped on the reader. Both Sophie’s and Liv’s voices were distinct and engaging. The two women may have made some very poor decisions but it was impossible not to root for a happy ending for both of them. I felt so invested in their stories that by the end, I had laughed, cried, and smiled so much, right alongside them.
Overall, The Girl You Left Behind is a truly remarkable story. Jojo Moyes is an author who deserves the praise she has been given. I look forward to reading more of her books and now it’s just a matter of deciding which one to start next!
The Girl You Left Behind alternates between 1917 and 2007. Obviously this means that there are two sets of characters. Readers are introduced to the first set in part one, featuring Sophie Lefevre, the subject matter of the painting titled ‘The Girl You Left Behind.’ Sophie’s story is the one that truly fascinated me. She is a French women living in a German occupied town during World War I. She finds herself the subject of unwanted admiration from the Kommandant stationed in her town. When it is revealed to her that her husband has been sent to a work camp, she takes it upon herself to find a way to reunite them, however she can.
Liv Halston takes over the story at part two. ‘The Girl You Left Behind’ is now in her possession, a gift bought by her husband while on their honeymoon. The Lefevre family has recently discovered the existence of the painting and they will do anything in their power to get it back. Liv and the painting become part of a grueling court case where the Lefevre family sets out to prove that the painting was stolen by the Kommandant during World War I and therefore should never have been in Liv’s possession. Had it been a normal case, Liv may have given the painting up but she always felt a connection to Sophie and it was plain to see that the Lefevre family only wanted the painting for it’s monetary value. While I did find Liv to be a bit annoying and rigid at times, I couldn’t help but feel for her and her reasoning for wanting to keep the painting in her possession.
Part One of The Girl You Left Behind was probably the most captivating part of the book while also being the slowest part. While a ton of information was given to the reader in such a small section of the book, it never once felt like the information was just being dumped on the reader. Both Sophie’s and Liv’s voices were distinct and engaging. The two women may have made some very poor decisions but it was impossible not to root for a happy ending for both of them. I felt so invested in their stories that by the end, I had laughed, cried, and smiled so much, right alongside them.
Overall, The Girl You Left Behind is a truly remarkable story. Jojo Moyes is an author who deserves the praise she has been given. I look forward to reading more of her books and now it’s just a matter of deciding which one to start next!
Beautiful story about love and loss that wonderfully connects the present and past! It's a stay up all night can't put it down until its finished book that's beautifully written!
Slow to start, but hard to put down once it gets going!
Incredible read. Captivating And couldn't wait to finish it. The intertwining of the two main characters was seamless and encapsulating, both strong personalities who have their good and bad traits which you can't help but adore. The trial dragged on for far too long. Would have loved more information about David's death??? That was strangely unanswered. Will add more to this review.
Would recommend.
Would recommend.
I received this book through a goodreads First Reads competition. I have not previously read any of Jojo Moyes' books previously, but have heard good things about them.
I love history, and am particularly interested in the wars of the last century, so I really enjoyed the first part of the book and its accuracy, and it's interesting to see an author focussing on the first world war, rather than the second. I also think this is an interesting and clever way of writing, linking both the historical and the modern story together.
One thing that could have been different, was the length of each of the parts of the book. Although you get to hear snippets of Sophie's story throughout part 2, I would have liked her 'part' of the book to have been longer, and part 2 to possibly be shorter.
I loved how the characters from the first part of the book were linked into the second part. The book left me wondering how I would feel in that situation, as it is difficult to decide which is the right solution in the story.
I loved the ending of this book, and am keen to read more of Jojo Moyes' books.
I love history, and am particularly interested in the wars of the last century, so I really enjoyed the first part of the book and its accuracy, and it's interesting to see an author focussing on the first world war, rather than the second. I also think this is an interesting and clever way of writing, linking both the historical and the modern story together.
One thing that could have been different, was the length of each of the parts of the book. Although you get to hear snippets of Sophie's story throughout part 2, I would have liked her 'part' of the book to have been longer, and part 2 to possibly be shorter.
I loved how the characters from the first part of the book were linked into the second part. The book left me wondering how I would feel in that situation, as it is difficult to decide which is the right solution in the story.
I loved the ending of this book, and am keen to read more of Jojo Moyes' books.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
GRACE I’LL NEVER QUESTION YOU AGAIN!
She has been asking me to read this book for a year and a half. I’ve put it off and off because it seemed lackluster. She swore it was a favorite of hers.
Well, I checked for audiobooks on Libby that were immediately available and this popped up. I decided to give it a shot. I’m SO glad I did!
This is fantastic. I love the story. Not just of the characters but of the painting. For half the book, I couldn’t understand why anyone would care this much about a painting. But by the end I felt an attachment to it as well.
I love how all the stories weave together and changed the others in some way.
This is a great book.
She has been asking me to read this book for a year and a half. I’ve put it off and off because it seemed lackluster. She swore it was a favorite of hers.
Well, I checked for audiobooks on Libby that were immediately available and this popped up. I decided to give it a shot. I’m SO glad I did!
This is fantastic. I love the story. Not just of the characters but of the painting. For half the book, I couldn’t understand why anyone would care this much about a painting. But by the end I felt an attachment to it as well.
I love how all the stories weave together and changed the others in some way.
This is a great book.
4.75 stars. Loved this. So much more than Me Before You. I could not put this down.