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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book, but not as well as some of her other works. I really enjoyed the character development of "The Girl" (that was left behind) and her family, but felt that that was cut short so that we could be brought to present day where those characters were not as well developed(probably due to the time taken for the first set of characters). The main character became a tad annoying after a while and the story was semi-predictable. I appreciated the history that was infused throughout the book. Quick read and an overall great book..with some minor annoyances.
The Girl You Left Behind is split between the narratives of two women, one in WWI era occupied France and one in modern day London. The women are united in strange ways both emotionally and in their connection to an incredible painting. I loved both women as they were interesting, very human and strong in their own ways. Both stories are love stories although not in the traditional sense. The book begins in German Occupied France at an inn staffed by the main character, Sophie and her sister. Both of their husbands are away at war and to keep their livelihood they struggle to keep their inn open and must make peace with serving the German soldiers in their town. This story is heartbreaking as are most WWI stories and pauses about halfway through the book leaving the reader hanging on wanting to understand what has happened to Sophie and her missing husband. Then the book then picks up with the story of Liv, a young widow in modern day London who is struggling to make ends meet while honoring the legacy of her late husband. Here the reader begins finding crumbs of information about what may have happened to Sophie and we struggle alongside Liv to understand what really happened all those year ago. This book keeps you engaged and guessing at the conclusion right up until the very end. An amazing piece of historical fiction and contemporary literature I would definitely recommend picking up a copy.
Listened to this one and it was very well done. It was the second book I read by this author. I enjoyed how she skipped back and forth in time to bring it all together at the end. Would recommend.
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
A 2013 staff favorite recommended by Connie, Jo and Jane.
Read Jo's review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/682206985
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sgirl%20you%20left%20behind%20moyes__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Read Jo's review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/682206985
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sgirl%20you%20left%20behind%20moyes__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
I absolutely loved this book, it's the second one I have read of Jojo Moyes and I'm impressed. Her writing just sucks me and captures me. I feel deep connection to her characters and am moved by the story line.
http://amicidicarta.blogspot.it/2014/06/moyes-jojo-la-ragazza-che-hai-lasciato.html
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love pretty much everything by Jojo Moynes! This one is a particular gem, however, with the stolen art theme added to her usual flair for romance. Both the past and the present stories are quite engaging, but I really was captivated by the older timeline. I very much liked how she brought the two together. I also liked her more nuanced view on the art restoration scene, showing the trauma from the current owner's point of view. A fantastic, engaging read! And with her usually wonderful endings!