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A review by shelbyanoel
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a beautiful and poignant new release by Patti Callahan Henry. "The Story She Left Behind" is a magical historical fiction book about the imagination that we create for ourselves and the mystery of family, and discovery of uncovering a hidden mystery of the unknowns of lost family. To be alive during a historical time where fantasy, imagination, and the journey of being an author were not as popular or accepted. Clara recently receives the Caldecott award is thrust into unpacking her late mother's whereabouts, but not all her own. Clara's mom (a world renowned child, child prodigy who created a beautiful book herself at a young age and it is truly known all over the world). Clara finds herself connected to mysterious man on the other side of the world, he reaches out with a briefcase containing newly discovered literature and translations of her mother's last work, which she thought was lost. Bringing up to the surface feelings of loss, intrigue, and doubt, Clara journey's over the seas from America to Europe and the historical challenges of smog, political, economic and cultural reality Clara starts to be connected with Charlie. Uncovering the past, dealing with setbacks Clara discovers new found family and a deeper purpose in her life.
The setting in this story was sublime, the description of the forest, the intertwined nature of Beatrix Potter and the magic of the English countryside were all enjoyable.
I highly recommend this to those who are looking for a warm historical fiction, one that intertwines the new and the old and makes you feel immersed and invested into the intrigue of the characters and the unfolding of Clara and her life.
Thank you to Netgalley, Patti Callahan Henry, and Atria Books for the ARC. It was a perfect springtime read for me and I anticipate sharing this with my colleagues, book friends, and family.
The setting in this story was sublime, the description of the forest, the intertwined nature of Beatrix Potter and the magic of the English countryside were all enjoyable.
I highly recommend this to those who are looking for a warm historical fiction, one that intertwines the new and the old and makes you feel immersed and invested into the intrigue of the characters and the unfolding of Clara and her life.
Thank you to Netgalley, Patti Callahan Henry, and Atria Books for the ARC. It was a perfect springtime read for me and I anticipate sharing this with my colleagues, book friends, and family.