In 1916, French artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his wife Sophie to fight at the Front. When her town falls into German hands, his portrait of Sophie stirs the heart of the local Kommandant and causes her to risk everything – her family, reputation and life – in the hope of seeing her true love one last time.
Nearly a century later and Sophie’s portrait is given to Liv by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. Its beauty speaks of their short life together, but when the painting’s dark and passion-torn history is revealed, Liv discovers that the first spark of love she has felt since she lost him is threatened…
In The Girl You Left Behind two young women, separated by a century, are united in their determination to fight for the thing they love most – whatever the cost.
Jojo Moyes delivers again with each of her three books being vastly different in tone and topic. I was thrilled to read a dual period book where the historical aspect is WW1 as thereโs an surplus of books that take on WW2. Iโm in agreement with many reviewers that the story of Sophie and Edouard were by far the best part of the book. Everyone who visited the Le Coq Rouge or lived in the town shared a common fear of the Germans yet their essence and emotions were individualized and clearly portrayed. Iโm quite glad that the cover of this book didnโt show an image or rendering of The Girl You Left Behind, as I feel as if that piece of art was itโs own character with itโs own life, musings and travels. I have a vivid picture of what it looks like and donโt want my image blighted in any form. Well written and thought out, I highly recommend this book.
Quotes I liked:
These moods were simply weather fronts to be borne and adapted to.โ
โIt was like a slap. My sister and I glared at each other, and I felt as though I were teetering on the edge of something. Nobody fights you like your own sister; nobody else knows themost vulnerable parts of you and will aim for them without mercy.โ
โYou slept with him without Googling him? Oh my G-d, when you said you were out of the dating loop I never thought for a minute…You donโt sleep with someone without doing background, Jesus.โ
โOnce it is done, it cannot be undone.โ
โDo you know how dissapointment tastes? Like iron filings in cold coffee.โ
โNobody listens anymore. Everyone knows what they want to hear, but nobody actually listens.โ
8 hardcover books with 24 pages per book 18 sound buttons: 8 book iD, 8 LEDs, 3 long-lasting replaceable AAA batteries included. Standalone electronic pad resembles an eReader, Choosing a story to read is fun and rewarding Engaging narration and stor... read more
Review:The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar is another excellent example of creating a novel with richly layered characters while comparing Indian and American lifestyles. In this story, Remy returns to Bombay, which he has dubbed the museum of failures, as he sees his native country through the lens of his American life. Heโs there to meet his friendโs niece with the hopes of adopting her baby, as he and his wife are unable to conceive. This innocuous trip turns into a much more complex time as Remy is hit with roadblocks time and time again.Itโs the story about Remy and his mother that really got to me. He lived a life of never measuring up and feeling quite unloved by her. Through their time together in Bombay, he learns critical information that allows him to see her in a more thoughtful and understanding way. This time away has brought whatโs left of his shattered family back together.His trip extends much longer than anticipated and he realizes the value of being home. His American wife Kathy seemed too good to be true, but I did like their relationship, born of trust and equality. Remyโs life as a poet was buried away, but through his visit in India, he realizes the importance of doing work you love, not just working for a higher paycheck.Overall, this was a satisfying read and one that fans of Umrigar will appreciate. Her last book, Honor, along with The Space Between Us, are my two favorites of hers. I havenโt met an Umrigar book I didnโt enjoy!@thrity_umrigar @algonquinbooks ๐: Do you dress up for Halloween? If yes, what's your costume of choice? If not, what's a scary book you've read? ... See MoreSee Less