Full disclosure: I am an incontrovertible Jojo Moyes fan. After reading her previous novel, Me Before You, I was hooked on her writing and vowed I would read everything she writes. I was a little trepidatious about this new book as it was so completely different from Me Before You. But, I'm happy to say that it is just as compelling and engaging despite its very different story and characters.
The book is split into two parts: Part 1 takes place in a small French village that has been occupied by the German army during World War I and concerns a pair of sisters, Sophie and Helene (both of whose husbands are off fighting) who will do anything to protect their families. Part 2 takes place in contemporary London and features a newly-widowed woman who will do what she must to protect a painting gifted to her by her recently-deceased husband.
The painting in question, called The Girl You Left Behind, was created by Sophie's artist husband. How it comes to into Liv's possession in 21st century London (and whether Liv will be able to keep it) is the central conceit of the novel.
I know very little about World War I but it's clear that Jojo Moyes did her homework on the era. Her descriptions of life in the small French village rang so true. Life was so painful for the non-German residents that when the Kommandant of the German army reaches out to befriend Sophie, you can almost feel how conflicted she is: if she befriends him, she might be able to protect her husband while feeling the wrath of the French citizens; if she doesn't, her beloved may be lost to her forever.
Meanwhile, the painting is the only item in Liv's life that makes her feel happy and secure; it is also one of the few things that reminds her of her husband. Now, descendants of Sophie's family are trying to wrest it from her...she doesn't understand but she won't give it up without a fight. Lucky for her, a former New York cop named Paul appears ready to help...until he realizes that one of his clients is the person trying to take the painting away from Liv.
The story (both parts) by Jojo Moyes is rich, detailed and emotional. At first, I felt a jolt when Part 1 ended. I wasn't ready to leave 1916 France! And, moving on to contemporary London, Liv seemed so sad and depressed all the time. But, as I read on, I became more and more involved in Liv's story, her budding relationship with Paul (with whom I fell madly in love) and her fight to save the painting.
I loved this book. It was so compelling. I loved seeing the choices made by these strong women and how they would fight to the death to do the right thing.
If you love well-written fiction and engaging characters, you will love this novel.
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The Girl You Left Behind
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Reviews with images
Such a good read!
Two stories that are beautifully bound together, in different time periods connected by a painting! Went into this story completely blind as to what it was about and truly enjoyed the twists and turns! Great story
Top reviews from other countries
Alankrita Jasaiwal
This is the book your historical craving is asking you to read.
Reviewed in India on August 19, 2020
Alankrita Jasaiwal
Reviewed in India on August 19, 2020
What a beautiful book! Left me in tears in some instances and made me smile in the others. This is a book that reaches right to the heart. This is the story of love which keeps one going in the hardest of times, this is the story of strength when all hope dies and this is the story which makes one believe in it all.
I am too much of a world war tales lover and this book satisfied my craving for the same. I have read "Me before You" by the same author and I liked it, but it is over hyped and stands nothing when compared to this masterpiece. I'm sincerely waiting for the day when this book will be made into a movie and will get the recognition it deserves. Historical fictions are not understood by many, which is why books like this one are underated because seeing beauty and love beneath heart wrenching and politically difficult situations is, indeed an art!
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