Title: The Girl You Left Behind
Author: Jojo Moyes
Release Date: September 27, 2012
Length: 480 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
***My Review***
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
The Girl You Left Behind is a gripping and emotionally charged novel by Jojo Moyes that explores the power of love and the lengths people will go to protect it. The novel is divided into two time periods, World War I and present day, and follows the lives of two women whose fates are connected by a painting.
In World War I, we meet Sophie Lefèvre, a young French woman living in the occupied town of St. Péronne. Sophie’s husband, Édouard, is fighting at the front, and she is left to run the family hotel on her own. When the German Kommandant, Captain von Hunermark, takes a liking to a portrait of Sophie painted by Édouard, Sophie finds herself in a difficult position. She must decide whether to sell the painting to the Kommandant to ensure the safety of her family and the hotel or risk everything to keep it.
In present day, we meet Liv Halston, a young widow living in London. Liv owns the painting of Sophie, which she inherited from her late husband. The painting is her most prized possession and a reminder of her husband’s love for her. When the Lefèvre family claims ownership of the painting and accuses Liv of stealing it, Liv finds herself caught up in a legal battle that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.
I really enjoy reading dual time stories, especially when they are well-crafted. Jojo Moyes has definitely done an excellent job with this novel. From the start of the story set in 1916, I was completely drawn into the lives of Sophie Lefevre and her family. The portrayal of their struggles during the First World War was so convincing that I often forgot the story was not set during the Second World War.
The book does an excellent job of depicting the difficulties faced by Sophie and her sister Helene, who both suffer greatly due to the German occupation of their town. Despite being a wartime setting, the characters and their struggles felt relatable and believable. Sophie, in particular, was a fascinating character who served as the linchpin of her family in the absence of her husband and brother-in-law, both away fighting for their country.
The Girl You Left Behind is a beautifully written novel that captures the atmosphere of war-torn France and the modern-day struggles of a young widow. Moyes does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, and the reader feels deeply invested in their fates. Sophie is a strong and courageous woman who will do anything to protect her family, while Liv is a relatable and sympathetic character who is struggling to come to terms with her loss.
As the characters investigate the painting’s history together, the reader gradually learns about Sophie’s life beyond the events in the novel. Through Paul and Liv’s attempts to uncover what happened to the young woman who, like Sophie, was desperately trying to reunite with her lover, the reader gains insight into Sophie’s own struggles.
The pace of the novel is fast-paced and engaging, particularly in the final quarter where the plot reaches a climax. The reader is taken on an emotional journey, from sadness at the characters’ suffering, to anger at the selfish people they encounter, to ultimately feeling a sense of peace and closure as the novel concludes.
The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of art, ownership, and love. Moyes explores the idea that a painting can hold immense emotional value for different people and can be a symbol of love, loss, and memory. The novel also explores the idea that love can transcend time and distance, and that it can be a powerful force that connects people across generations.
One significant aspect of this book is the way Moyes portrays the complexity of human nature. She highlights how society often prefers to view things in black and white rather than acknowledging the gray areas. The villagers in the story are a prime example of this, as they are quick to judge and ostracize anyone they consider a “traitor.” Similarly, people are quick to turn on Liv and condemn her without evidence of wrongdoing.
This reveals a prevalent belief in society that assumes guilt before innocence. People are all too willing to make assumptions and judge others harshly, without considering the nuances of a situation. This behavior can lead to unbearable consequences for individuals like Sophie and Liv, who suffer due to others’ hasty judgments.
Moreover, Moyes’ exploration of this theme highlights the importance of open-mindedness and empathy. By recognizing the complexity of human nature and avoiding snap judgments, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society.
Overall, The Girl You Left Behind is a powerful and moving novel that will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance, and stories about the human experience. Moyes is a talented writer who has created a compelling story that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. Highly recommended.