The Story She Left Behind.

 

 

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In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn stunned the world with a book written in an invented language that became a national sensation when she was just twelve years old. Her departure leaves behind not only a devoted husband and heartbroken daughter, but also the hope of ever translating the sequel to her landmark work. As the headlines focus on the missing author, Clara yearns for something far deeper and more her beautiful mother. 

By 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie. When a stranger named Charlie Jameson contacts her from London claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s vanishing, she crosses the Atlantic with Wynnie only to arrive during one of London’s most deadly natural disasters—the Great Smog. With asthmatic Wynnie in peril, they escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson’s family retreat nestled in the Lake District. It is there that Clara must find the courage to uncover the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.

 

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A mysterious, magical story about forgiveness, love, secrets, and family. 

I was captivated with The Story She Left Behind from the first page. I found myself transported from South Carolina to England. I loved his atmospheric language and descriptions; I could see myself in the Lake District, England, with Clara, Wynnie, and Charlie. I couldn't get enough of this story, wondering if Clara would ever find out what happened to her mother all those years ago. I found myself reading this book late into the night, eager to keep reading until I finished it. I'd probably finish it in a day if it weren't for studying. The Story She Left Behind is one of those stories that will make you question why you didn't pick it up sooner. I finished it last night and can't get it out of my mind; I've even recommended it to a few friends. 

This is my first book by Patti Callahan Henry, so I am new to her writing, but I have heard about her for a while. Even though I had heard a lot of praise for this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. One of the most beautifully written books I've read this year. I can see myself returning to this book and rereading it. I was intrigued that a real-life literacy mystery inspired this story. Those types of books have always been among my favorites to read. Each chapter expanded the mystery. I loved the characters, particularly Clara, Wynnie, and Charlie. Henry brought those people to life for me, which deepened the story's impact. I have a strong connection with each of them. However, I adored Wynnie the most; she was such a wonderful character, full of warmth, and you couldn't help but love her. 

I loved the mystery surrounding Bronwyn’s book and the invented language; reading about that was so much fun. If I were to read a book for the first time, this would be it. The Story She Left Behind is a historical fiction and mystery that also incorporates romance, adventure, and belonging. I loved Henry's description of the Great Smog in London; it was so vivid that I could sense Clara and Wynnie's terror. Now that I've read one of her books, I can't wait to check out the rest and see what adventures she takes us on!