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Jaclyn’s Review: The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
The Girl You Left Behind
written by Jojo Moyes
published by Viking Adult, 2019
find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple Books, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Book Depository, Goodreads
Did I enjoy this book? Wow! This book was so unexpected! I picked this up solely because I read other books by the author and enjoyed them, and this was no exception. I knew absolutely nothing about the plot before opening the book. Ms. Moyes immediately sweeps you away to World War I and the French countryside. Before you know it, you get lost in the setting, the scenery, the trials and tribulations of the townspeople–everything. I could genuinely feel the intense love Sophie felt for her husband, as well as for her family and her town. Then suddenly Ms. Moyes leaves you on the edge of your seat to follow the story of a young widow in London. What?!?! I simply could not put this book down. I had to know how the stories related to each other and what happened with each woman. I loved every part of this book!!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Yes, this is a love story, but it is so much more than that! If you have read and enjoyed other books by this author, you will enjoy this book. If you have read other books by this author and DIDN’T enjoy them, I still believe you will enjoy this book! It is a phenomenal story with fantastic writing. Definitely give this one a chance!
About the book – from Goodreads:From the New York Times bestselling author of The Giver of Stars, a sweeping bestseller of love and loss, deftly weaving two journeys from World War I France to present day London.
Paris, World War I. Sophie Lefèvre must keep her family safe while her adored husband, Édouard, fights at the front. When their town falls to the Germans, Sophie is forced to serve them every evening at her hotel. From the moment the new Kommandant sets eyes on Sophie’s portrait—painted by her artist husband—a dangerous obsession is born.
Almost a century later in London, Sophie’s portrait hangs in the home of Liv Halston, a wedding gift from her young husband before his sudden death. After a chance encounter reveals the portrait’s true worth, a battle begins over its troubled history and Liv’s world is turned upside all over again.
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** This post first appeared on Every Free Chance Books (everyfreechance.com) on January 23, 2020.
1 Comment
by Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews
I adored The Girl You Left Behind also Jaclyn! Great review.
I think people often over-use the phrase ‘swept away’ but it is totally warranted in this case, with both narratives immensely compelling. Such courage and conviction, it is hard not to be moved, and still turning the pages way after bedtime.