Synopsis from Goodreads:
What happened to the girl you left behind?
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.
Review:
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes is an incredible book. I became immersed in the story immediately. Spanning a century, the story is narrated by two women- Sophie and Liv- who are connected through a portrait that they both treasure. The portrait which is entitled The Girl You Left Behind, was drawn by Sophie's husband, the artist Edouard LeFevre. While Edouard is at war, Sophie runs the family hotel Le Coq Rouge with her sister Helene as best she can.
The lack of food and business makes it near impossible to survive in the small, isolated and occupied village of St Peronne. When a new Kommandmant arrives, Sophie sees in her enemy someone who appreciates art. This realisation causes her to hope that she may be reunited with her beloved Edouard once again. But how much is she willing to risk for her hope to turn into reality?
The first part of the book is narrated by Sophie in first person. I loved Sophie's narrative. I felt emotionally close to her and could visualise the emotional and physical hardships she and the community of St Peronne went through. It's not long after the learned Kommandmant takes an interest in her and her painting, that Sophie starts hearing her neighbours and friends turn on her, branding her a collaborator.
Nearly a hundred years later, Liv Hastings mourns the death of her husband David. Living in The Glass House which he built, Liv cherishes The Girl You Left Behind, the portrait gifted to her by David and which is of incredible sentimental value to her. The portrait of Sophie fascinates and comforts her through her most difficult times. But when Liv feels the first stirrings of a new love, it is The Girl You Left Behind which tears them apart.
Liv is shocked to find out that The Girl You Left Behind is the subject of a restitution case. More to the point, her beloved painting will be taken away from her as it was stolen a hundred years earlier. Is the painting rightfully hers? Or does the painting rightfully belong to the LeFevre family? The legal case that follows sets out to determine the answers to these questions. Liv knows that she will do anything to keep the painting and to do that, she will have to find out what became of Sophie.
I loved the way Sophie and Liv's story intertwined as the novel progressed. I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what would happen next to both women. There were so many twists and turns. In The Girl You Left Behind, nothing is ever as it seems. There was a great cast of characters who enriched the story and remain vivid in my mind after finishing the book; brave Sophie, the inscrutable Kommandant, ever-observant Edith, anxious Helene, angry Aurelien, passionate Edouard, loving, loyal Liv and so many more.
The restitution case was very interesting to read about and I was anxious to learn what the outcome would be. Moreover, I wanted to know what happened to Sophie. Together with Liv, we have a chance to find out. I cannot wait to read more from Jojo Moyes. Her books always include memorable characters, deep storylines and a wealth of emotion. The Girl You Left Behind is a stunning, passionate and moving novel from the author of the brilliant novel, Me Before You.
Book Rating: 5/5
Author: Jojo Moyes
Honeymoon in Paris is a marvellous introduction to the characters in The Girl You Left Behind. Although I read this after The Girl You Left Behind, I was very interested in learning more about the couples in the story; Sophie and Edouard and Liv and David.
Sophie loves Edouard and he loves her. But Sophie wonders how long his love will last. For Liv, her honeymoon with David is not going the way she imagined. Is it a sign of what their life together will be like? The storylines were great and surprising in a way.
Honeymoon in Paris is a great contrast to The Girl You Left Behind as it is set years before the events in that book. Also, it allows the reader to learn a few interesting details about the couples which were not mentioned in The Girl You Left Behind and observe how the characters have changed. Honeymoon in Paris is a thoroughly enjoyable novella and precursor to the stunning The Girl You Left Behind which will make you want to pick up and read it if you haven't already devoured it.
Book Rating: 5/5
