The Girl You Left Behind

By: Jojo Moyes

Narrated by: Clare Corbett, Penny Rawlins

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of Me Before You, a spellbinding love story of two women separated by a century but united in their determination to fight for what they love most

France, 1916: Artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his young wife, Sophie, to fight at the front. When their small town falls to the Germans in the midst of World War I, Edouard's portrait of Sophie draws the eye of the new Kommandant. As the officer's dangerous obsession deepens, Sophie will risk everything - her family, her reputation, and her life - to see her husband again.

Almost a century later, Sophie's portrait is given to Liv Halston by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. A chance encounter reveals the painting's true worth, and a battle begins for who its legitimate owner is - putting Liv's belief in what is right to the ultimate test.

Like Sarah Blake's The Postmistress and Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key, The Girl You Left Behind is a breathtaking story of love, loss, and sacrifice told with Moyes's signature ability to capture our hearts.

©2013 Jojo Moyes (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Vibrant and gripping.” (People Magazine, three stars)

"Jojo Moyes expertly weaves a bittersweet tale in this irresistible novel, taking careful interest in the dark corners that exist within great love stories, and the trickiness of simple happy endings. A-" (Entertainment Weekly)

“Moyes writes delicious plots, with characters so clearly imagined they leap off the pages in high-definition prose.... Clever plot turns make for a satisfying ending.... Moyes brings fresh strokes to this story about the power of art and love to transcend what imprisons us. Romantics looking for a story set amid the politics of plundered art couldn't do much better than The Girl You Left Behind.” (USA Today, three and a half stars)

Great story made better by the narration

This is a gripping novel, particularly the part which takes place during WWI. Moyes seems to find the best voice talent, this is no exception, especially the voice of Sophie, who takes great writing and elevates it. I’m glad I listened to this novel instead of read it.

Exquisite Portrait of Sophie and Liz

Beautifully written novel of Sophie, a French wife and her sister left to cook for Germans in occupied Paris in WWI. The portrait painted by Sophie's husband, Edourd, captures a moment when she discovers she loves and desires him for the first time, creating a captivating piece of artwork. As she struggles to stay brave for her family; keep up hope for Edourd; entertain monsters in her own home and place of business; she shows Herculean strength and fights to maintain her spirit and dignity.

Present day Liz, received, "The Girl You Left Behind" as a honeymoon present from her now deceased husband. She calls it her favorite possession and feels a deep connection with Sophie.

Both characters are as different as night and day, disparate, yet intriguing in their own way. When I read books told from two different points of view and time periods, I often find myself liking one more than the other. This was not the case, finally. I couldn't wait to hear Sophie's lilting, lovely French accent and was equally waiting to tag along with British Liz during her quest to move on and hold on to Sophie. Moyes created characters with depth you cared about and relationships you felt with intensity.

One of the best books I've listened to in months. Excellent read, and don't call it chic lit!

I ugly cried.

Would you listen to The Girl You Left Behind again? Why?

Absolutely. There were a lot of characters that came and left throughout the book, as well as fascinating plot twists. To listen again knowing the ending would definitely be worth it!

What did you like best about this story?

It was a beautiful love story, just like Me Before You, but couldn't have been more different than Moyes' previous book. I thought she did a great job with historical fiction. The characters faced decisions that were life-changing - nothing black and white - and she worked through them in ways that felt real and believable.

What does Clare Corbett and Penny Rawlins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accents are fantastic and the emotions from their performances were just wonderful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, absolutely - I would've driven cross-country just to keep listening!

Any additional comments?

If you loved Me Before You, definitely try this book. Just know going in that they're completely different. JoJo Moyes is a masterful storyteller and I will definitely be watching for her next masterpiece!

Another great book by Jojo

I didn't think this book could be as good as Me Before You, but I was wrong. Loved it!

Comments from a reader

What a fascinating novel about love. The two love stories in this novel are full of the twists and surprises what you would like to read in a romance novel. I highly recommend you read this novel.

I couldn't put this book down.

Great story. Touching. Tugged at my heartstrings. Reminded me Love is more important than any material item. JoJo Moyes books are always wonderfully written.

Just wonderful!

I love the reader's French accent as it made the book come alive and seemed to put me right into the book.
The transition from past to present was done very well.

A must-listen!

My favorite Jo Jo Moynes book so far. Anyone who loves historical fiction will enjoy this book. Superb narration too.

Very good book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I will continue to read more by this author. The story was very interesting and I didn't think the accents were distracting like some of the other reviewers had said.

Sincerely enjoyed this book

I loved how this book time traveled. I loved the rich accents, both English and French. The American was very good, but at one point it said the American was from NY. He and his brother definitely did not sound like New
Yorkers, lol and it detracted from the story not one bit.
Was a really great listen!