Summary
Published in 2021, The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros is a historical novel and romance capturing the power of love across time. It unfolds in dual timelines: the present and World War II. In modern-day Colorado, Georgia Stanton returns to her great-grandmother Scarlett Stanton's estate following a divorce. Scarlett, a noted author, left behind an incomplete manuscript that prompts Georgia's journey. Georgia collaborates with Noah Harrison, an author tasked with completing Scarlett's work. Their contemporary narrative parallels Scarlett's wartime love story, demonstrating the lasting impact of untold stories across generations.
Plot
The Things We Leave Unfinished unfolds across dual timelines, detailing the intertwined lives of two couples connected by love, loss, and an unfinished manuscript.
In the present timeline, Georgia Stanton returns to Colorado after her divorce and inherits an incomplete novel from her great-grandmother, Scarlett Stanton. She meets Noah Harrison, a well-known author who agrees to take on the task of completing Scarlett's work. However, they disagree on the conclusion—Georgia prefers a tragic finish true to Scarlett’s real-life romance, while Noah favors a happy ending reflecting Scarlett’s popular style.
In the past timeline, Scarlett embarks on a wartime romance with Jameson Stanton, an American fighter pilot. Their love story is partly told through letters, capturing the sacrifices and dangers of World War II. Scarlett, daughter of an English baron, also navigates family expectations and practical challenges. Their relationship takes a tragic turn when Jameson’s plane crashes, and he is presumed dead.
In the present, Georgia and Noah's professional relationship evolves into mutual attraction. Noah suggests writing two possible endings to Scarlett’s novel, leaving Georgia to choose the final version. The plot thickens when Georgia discovers a deception kept hidden for decades by her mother. This revelation changes Georgia's understanding of her heritage.
Characters
Georgia Stanton: Recently divorced, Georgia returns to her great-grandmother Scarlett's Colorado estate. She confronts her past and aims to complete Scarlett's unfinished novel. Georgia reflects on her marriage and draws inspiration from Scarlett’s romantic history.
