The Story She Left Behind

A Novel

De: Patti Callahan Henry

Narrado por: Julia Whelan, Theo Solomon

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Brilliant, riveting, so beautifully written, impossible to put down.” —Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Inspired by a true literary mystery, the New York Times bestselling author of the mesmerizing The Secret Book of Flora Lea returns with the sweeping story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter’s search for them both.

In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, vanishes 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 disappearance 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 insatiable: her beloved 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 disappearance, 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.

“Graceful in its telling and so very wise in its insights, The Story She Left Behind is a book that will capture your heart, lift your spirits, and delight your soul” (William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author).

Reseñas de la Crítica

"This mystery explores the emotions felt by the family of a young American novelist who vanished 25 years earlier. Daughter Clara, skillfully portrayed by Julia Whelan, receives a cryptic phone call informing her that she must personally claim her mother’s writing satchel. She steels herself and travels to London with her daughter. Once there, the two meet young executor Charlie, voiced with grace and charm by Theo Solomon, who whisks them to his family’s country home, away from the Great Smog. There, Clara’s stunning discovery upends her world. Delivering alternating points of view, both narrators give well-matched, compelling performances, including a range of American and UK accents. A clarifying author’s note narrated by Henry closes the production."

The writing

I loved the rich and complex writing. Writing your own words for emotions is a beautiful gift.

Wow! An amazing story!!

Such a beautiful story! I want so much more of this author! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

Outstanding

What a totally awesome book. Narration was superb. I would highly recommend this book as it is one of the best book I’ve read in years.

Characters who are friends

I thought I had purchased a cozy mystery and was amazed to find that this is a high quality piece of literature. I loved everything about it and have put it on my “read again” list! I highly recommend it to everyone!

A Story of Loss, Love, and Legacy

WOW! Initially the book took felt long and drawn out. I took a two week break from reading it and started fresh and I'm so happy. This book is about a woman searching for her missing mother and what she finds is incredible. I enjoyed story telling from different generations throughout the story.