The Story She Left Behind is a novel that melds facts and fiction. It turns fantasy into an everyday reality. It is a story of love, forgiveness, hope and dreams. Patti Callahan Henry wrote a story that is one that will stay with me for some time!
“We create words to define our life, and then they begin to define us.” pp107
The story introduces us to Clara and Wynnie. A mother and a daughter living in the south near a tidal river in a blue cottage. We are brought into their lives and learn about their story. Clara’s mother left one night presumed dead. She is contacted by Harry in England who is in possession of some of her mother’s writing, but she needs to come to England to get it. Then the Great Smoke happened and in order to help Wynnie, they leave London and go to the Lake’s district. It is here their fate or destiny awaits them…
“Dreams are much more than that. They are the visions of the Future; They are the whispers of our desire; They are hope.” pp78
The story includes many interesting characters and the landscape of the Lake district is so wonderfully described. It reads smoothly and allows the reader into a landscape of a family made and found. The longing and love of the family makes this novel lovely to read.
“Forgiveness… was only the beginning of what might come next, not the end of what already happened.” pp323
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry is a wonderful five star read.
