Review: Then She Was Gone: A Novel by Lisa Jewell
When I first came across Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone, I was immediately drawn in by its haunting premise: a mother grappling with the lingering shadows of her daughter’s disappearance. As a mom myself, I felt a visceral tug at my heart—how could anyone endure such a profound loss? Jewell, widely recognized for her keen ability to weave stories that resonate emotionally, intrigued me with the promise of an exploration into grief, love, and the enigmatic nature of human relationships.
The novel centers on Laurel Mack, who has been navigating life in the wake of her youngest daughter Ellie’s disappearance a decade ago. It’s heartbreaking yet relatable. As she attempts to rebuild her life, we see her eventual entanglement with Floyd, a charming man whose youngest daughter, Poppy, is eerily reminiscent of Ellie. This connection sets off a chain of emotional upheaval that captured my attention and kept me turning pages in anticipation of what would unfold.
Jewell’s writing style is emotive and engaging. Each character is intricately crafted, layered with desires, flaws, and just enough complexity to keep them grounded in reality. Laurel, while a sympathetic protagonist, is flawed in her struggles through guilt and the haunting memories of Ellie. This complexity is what made her journey so compelling; I often found myself questioning, “What would I do in her shoes?” The pacing feels deliberate—allowing the emotional weight to settle while also expertly weaving suspense into the narrative.
One of the standout themes in the book is the exploration of grief. Jewell doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of loss; instead, she portrays it with a raw authenticity that left me feeling a mixture of sadness and introspection. Laurel’s interactions with her other children, and the way they navigate their own strands of grief, added an extra layer of depth. Echoing the sentiments from a reviewer, this isn’t just a typical thriller but a deeply emotional family drama that warrants profound contemplation.
“Grief is a monster,” one character observes, and this line resonated with me throughout my reading journey. It encapsulates not only the book’s essence but also a universal truth—grieving is messy, unpredictable, and intricately bound to our identities.
Who would enjoy this book? If you are a reader who appreciates emotional depth interwoven with psychological intrigue, this is undoubtedly for you. It’s not just about uncovering a mystery; it’s about unraveling the layers of human experience that surround love and loss. Those looking for a fast-paced thriller may find themselves grappling with the slow burn that Jewell masterfully constructs, but I assure you—this book’s rewarding emotional impact is worth every moment invested.
In conclusion, Then She Was Gone is more than just a story about a missing girl; it’s a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the complexities of life that linger long after the final page is turned. I found it both difficult to read and impossible to put down. It’s a haunting, unforgettable experience that’s left its mark on me, urging me to reflect on the many ways our pasts shape our present—making me eager to dive into more of Jewell’s works.