The Girl You Left Behind
– Jojo Moyes
Publishing date:27th
September 2012
Publisher: Penguin.
4 stars
This is a compelling novel, the tale of two women separated
by a century but united in their resolution to fight for what they love and
believe in.
It wasn’t what I expected, usually steering clear of
war-time novels. However I am so glad I reviewed this. There is nothing better
than being pulled into a story, an alternative reality, breathing alongside the
characters, emotions rising and falling with the rise and fall of their
fortunes. Jojo Moyes does this extremely well and I now want to read all her
other books.
I enjoyed the contrasting tales, war torn France, modern day
London. I was enthralled by the detective work which kept me guessing until the
end. The characters were well drawn, the descriptions authentic, the language rich
and neatly written. No superfluous gunk here. I really couldn’t put this book
down. The message left in my mind was that across time and nationality,
possessions are meaningless. Life is nothing without love and family.