Book Review: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Sometimes, a book sinks its hooks into you before you even crack open the cover. That’s what happened to me with Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone. The title alone evokes a chilling mystery, one that intertwines themes of family tragedy and the dark recesses of grief. I was drawn in by Jewell’s reputation as a master storyteller, having read her engaging works like The Family Upstairs, and I was eager to see how she would navigate the intricate emotional landscape of a missing child.
At the center of this poignant tale is Laurel Mack, a mother grappling with the unspeakable loss of her daughter, Ellie, who vanished a decade ago. The novel’s timeline oscillates between the past and present, allowing us to witness not just the heart-wrenching moments leading up to Ellie’s disappearance, but also the haunting ripple effects enduring through Laurel’s life. As time passes, Laurel’s world has shifted dramatically—her marriage crumbled, and her once-vibrant spirit dulled under the burden of unanswered questions. Jewell excels in portraying Laurel’s conflicted emotions, painting her not as a one-dimensional character but as a complex woman navigating the treacherous waters of grief.
As Laurel meets the enigmatic Floyd in a café, her cautious steps towards reconnecting with life begin, though they come with an unsettling twist—his daughter, Poppy, bears an uncanny resemblance to Ellie. This connection digs deep, revealing the fragile layers of memory and desire. The narrative beautifully captures the pangs of nostalgia and the yearning for closure; it’s both a romance and a psychological thriller, expertly designed to keep readers turning the pages.
Jewell’s writing style is both evocative and engaging. She encapsulates grief with a delicate touch, threading emotional depth into every character. I found myself particularly drawn to the fragments of Laurel’s past; they resonate deeply, unraveling the complexities of maternal love and the shadowy edges of obsession. Quotations like, “Looking at it backward, it was obvious all along,” lingered with me long after I closed the book. It captures the chilling essence of hindsight—one of the novel’s underlying themes.
The pacing might feel a bit uneven at times, especially with the weightiness of the subject matter, but that intentional ebb and flow mirrors Laurel’s tumultuous journey toward understanding and healing. It’s a read that requires patience and resilience, but the payoff is profound.
Then She Was Gone is not just a tale of loss; it’s an exploration of resilience wrapped in mystery. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate psychological depth and emotional nuance—those who revel in stories that challenge their perceptions of reality. For anyone who has experienced loss or grappled with unresolved questions, this book resonates on a personal level.
After finishing this engrossing read, I found myself reflecting on my own relationships, the ties that bind us, and the fragility of life. Lisa Jewell has crafted a haunting narrative that doesn’t just entertain; it engages in a conversation about love, loss, and what it truly means to move on. I wholeheartedly recommend Then She Was Gone to anyone seeking a gripping, thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after the last page.