“The Story She Left Behind” by Patti Callahan Henry is one of the most beautifully written novels I have ever read! The characters felt so real to me and the settings in coastal South Carolina, London England and the Lake Region of England were described perfectly. The magic of words, loss and forgiveness and the importance of love and acceptance were woven throughout this wonderful story.
In 1927, Clara Harrington’s mother, the author of a famous children’s book, disappeared and was presumed drowned off the coast of South Carolina. 8-year-old Clara and her father were heartbroken at her loss. Now the year is 1952 and Clara is an award-winning illustrator with an 8-year-old daughter of her own. Clara is contacted by a stranger from England, Charlie Jameson, who has found a satchel of papers with her mother’s name on it. Clara and her daughter, Wynnie decide to travel to London to see what mystery they can unravel about Clara’s mother and her disappearance. Unfortunately, when they get to England, The Great Smog causes Wynnie’s asthma to flare up and their lives are literally in danger. Charlie gets them out of London and takes them to his mother’s summer house in the Lake District (which also happened to be where Beatrix Potter lived when she wrote about “Peter Rabbit”). While there, Clara, Wynnie and Charlie all uncover many secrets and make new memories.
I absolutely loved “The Story She Left Behind” and was sad when it ended. Wynnie’s character was especially endearing – she has an imaginary friend named Emjie who keeps her company and as children do, she came up with the best observations! The language in this novel is so so beautiful. I had never heard of The Great Smog either – I looked it up and learned much that I didn’t know. There was mystery, adventure, romance and everything I love in a story and this book left my heart feeling full. This is my favorite Patti Callahan Henry novel so far!
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