Reviews

Then She Was Gone

The description of the new book from author Lisa Jewell caught my attention right away. As a mom the thought of losing my children has crossed my mind more than once, and it’s a feeling that leaves me ice cold every time.  The world in which we live today has so many dangers, and it makes me want to keep holding them as close to me as I can, for as long as I can. But we all know that’s not possible, and Then She Was Gone is a thriller that brings you into the real nightmare one mother lives as her daughter disappears one day.

Laurel is a doting mom to fifteen year old Ellie, but her life is turned upside down when she mysteriously vanishes. After the disappearance, she struggles to slot back into her normal life, tortured by unanswered questions even ten years later, and still holding out hope that her daughter will one day be found.

This gloomy existence takes an unexpected turn, however, when she meets a charming stranger who promises to show her the way back onto a happy path. Laurel wonders if she can find happiness once again, or even if she deserves it. Just when she thinks she can finally move on her world comes crashing down again when she meets Floyd’s daughter, who looks just like Ellie. The questions of what happened that fateful day are brought back to her mind, and she’s forced to dig deeper into the mystery, despite the danger it may bring and some of the warnings she receives.

Then She Was Gone is an intriguing story, and one that will keep you staying up a bit later each night to unravel more clues. It’s told through a series of first-person chapters from the different characters, and moves between events that took place at the time of Ellie’s disappearance and in the current day. This gives you an up-close insight into the character’s thoughts, fear, and motivations for their actions. Expect twists and revelations right up until the last page.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is available from bookstores and online retailers for a recommended retail price of R295.

Thanks to Penguin Random House for inspiring me to take some time out in Mom’s reading corner. 

 

 

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2 Comments

  • Reply Nadia Hall September 12, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    Every mothers worst nightmare… I used to love reading books like these but after having a child I tend to shy away from them now, rather sticking to the love stories

    • Reply Lisa Trollip September 12, 2017 at 8:10 pm

      It can be hard to think of this happening, but it does serve as a reminder to us to enjoy each special day we have with our children…no matter how tiring and tough they can be! And who says there aren’t any happy times in the book as well as the heartache!

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