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The Girl You Left Behind cover art

The Girl You Left Behind

Written by: Jojo Moyes
Narrated by: Clare Corbett, Penny Rawlins
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Publisher's Summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of Me Before You, a spellbinding love story of two women separated by a century but united in their determination to fight for what they love most

France, 1916: Artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his young wife, Sophie, to fight at the front. When their small town falls to the Germans in the midst of World War I, Edouard's portrait of Sophie draws the eye of the new Kommandant. As the officer's dangerous obsession deepens, Sophie will risk everything - her family, her reputation, and her life - to see her husband again.

Almost a century later, Sophie's portrait is given to Liv Halston by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. A chance encounter reveals the painting's true worth, and a battle begins for who its legitimate owner is - putting Liv's belief in what is right to the ultimate test.

Like Sarah Blake's The Postmistress and Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key, The Girl You Left Behind is a breathtaking story of love, loss, and sacrifice told with Moyes's signature ability to capture our hearts.

©2013 Jojo Moyes (P)2013 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

"Vibrant and gripping.” (People Magazine, three stars) 

"Jojo Moyes expertly weaves a bittersweet tale in this irresistible novel, taking careful interest in the dark corners that exist within great love stories, and the trickiness of simple happy endings. A-" (Entertainment Weekly

“Moyes writes delicious plots, with characters so clearly imagined they leap off the pages in high-definition prose.... Clever plot turns make for a satisfying ending.... Moyes brings fresh strokes to this story about the power of art and love to transcend what imprisons us. Romantics looking for a story set amid the politics of plundered art couldn't do much better than The Girl You Left Behind.” (USA Today, three and a half stars) 

What listeners say about The Girl You Left Behind

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

captivating

loved it! didn't want to shut it off. really enjoyed the voices used to break up characters.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

An intense listen

I have enjoyed all the JoJo Moyes books and this was no exception. But in a world of seemingly endless sad and disturbing news (2020) I believe I will seek out books that make me smile rather than ones that make me cry.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Soooo Good

This is one of my favourite books out there. I love it and definitely recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Enduring Stories of Love and Courage

Although they are woven together there are two distinct stories. Sophie's tale is at times hard to listen to because of the subject of occupation in WW1 and the narration I would give 3.5. However, as it is the foundation of the whole book it is necessary to really get this time in history and this courageous and kind soul, Sophie. Her passion for her husband and his for her, which is expressed in the painting "The girl you left behind" is a mirror of their love. It's Edouard's view of Sophie that captures the interest of the Kommandant and seems to become an obsession. I have read most of Jo Jo Moyes books and this seemed quite a different style for her.

Liv's story, set in modern times is much more to my liking. There is the English humour and pop culture references and quirky characters that I associate with Moyes. There is such a feeling of absolution for the characters of the earlier story as Liv shows her own courage and self belief that you become far more engaged with Sophie and her story and end up routing for both women. I really liked Liv and felt for her. The ending is very good and ties up most of the loose ends so the reader is not left wondering. I would give liv's story 4.5/5. I think the part I found very sad, which is echoed in both stories, is the condemnation of others on very little information, heresay, misinformation, greed and speculation. The unkindness that was shown so often in contrast to the compassion and humanity shown by Sophie and Liv help to anchor you to them. There is a lovely twist at the end of the book that will have you on the edge of your seat. Au revoir

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

Loved the story. Bunged it in two days. i thought the accents hard to understand at times.

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  • Overall
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  • Ali
  • 2022-09-25

Unexpected, Enjoyable, wholesome

I loved this book. So very cute!
I loved the second part. The performance was great!!!!!!
And the story had me in tears. Great job

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