The Story She Left Behind

A Novel

De: Patti Callahan Henry

Narrado por: Julia Whelan, Theo Solomon

Inspired by a true literary mystery, New York Times bestselling author of the mesmerizing The Secret Book of Flora Lea returns with the sweeping story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter’s search for them both.

In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn stunned the world with a book written in an invented language that became a national sensation when she was just twelve years old. Her departure leaves behind not only a devoted husband and heartbroken daughter, but also the hope of ever translating the sequel to her landmark work. As the headlines focus on the missing author, Clara yearns for something far deeper and more insatiable: her beautiful mother.

By 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie. When a stranger named Charlie Jameson contacts her from London claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost langauge. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s vanishing, she crosses the Atlantic with Wynnie only to arrive during one of London’s most deadly natural disasters—the Great Smog. With asthmatic Wynnie in peril, they escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson’s family retreat nestled in the Lake District. It is there that Clara must find the courage to uncover the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.

Told in Patti Callahan Henry’s lyrical, enchanting prose, The Story She Left Behind is a captivating novel of mystery and family legacy that captures the profound longing for a mother and the evergreen allure of secrets.

©2025 Patti Callahan Henry (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Beautiful Story! Perfect Narration

I finished this wonderful book in just four days—there's nothing better than a story you can't put down! As a huge fan of The Secret Book of Flora Lea, this is my second novel by Patti Callahan Henry, and I now realize I’ve been missing out on her previous works. I’ll definitely be looking into reading more!

This was a beautiful story about a young woman navigating life as a single mom with a career in a small town, all while grappling with the mysterious abandonment of her own mother. Her journey, alongside her daughter, unfolds into a tale of purpose, leading them across the globe through a world of mystery, heartache, forgiveness, healing, magic, self discovery and love.

Lastly, Julia Whelan as a narrator—she truly brings the story to life. I highly recommend this book; you won’t be disappointed! XOXO

This is the best book I’ve listened to this year. Enjoy!

Loved everything about it. I was captivated within the first ten minutes. I especially loved Winnie.

Stunningly lyrical and beautiful

This is a book I will think about for a long time after finishing. The language was eloquent and lyrical, but the story itself was also captivating. This is a gorgeous story of love, forgiveness, and appreciation of art and nature. It examines what it means to be family and what we do for those we love. The landscape of both South Carolina and Cumbria are characters in the novel and the descriptions make me want to visit both. This was a unique story that wound history with charm and whimsy.

Beautiful Cover

WOW! What a beautiful cover and storyline about Clara looking for her mother in London with her daughter Wynnie

Vivid imagery!

Patti Callahan Henry is a phenomenal author and is so expressive in her writing that you can see everything she talks about in your mind’s eye. Just when I think her books cannot get better she comes out with the next one! Thoroughly engaging and captivating novel! An absolute work of art!

Magical Patti!

Another beautiful piece by Patti Callahan Henry…each one just gets better and better. Her writing is magical and so engaging…an emotionally satisfying piece!

Wonderful story!

She did it again! Filled with mystery and magic I believe this is my favorite PCH to date!

Incredible storytelling

This book swept me away and made me feel validated in the sense that all of my childhood imaginary friends were actually “real”.
Highly highly recommend this book

Will draw you in

The mystery of the story across will leave you longing in search of your own truth.

Touching and memorable

The characters were well crafted and the setting beautifully painted with words. It’s even better to discover it was based on a true story with artistic license to build an ending.