The Story She Left Behind

A Novel

De: Patti Callahan Henry

Narrado por: Julia Whelan, Theo Solomon

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Brilliant, riveting, so beautifully written, impossible to put down.” —Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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, vanishes 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 disappearance 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 beloved 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 language. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s disappearance, 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.

“Graceful in its telling and so very wise in its insights, The Story She Left Behind is a book that will capture your heart, lift your spirits, and delight your soul” (William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author).©2025 Patti Callahan Henry (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

Indie Next April 2025 Pick

LibraryReads March 2025 Pick

Outstanding

What a totally awesome book. Narration was superb. I would highly recommend this book as it is one of the best book I’ve read in years.

Meaningful

This was my second book of Patti’s to listen to and my heart is deeply touched by the beauty and meaning tucked inside this interesting and surprising story. I also truly appreciate the authors direct connection with us as readers. Her voice conveys her heart and she feels like a friend. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to listen to this story as well as the story of Flora Lea. Thank you, Patti! 💙

A warm hug

If you’re looking for a warm hug of a book, this is it. I love the dual narration, and Julia Whelan is the queen as usual!

Beautiful storytelling!

This book brought you into the hearts of the characters. The settings were described with so much detail it transported you to that place, London, South Carolina, the Lake District of England. Beautifully crafted!

Great historical fiction

Based on many true events! Excellent narration. Loved this story;) Liked the duo for narration

An Exquisite Story

Listening on Audible, we were transported to the Lake District, into interchange with the wondrous characters, inspired and renewed to live creatively, and fully! Thank you, Patti! Never stop writing, and reminding us of the mysterious beautiful power of forgiveness!!!

Stories for Glorious Misfits

A hint of Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, with the sense of Miss Perrigrines Home for Peculiar Children, a little Matilda.... a whimsical story of accepting the faults of your parents and finding how that shaped you beyond the holes left behind.

The beautiful writing. The story is so unusual, the characters are so well described.

Great story. Definitely at the top of my list of best books. The history in England at the time is woven in to a most unique story of relationships scenery. There’s a bit thrown in about one of the best known children’s authors of the day. The mystery of some characters in the
book is most enjoyable.

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!

Beautiful Cover

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