[simpleazon-image align=”left” asin=”0670026611″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xxZ6EsIhL._SL160_.jpg” width=”106″][simpleazon-link asin=”0670026611″ locale=”us”]The Girl You Left Behind[/simpleazon-link] by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I became so caught up in the storytelling and so invested in the characters that I barely remembered to take notes as is my habit. The two love stories, nearly 100 years apart (St. Peronne, France under German Occupation 1916 and London, England 2006) and linked by a portrait, were interlaced beautifully and compassionately. I especially liked the two female characters. They were strong-willed but kind, flawed but likeable. Both were willing to sacrifice everything for love. At times this made them do foolish things, but it was hard not to root for them just the same. This book had hope and tragedy, history and art, war and sacrifice, cruelty and unexpected kindnesses. I was captivated from start to finish, and I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction and romance.

Favorite quotes:

“This was the story of our lives: minor insurrections; tiny victories; a brief chance to ridicule our oppressors; little floating vessels of hope amid a great sea of uncertainty, deprivation, and fear” (p.14). –Sophie

“Sometimes life is a series of obstacles, a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, she realizes suddenly, it is simply a matter of blind faith” (p. 332). –Liv

In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I was given a free copy of the book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Jojo Moyes begins touring for this book on Sept. 11. She will be in Atlanta at the Georgia Center for the book on Thursday, Sept. 12. Details here.