Therese Wolley is a mother who has made a promise. She works as a secretary, shops for groceries on Saturdays, and takes care of her two girls. She doesn’t dwell on the fact that her girls are fatherless, mostly because her own father abandoned her before she was born and she has done just fine without him.Even though her older daughter regularly wakes with nightmares and her younger one whispers … whispers letters under her breath, she doesn’t shift from her resolve that everything will be fine. She promises . . . and they believe.
Until the morning an obituary in the newspaper changes everything. Therese immediately knows what she has to do. She cannot delay what she has planned, and she cannot find the words to explain her heartbreaking decision to her daughters. She considers her responsibilities, her girls, and her promise. Then she does the only thing that any real mother would do. She goes on the run with one daughter . . . and abandons the other.
Left is told from the perspectives of Franny, the autistic sister who is left behind; Matilda, the troubled older sister who vows to go back and save her; and Therese, a mother on the run.
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Really different story that follows two sisters and their challenges dealing with separation and history. Loved it. Kind of figured it out ahead of time but still thought it was a great story and couldn’t wait to find out if I was right or not.
I rated this book 4 stars because I found it hard to follow and frequently found myself slightly confused as to which character was actually speaking. The overall message is important, however I wish it had held my attention a little more consistently.
This book was ok. I finished it because I wanted to know how it ended, but wasn’t “over-the-moon” about it like i was The Accidental Tourist.
This was an easy read. I liked the characters and it kept my interest.
It was a great read because I was really upset with the way the characters emerged over the course of the story. The author had me guessing all the way through.
The book was easy to read and enjoyable, even though there were some very sad parts to the story. It’s a story that could have happened in any place and in any time.
Fascinating story told from 3 different perspectives (those of the main characters). The way the narrative changes to match the world view of each character is brilliant. A little sad, a little uplifting. A definitive recommendation!
I loved the story but was disappointed by the rushed ending.
It was well written and flowed seamlessly between the changes in perspective, but left too many wholes for my taste. Absolutely LOVED THE unexpected conclusion, not the one that was eady to see coming, but the other one!!
I liked the sister relationship as well as the autism element.
A wonderful novel showing the many twists and turns life and relationships can take and the effect it has on love and family.
I do not recommend many of my books to friends, but this was a great exception. I was right to do this, as all have texted me back and agree that it is wonderful. You know it was a great read when you remember the title, the plot, and the ending without any problem. There are complex stories and characters. The book is only told through female …
Wow what a book that keeps you reading!
Sad story. I felt for the child left behind who could not understand adult issues.
Great read. Different story that gets you caught up in the characters lives. I recommend!
great book/ great chartacters
A great story well told.
It made me think how it may feel to be very different and how very prescious our connections to loved ones are. This is a story that I will not forget.
I would buy another book from Tamar Ossowski in a heartbeat
A plot with many twists and turns, very readable and will keep you wondering where the story is going.
liked it