The Girl You Left Behind: A Novel

Part of this story takes place in Paris during World War 1, part takes place in modern day Paris about a hundred years later, and part takes place in modern day USA. During World War 1, the Nazi’s overtake the hotel in Paris that Sophie and her sister run. They demand that the ladies house the German military and cook dinner for them each evening. This is a challenging chore and detestable because they feel like they are helping the enemy, but it does provide extra food for their family when they are allowed the leftovers. Sophie’s husband is an accomplished artist, and hanging on their wall is a portrait he painted of Sophie when she was young. Her husband is now missing in war or most likely at a concentration camp. The top German commander is an art aficionado and falls in love with the painting. He and Sophie connect over this, causing some inner and outer struggles. Eventually, Sophie is taken away to a concentration camp and not knowing how horrid they are, she is hoping to see her husband there.

Cut to modern day Paris, Liv is the owner of this portrait of a young woman, that her husband bought for her as a wedding gift 10 years ago. He said the portrait reminded him of her. He suddenly died a few years ago and she cherishes this painting as a part of him that she can hang onto. Now, a few years later, in a strange twist of fate, she has a date with a man which exposes her painting to an organization that works to re-unite stolen and lost art from World War 1 with the families to whom they originally belonged. The organization knows some of the history of this painting, but there are unaccounted for years. Poor as she is, Liv will not willingly give up the painting, even for money without a fight. The organization sues her and she is forced to go into high gear to find out the painting’s history before it is too late. Was it stolen by the Germans? Was it given away to someone as a gift? How was it obtained by the lady from New Jersey who sold it to Liv’s husband?

This story contains history, romance, art appreciation, and mystery as the search is on, for the actual history and chain of ownership for this beloved painting. A well-written book and well-narrated audiobook.

Awesome ending and not expected!

Great book on tape!!!

This is the best Jojo Moyes of the four I have read; bought it for my three daughters and they all loved it too.