Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the themes of loss, love, and the complexities of family relationships. The story follows the disappearance of Ellie Mack, a bright and promising teenager, and the impact her absence has on her mother, Laurel. As Laurel navigates her grief and attempts to uncover the truth behind Ellie's vanishing, she encounters unexpected connections and dark secrets that challenge her understanding of her family and herself. This novel is perfect for fans of suspenseful fiction and those who enjoy intricate character development. With its compelling narrative and emotional depth, it captivates readers from start to finish.

Key Points

  • Explores the psychological impact of a child's disappearance on a family
  • Features a strong female protagonist, Laurel, navigating grief and mystery
  • Delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for truth
  • Written by bestselling author Lisa Jewell, known for her engaging storytelling
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Lisa Jewell
266 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Arts and Humanities
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Lisa Jewell
266 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Arts and Humanities
104
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PROLOGUE
Those months, the months before she disappeared, were the best months.
Really.Justthebest.Everymomentpresenteditselftoherlikeagiftandsaid,
HereIam,anotherperfectmoment,justlookatme,canyoubelievehowlovelyIam?
Everymorningwasaflurryofmascaraandbutterflies,quickeningpulseasshe
neared the school gates, blooming joy as her eyes found him. School was no
longeracage;itwasthebustling,spotlitfilmsetforherlovestory.
EllieMackcouldnotbelievethatTheoGoodmanhadwantedtogooutwith
her. Theo Goodmanwas the best-looking boy in year eleven, bar none. He’d
alsobeenthebest-lookingboyinyearten,yearnine,andyeareight.Notyear
seventhough.Noneoftheboysinyearsevenweregood-looking.Theywereall
tiny,bug-eyedbabiesinhugeshoesandoversizedblazers.
TheoGoodmanhadneverhadagirlfriendandeveryonethoughtmaybehe
was gay. He was kind of pretty, for a boy, and very thin. And just, basically,
really,reallynice.Elliehaddreamedaboutbeingwithhimforyears,whetherhe
was gay or not. She would have been happyjust to have been his friend. His
young,pretty mum walked to schoolwithhimeveryday.Sheworegymgear
andhadherhairinaponytailandusuallyhadasmallwhitedogwithherthat
Theowouldpickupandkissonthecheekbeforeplacingitgentlybackdownon
thepavement;thenhewouldkisshismumandsaunterthroughthegates.He
didn’t care who saw. He wasn’t embarrassed by the powder-puff dog or his
mum.Hewasself-assured.
Then one day last year, just after the summer holiday, he had struck up a
conversationwithher.Justlikethat.Duringlunch,somethingtodowithsome
homeworkassignmentorother,andEllie,whoreallyknewnothingmuchabout
anything,knewimmediatelythathewasn’tgayandthathewastalkingtoher
becausehelikedher.Itwastotallyobvious.Andthen,justlikethat,theywere
boyfriendandgirlfriend.She’dthoughtitwouldbemorecomplicated.
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Figures

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell — Figure 1
After the Party
The Making of Us
Before I Met You
The House We Grew Up In
The Third Wife
The Girls in the Garden
I Found You
was born and raised in north London, where she lives with her

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FAQs

What is the main plot of Then She Was Gone?
Then She Was Gone follows the story of Laurel Mack, whose daughter Ellie disappeared when she was fifteen. The narrative explores the aftermath of Ellie's disappearance, diving into the impact on Laurel's family and her attempts to navigate life without her daughter. As the years pass, Laurel struggles with grief and the haunting memories of Ellie, while also trying to rebuild her life. The story takes a turn when Laurel meets Floyd Dunn, whose daughter Poppy bears a striking resemblance to Ellie, leading to unsettling revelations about the past.
Who are the main characters in Then She Was Gone?
The main characters include Laurel Mack, the mother of the missing girl Ellie, and Floyd Dunn, her new partner. Ellie Mack is central to the story, as her disappearance shapes the lives of those around her. Poppy Dunn, Floyd's daughter, becomes significant as she resembles Ellie, sparking a connection between her and Laurel. Other characters include Hanna, Laurel's older daughter, and Jake, her son, who also deal with the family dynamics following Ellie's disappearance.
What themes are explored in Then She Was Gone?
Then She Was Gone explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. The narrative delves into the impact of a child's disappearance on a family, highlighting how each member copes with their pain differently. The story also examines the notion of motherhood and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child, as well as the idea of moving on after tragedy. Additionally, it touches on the significance of secrets and the past, as Laurel uncovers unsettling truths connected to her daughter.
What happens to Laurel's family after Ellie's disappearance?
After Ellie's disappearance, Laurel's family is profoundly affected. Her marriage to Paul deteriorates as they struggle to cope with the loss, leading to a sense of disconnection among the family members. Hanna and Jake, Laurel's other children, also experience their own struggles, with Hanna feeling the weight of being the 'golden child' in the absence of Ellie. Over time, the family becomes fractured, with Laurel feeling increasingly isolated in her grief, while each member finds their own way to deal with the tragedy.
How does Laurel's relationship with Floyd develop?
Laurel's relationship with Floyd develops as they bond over their shared experiences of loss and the complexities of parenthood. Initially, Laurel is drawn to Floyd's kindness and the resemblance of his daughter Poppy to Ellie, which evokes both comfort and pain. As they spend time together, Laurel begins to open up about her past and her grief. Their relationship evolves into a romantic connection, allowing Laurel to explore the possibility of happiness again, even as she grapples with the shadows of her daughter's disappearance.

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