Publication Date: 10 December 2024
Genre: Women's Psychological Fiction
Book Description:
And Then You Were Gone
Nina, a popular fantasy author, maintains a reclusive existence. Aside from Nina’s work, her primary focus is her daughter, Sophie.
Incessant bullying at school and a public, mortifying falling out with another girl sparks a downward spiral in Sophie’s emotional state.
Nina watches helplessly as her daughter appears to be unable to move past this unfortunate event. Nina grows so consumed with Sophie’s suffering that she loses her desire to write. How does one help a teenage daughter in torment?
But then Nina has an idea—an unorthodox method to help her daughter. She is going to write a story—bringing in a special character into Sophie’s life. As the author, Nina can control the outcome of the story. Or can she?
As fiction and reality blur, Nina realizes that things have gotten out of hand. Is her story the blessing she hoped for or a curse she never expected?
Read this riveting and hauntingly poignant tale to find out more.
SUMMARY
And Then You Were Gone by Ivy Logan is a poignant contemporary fiction novel that explores the complex relationship between a mother, Nina, and her teenage daughter, Sophie. Nina, a reclusive fantasy author, finds herself grappling with her daughter's emotional turmoil after Sophie faces severe bullying at school. As Sophie spirals into despair following a public fallout with a friend, Nina becomes increasingly consumed by her daughter's suffering, which leads to her own creative block.
In a desperate attempt to help Sophie, Nina devises an unconventional plan that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, forcing Nina to confront the consequences of her actions as she realises that her plan may not have the healing effect she intended. The novel unfolds against the backdrop of Texas and delves into themes of motherhood, mental health and the power of storytelling.
MY THOUGHTS
I found this book to be a unique and refreshing read that effectively captures the struggles of parenting in the face of adolescent challenges. The narrative's evolution from Nina's initial excitement about her writing career to her deep concern for Sophie is both relatable and heart-wrenching. The portrayal of their relationship is particularly compelling; it highlights the disconnect that often arises during the tumultuous teenage years.
One of the standout elements for me was the character of Nick, who serves as a loyal friend to Sophie. While I felt he could have been more developed at times, his unwavering support adds depth to Sophie's journey. Additionally, I appreciated how Logan navigates the complexities of mental health without resorting to clichés, making Sophie's experiences resonate authentically.
The pacing of the novel improves significantly in the latter half, where the plot picks up momentum and introduces more tension. Initially, I found some parts, notably Part I, repetitive as both Nina's struggles with her writing and Sophie's issues between her home life and her school life seemed stagnant. However, as the story progressed, it became increasingly engaging and emotionally charged.
Overall, I enjoyed this book for its heartfelt exploration of difficult themes and its ability to evoke empathy for both mother and daughter. It’s a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on how we cope with our loved ones' pain and the lengths we might go to help them.
VERDICT
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Author
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