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The Lives She Left Behind
In a Somerset school, a teenage boy confronts a teacher with a story he should know nothing about. The boy's impossible knowledge uncovers memories Michael Martin has done his utmost to forget - and soon propels him into danger.
As Martin confronts his past once more, three girls arrive in the village of Pen Selwood, one of them drawn by an ancient instinct to find a man called Ferney.
Her actions reignite a love story, a force that cannot be broken, irrespective of the hurt and danger it brings to those around them...
As Martin confronts his past once more, three girls arrive in the village of Pen Selwood, one of them drawn by an ancient instinct to find a man called Ferney.
Her actions reignite a love story, a force that cannot be broken, irrespective of the hurt and danger it brings to those around them...
473 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
17 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
James Long
53 books54 followersAka Will Davenport
James Long was a BBC TV news correspondent until the end of the 1980s. After two years starting and running an international TV station out of Zurich, he returned to England to concentrate on writing, which had always been his first love. He wrote four thrillers, then went back to a story he had begun many years earlier and which grew into Ferney. The book was originally born from his disappointment at being unable to buy a derelict cottage he had found near the village of Penselwood and that house became the centre of the story. Many more novels followed, including two written under the pseudonym 'Will Davenport.' He moved into historical non-fiction in 2007 with The Plot against Pepys, co-written with his oldest son, Ben. Since then, he has co-written a play with his middle son, Harry. He lives with his wife, Annie and daughter Matilda in Totnes, Devon. His interests range from archaeology to motor racing. He is actively involved in the creative writing charity, the Arvon Foundation and tutors from time to time on Arvon courses. He is also a patron and adviser to the Dartington Literary Festival, 'Ways with Words.'
James Long was a BBC TV news correspondent until the end of the 1980s. After two years starting and running an international TV station out of Zurich, he returned to England to concentrate on writing, which had always been his first love. He wrote four thrillers, then went back to a story he had begun many years earlier and which grew into Ferney. The book was originally born from his disappointment at being unable to buy a derelict cottage he had found near the village of Penselwood and that house became the centre of the story. Many more novels followed, including two written under the pseudonym 'Will Davenport.' He moved into historical non-fiction in 2007 with The Plot against Pepys, co-written with his oldest son, Ben. Since then, he has co-written a play with his middle son, Harry. He lives with his wife, Annie and daughter Matilda in Totnes, Devon. His interests range from archaeology to motor racing. He is actively involved in the creative writing charity, the Arvon Foundation and tutors from time to time on Arvon courses. He is also a patron and adviser to the Dartington Literary Festival, 'Ways with Words.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 11, 2012
This was EVERYTHING you would expect from the author of Ferney. Not going to give you even a slight spoiler, don't want to ruin it for you. If you liked Ferney, read it, you'll LOVE it.
If you haven't Read Ferney, get it and read it, you won't be sorry. This man can weave a spellbinding tale of the 1st caliber, it's nothing but pure enjoyment to delve into one of his books and discover yourself in Ferney's world.
I believe you could start with this book and would totally enjoy it, but there's no doubt you'll enjoy it more having read the first one.
If you haven't Read Ferney, get it and read it, you won't be sorry. This man can weave a spellbinding tale of the 1st caliber, it's nothing but pure enjoyment to delve into one of his books and discover yourself in Ferney's world.
I believe you could start with this book and would totally enjoy it, but there's no doubt you'll enjoy it more having read the first one.
February 22, 2024
18 years after the conclusion of Ferney, poor old Mike Martin is going through the wringer again. Ferney ended on a cliffhanger, and you just knew it wouldn’t have a happy ending. That unhappy – no, tragic - ending is heartbreakingly illuminated in this sequel and one wonders how Mike has managed to cope with his life and remain sane. He is a very different character now, older, and something of a hollow shell. Could things really get any worse for Mike? Well, yes they can actually, as someone from the past shows up to make his life hell all over again.
Ferney and Gally are back, this time as teenagers at the same life stage. One would think this would make everything easier for them but again, the consequences, not so much for themselves (as they, and in particular Ferney, are single-minded, self-centred, obsessive and tunnel-visioned) are unpleasant for all those around them. Mike is unwittingly caught up in their issues, memories back in the mists of time are once again evoked, and again we have the inference that the past is better, superior and all that matters. How Mike just gives in makes me angry. But not as angry as Ferney, or Luke, whatever his name is, who this time around I am afraid I just wanted to punch. Very, very hard. His sense of entitlement was out of this world.
I do believe in love but when it brings destruction, damage and ruins other people’s lives, then I am not so sure. Therefore, the best part for me was the conclusion, when Ferney and Gally actually realise the consequences of their actions for others and make a momentous decision. Please let them stick to it.
Ferney and Gally are back, this time as teenagers at the same life stage. One would think this would make everything easier for them but again, the consequences, not so much for themselves (as they, and in particular Ferney, are single-minded, self-centred, obsessive and tunnel-visioned) are unpleasant for all those around them. Mike is unwittingly caught up in their issues, memories back in the mists of time are once again evoked, and again we have the inference that the past is better, superior and all that matters. How Mike just gives in makes me angry. But not as angry as Ferney, or Luke, whatever his name is, who this time around I am afraid I just wanted to punch. Very, very hard. His sense of entitlement was out of this world.
I do believe in love but when it brings destruction, damage and ruins other people’s lives, then I am not so sure. Therefore, the best part for me was the conclusion, when Ferney and Gally actually realise the consequences of their actions for others and make a momentous decision. Please let them stick to it.
April 19, 2014
I bought Fearny a couple of years ago in Gothenburg and started to read the book on the train home. I loved the book and when I found out that a sequel was going to be released, well it made me very happy. The Lives She Left Behind continue the story about Gally and Fearny 16 years after the ending in Fearny and they are now teenagers and destined to seek out each other since neither one of them can live without the other, together they are whole.
The book was a bit slow to read, not as good as Fearny, it was the last 100 pages that I really enjoyed, rest of the book, well sometime I had to force myself to continue reading and that’s never nice. But it’s a good book, and have you read Fearny you really should read the sequel, it closes their story in a very nice way.
The book was a bit slow to read, not as good as Fearny, it was the last 100 pages that I really enjoyed, rest of the book, well sometime I had to force myself to continue reading and that’s never nice. But it’s a good book, and have you read Fearny you really should read the sequel, it closes their story in a very nice way.
December 15, 2012
The decades wait for this sequel to Ferney was well worth it. I loved re-visiting the characters and the old haunts. I was totally absorbed back to Ferney & Gally's lives.
I would recommend to anyone to read it either on its own or after reading Ferney.
I would recommend to anyone to read it either on its own or after reading Ferney.
April 1, 2017
This is the follow-up book to Ferney, which was a favorite of mine from last year. You need to read Ferney first to enjoy and understand this one. I liked this one almost as much. It had had all the history again, and the continuing lives of Gally and Ferney.
November 30, 2017
Interesting reincarnation romance. Should probably have read the first book before this though.
August 28, 2020
This is a review of both Ferney and its sequel The Lives She Left Behind.
While Mike and Gally Martin are looking for a country home they stumble across a ramshackle cottage to which Gally feels strangely drawn. The whole village seems familiar to her, and Ferney, an old man who wanders the local countryside, seems particularly keen to get to know her. Gally feels a mounting connection to the cottage and to Ferney, who must wait patiently until she is ready to hear and accept the truth about their relationship. The Lives She Left behind continues the story of some of the characters in the first novel and sees the underlying idea of Ferney come to fruition.
These are really difficult books to write about as there is so much I could give away and I don't want to spoil them for future readers. Will do my best, but please forgive me for any accidental slips.
The books don't fit into any single genre - a mix of romance, historical novel and ghost story is probably the easiest interpretation. But though I like, and read a lot of, these separate genres, I didn't feel that these books were a successful mix of the three as it meant there was too much going on for the plot and characters to remain credible - even when suspending disbelief as much as possible.
My main problem with the books, from which my other issues spring, is that I didn't find the two leads likeable. I found them selfish and careless of the damage they do to the lives of others, so much so that I just wanted them to go off and leave everyone else alone. I didn't feel that we ever see what it is that these two characters love about each other - they seem to be together through force of habit rather than through choice. They are cruel to everyone else and rationalise this as being OK as it's due to the enormous love they have for each other. I couldn't agree.
The setting of the books is well done, and I enjoyed the discussions that pop up from time to time about the pagan versus the Christian world, and the development of country life across the years into village and then town dwelling. I didn't find the historical flashbacks all that successful though, perhaps as we plunge into and out of them so quickly, meaning there's no time to acclimatise. I assume this is a device to bring home to us the relevant characters' confusion about the historical background, but I found it made me a little cross and meant that I started to skip the historical passages.
I slightly preferred the second novel, The Lives She Left Behind, to the first as I liked some of the supporting cast of characters better and enjoyed the scenes at the archaeological dig. However, I found the ending a bit too pat, with too much effort to tie up all the ends. Some terrible, cruel things are done by some characters to the others, which to my mind would leave scars or at least grudges, but by the end much of it seems forgotten. This doesn't match what I know of human nature.
All this makes me seem that I have no romance in my soul and that I have no truck with anything that isn't entirely rational. This definitely isn't the case, but I believe a great love such as that portrayed should make the lovers kinder and more understanding to those around them, rather than what I saw happening in the books.
Those who like a bit of mystery and the supernatural with their romance will love these books. I struggled with them for the reasons given above and am glad I've finished having to read about the selfishness and cruelty of some of their characters.
While Mike and Gally Martin are looking for a country home they stumble across a ramshackle cottage to which Gally feels strangely drawn. The whole village seems familiar to her, and Ferney, an old man who wanders the local countryside, seems particularly keen to get to know her. Gally feels a mounting connection to the cottage and to Ferney, who must wait patiently until she is ready to hear and accept the truth about their relationship. The Lives She Left behind continues the story of some of the characters in the first novel and sees the underlying idea of Ferney come to fruition.
These are really difficult books to write about as there is so much I could give away and I don't want to spoil them for future readers. Will do my best, but please forgive me for any accidental slips.
The books don't fit into any single genre - a mix of romance, historical novel and ghost story is probably the easiest interpretation. But though I like, and read a lot of, these separate genres, I didn't feel that these books were a successful mix of the three as it meant there was too much going on for the plot and characters to remain credible - even when suspending disbelief as much as possible.
My main problem with the books, from which my other issues spring, is that I didn't find the two leads likeable. I found them selfish and careless of the damage they do to the lives of others, so much so that I just wanted them to go off and leave everyone else alone. I didn't feel that we ever see what it is that these two characters love about each other - they seem to be together through force of habit rather than through choice. They are cruel to everyone else and rationalise this as being OK as it's due to the enormous love they have for each other. I couldn't agree.
The setting of the books is well done, and I enjoyed the discussions that pop up from time to time about the pagan versus the Christian world, and the development of country life across the years into village and then town dwelling. I didn't find the historical flashbacks all that successful though, perhaps as we plunge into and out of them so quickly, meaning there's no time to acclimatise. I assume this is a device to bring home to us the relevant characters' confusion about the historical background, but I found it made me a little cross and meant that I started to skip the historical passages.
I slightly preferred the second novel, The Lives She Left Behind, to the first as I liked some of the supporting cast of characters better and enjoyed the scenes at the archaeological dig. However, I found the ending a bit too pat, with too much effort to tie up all the ends. Some terrible, cruel things are done by some characters to the others, which to my mind would leave scars or at least grudges, but by the end much of it seems forgotten. This doesn't match what I know of human nature.
All this makes me seem that I have no romance in my soul and that I have no truck with anything that isn't entirely rational. This definitely isn't the case, but I believe a great love such as that portrayed should make the lovers kinder and more understanding to those around them, rather than what I saw happening in the books.
Those who like a bit of mystery and the supernatural with their romance will love these books. I struggled with them for the reasons given above and am glad I've finished having to read about the selfishness and cruelty of some of their characters.
September 6, 2012
I loved this sequel to "Ferney". At first I was a little confused by the direction the story took as it didn't obviously seem to follow on from the first novel. However, by biding my time it all gradually became clear and was a fitting ending to the saga of Ferney and Gally. The story of these two old souls will stay with me for a long time which I feel is the sign of a good book.
Although it's not strictly necessary to read the first book, I do feel that it provides a good background to this sequel and would probably recommend anyone to read "Ferney" first.
A very good read indeed!!
*I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway*
Although it's not strictly necessary to read the first book, I do feel that it provides a good background to this sequel and would probably recommend anyone to read "Ferney" first.
A very good read indeed!!
*I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway*
September 19, 2012
I was not looking forward to reading the continuation of Ferney and Gally's story in The Lives She Left Behind. However, I was surprised to find that the sequel was far superior. The most redeeming feature for me was that Long Ferney and Gally realise the consequences of their desire for each other and their all consuming love. The plot for this book was driven more by the characters rather than the history of the village and not until the end does Long indulge in a couple of long historical ramblings. While some of the characters may still be stereotypes, I would feel much more comfortable recommending The Lives She Left Behind over Ferney.
November 11, 2012
I read Ferney a long time ago and really enjoyed it, in fact it's one of my favorite books. It took a while to get into this sequel but once I did Ferney came back to me which meant I could enjoy this just as much. As time has gone on my reading taste has changed so although I wouldn't say this is a new favorite I thoroughly enjoyed it and I was sorry to finish it.
January 21, 2013
What can I say - I loved it! Definitely one of the best so far this year along with its prequal Ferney - may even have to get my own copies of both to keep and re-read!
February 24, 2014
Loved this as much as it's predecessor but would say it's slightly better due to a more satisfying ending :)
June 6, 2018
Another good read but I don't feel the story was quite as compelling as the first book.
June 8, 2022
I found most of this book compelling. The story of Jo (Gally) and Luke (Fearney) and how they discovered and dealt with the fact they had obviously led multiple lives before was intriguing. The author skilfully navigated how others may respond to those claims and how individuals might re-educate themselves about their formers lives and the provisions they would make to ensure they were ok.
What I was more unsure of was the conclusion of the story. I am still trying to decide if the way the story ended was the only way it could have ended. For me, I suspect it felt too neat. I imagine I may dwell on it over the coming days and come to my own conclusion then. It doesn’t detract though from what I found to be a hugely satisfying read.
What I was more unsure of was the conclusion of the story. I am still trying to decide if the way the story ended was the only way it could have ended. For me, I suspect it felt too neat. I imagine I may dwell on it over the coming days and come to my own conclusion then. It doesn’t detract though from what I found to be a hugely satisfying read.
August 19, 2017
This is the continuation of Ferney and Gally's story. Both are reincarnated into new 16 yr olds but they need to remember their past and in Gally's case come to terms with it. There is not much history in this sequel so it hasn't the depth of the first book but I enjoyed it nether the less.
October 27, 2017
It's taken me a while to get around to reading this sequel to James Long's Ferney. The novel centres on Jo and Luke, whose paths cross at an archaeological dig, and employs the time-slip sequences and glimpses into England's past that makes this continued love story a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 22, 2019
When I first started reading this book I couldn't believe that it was written by the same author as Ferney. However after a few chapters it soon kicked in and became more interesting.
At times I felt quite anxious but I liked the ending which was a good conclusion to the two books.
At times I felt quite anxious but I liked the ending which was a good conclusion to the two books.
January 1, 2022
I loved this book. It was almost (but not quite) as good as the first one, Ferney, which blew me away. Both are written so well, the way they move through the past and present seamlessly. Wonderful writing.
August 2, 2022
I really really loved Ferney and I was extremely excited to read this second part of Ferney and Gally's story. Tbh it didn't work as well as Ferney. It's fine, it's wildly complicated, but it's not romantic like Ferney was. I am glad I finally got around to reading it.
August 12, 2024
Will constructed and an interesting twist on time slippage / unstuck mind sci-fi genre, though with a significant romance component. Decent read for holiday, but a few intellectual plot wobbles dropped the rating to a 3
September 3, 2017
Not half as good as Ferney but it tied up some loose ends!
March 16, 2018
Nowhere near as good as Ferney but it did improve in the final chapters.
March 18, 2018
A well written book, just my sort of thing!!!
February 9, 2020
Fabulous
Loved the second part of the story, although Ferney will always be my favourite. It is only a story, or is it? I can relate to a lot of it.
It's a beautiful love story.
Loved the second part of the story, although Ferney will always be my favourite. It is only a story, or is it? I can relate to a lot of it.
It's a beautiful love story.
February 19, 2020
Brilliant and fascinating read. Sometimes hard to follow but the history and the weird possibilities kept me intrigued
April 19, 2020
Alright
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August 9, 2020
This book was okay. I found it hard to follow at time’s and got a bit confused however I am glad I persevered and finished it.
August 14, 2020
Amazing! Even better than the first book (Ferney). It's everything I love in a read - mystery, history, Sci Fi, drama, wisdom, brilliant storytelling. Couldn't put it down, read all night till 4 a.m.
January 7, 2021
Having been hooked into this story whilst reading Fernie I really enjoy 'The Lives She Left Behind'. It filled in some of the blanks and I felt really invested in the characters - so much so that I am left wanting more. Brilliant book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews