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What Was Lost
Reminiscent of Hello Beautiful and The Lying Life of Adults, this powerful narrative delves into social changes from 1970 to 2000 and captures a woman’s journey in a pre-#MeToo era via the tale of a mother who returns to her hometown to face the perpetrator of her childhood abuse.
When a young girl feels complicit in her own abuse, how does that thwart her attempts to build a happy life as an adult woman?
When disturbing memories begin to surface, Marti returns to the small Vermont town she ran away from thirty years ago to face her demons. She drags her unwitting teenage daughter along on the journey—heightening already existing tension between mother and daughter. But Marti is determined to achieve what she’s returned home forgiveness for lies told, and revenge for secrets held.
Exploring the vast social changes that took place between 1970 and 2000 and turning a critical eye on times before language such as #MeToo helped give voice to these all-too-common occurrences, What Was Lost is a raw, powerful tale of one woman confronting the ghosts of her past.
When a young girl feels complicit in her own abuse, how does that thwart her attempts to build a happy life as an adult woman?
When disturbing memories begin to surface, Marti returns to the small Vermont town she ran away from thirty years ago to face her demons. She drags her unwitting teenage daughter along on the journey—heightening already existing tension between mother and daughter. But Marti is determined to achieve what she’s returned home forgiveness for lies told, and revenge for secrets held.
Exploring the vast social changes that took place between 1970 and 2000 and turning a critical eye on times before language such as #MeToo helped give voice to these all-too-common occurrences, What Was Lost is a raw, powerful tale of one woman confronting the ghosts of her past.
- GenresFiction
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2024
5 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 10, 2024
Rating: 3.5 Stars!!
Review:
First off Thank you to Books Forward for sending me this FREE ARC Copy to promote and review for Melissa as part of Release Day and The Book Tour this week.
I was hoping to enjoy this one more than I thought I would but all the different Time Jumps made it hard to follow the story.
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. I felt bad for what Marti went through as a child and Teen in the 60s and 70s.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery of Vermont was described especially since My Parents and I vacationed there one summer when I was a Tween.
Overall it was an OK Fiction about A Woman who goes home to confront past Demons. I would of liked it more if there wasn't so many Timelines.
I will read more by Melissa in the future but I hope her other books don't have multiple Timelines like this one did.
Review:
First off Thank you to Books Forward for sending me this FREE ARC Copy to promote and review for Melissa as part of Release Day and The Book Tour this week.
I was hoping to enjoy this one more than I thought I would but all the different Time Jumps made it hard to follow the story.
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. I felt bad for what Marti went through as a child and Teen in the 60s and 70s.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery of Vermont was described especially since My Parents and I vacationed there one summer when I was a Tween.
Overall it was an OK Fiction about A Woman who goes home to confront past Demons. I would of liked it more if there wasn't so many Timelines.
I will read more by Melissa in the future but I hope her other books don't have multiple Timelines like this one did.
January 13, 2025
This is a gripping story about childhood (and adolescent) trauma, and how it ripples out to affect later relationships and decisions. I especially like how the author created the voice of Marti, the main character--her naivete and confusion as a child, and her growing awareness as she grew to adulthood. The story is not easy to read, and it doesn't end with some contrived resolution, which I also respect. But you do feel like Marti has found some meaning and clarity, and is moving forward.
November 15, 2024
When you read this novel you enter the minds and hearts of the characters This sort, while disturbing is a gripping story of a woman’s triumph over her past and ultimately fills the reader with hope
September 27, 2024
What Was Lost from Melissa Connelly is a painful story about a woman's need for closure. After learning from her sister that a beloved neighbor was still living in their hometown, Marti makes an excuse to her job to take the summer off. She drags her teenage daughter with her to a cabin in Vermont despite her daughter wanting to spend the time in Brooklyn.
When Marti arrives to visit with the neighbor, the door is answered by a small boy who informs her that his granny has died. The boy runs to his father, who is Peter, Marti's old friend.
What transpires is Marti's story with her hometown and why she has stayed away. As a young girl, her father died, leaving her alone with her mother and sister who had already formed their bond. She had a traumatic accident that left her scarred which also didn't help her loneliness.
When in high school, Marti's art teacher takes a special interest in her and this is even more trauma to Marti and her life. This also leads to the break that she had with Peter and his mother, who had provided so much love and grace to her childhood.
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This was a hard one to read. The subject matter isn't easy but I do feel that Connelly handled it with aplomb. Each 'time section' was fully developed and added the nuance needed for the delicate subject matters.
This isn't a book that is going to be easy to read. However, Connelly is an excellent writer and makes this much easier and real with each word.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When Marti arrives to visit with the neighbor, the door is answered by a small boy who informs her that his granny has died. The boy runs to his father, who is Peter, Marti's old friend.
What transpires is Marti's story with her hometown and why she has stayed away. As a young girl, her father died, leaving her alone with her mother and sister who had already formed their bond. She had a traumatic accident that left her scarred which also didn't help her loneliness.
When in high school, Marti's art teacher takes a special interest in her and this is even more trauma to Marti and her life. This also leads to the break that she had with Peter and his mother, who had provided so much love and grace to her childhood.
----
This was a hard one to read. The subject matter isn't easy but I do feel that Connelly handled it with aplomb. Each 'time section' was fully developed and added the nuance needed for the delicate subject matters.
This isn't a book that is going to be easy to read. However, Connelly is an excellent writer and makes this much easier and real with each word.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 7, 2024
Russian doll of secret traumas
This is not a pleasant tale. This is also not just a black-and-white story of trauma and abuse. This is Marti's story, told in alternating time lines. 1971 when she is thirteen, 2000 when she is 43, with a short look back to 1964. Slowly, layer upon layer of traumatic events is revealed, drawing a picture of disfiguring injury and child-abuse. How does a youth like this impact the young woman and her ability to build a happy life later?
The narrator shows us in slowly developing images how hard it is for Marti to grasp what happens. At thirteen, she can appear much more mature and at the same time totally lost. She takes to art to express her unprocessed experiences, the lies she tells herself and those around her. First intricate, sprawling dollhouses (which she calls dioramas), later painting and mosaics. There is a lot of re-enacting (and escaping) reality with dolls and dollhouses--reminding of the complex meaning of the dollhouse in "The miseducation of Cameron Post". How lonely Marti is.
This is also a story of the recent past. Before Roe, before the Equal Protection Clause. It is a sad tale. But most people in it are good, there is hope, and it is told in beautiful pictures. It feels absolutely authentic.
A slow read that keeps rewarding the careful reader.
This is not a pleasant tale. This is also not just a black-and-white story of trauma and abuse. This is Marti's story, told in alternating time lines. 1971 when she is thirteen, 2000 when she is 43, with a short look back to 1964. Slowly, layer upon layer of traumatic events is revealed, drawing a picture of disfiguring injury and child-abuse. How does a youth like this impact the young woman and her ability to build a happy life later?
The narrator shows us in slowly developing images how hard it is for Marti to grasp what happens. At thirteen, she can appear much more mature and at the same time totally lost. She takes to art to express her unprocessed experiences, the lies she tells herself and those around her. First intricate, sprawling dollhouses (which she calls dioramas), later painting and mosaics. There is a lot of re-enacting (and escaping) reality with dolls and dollhouses--reminding of the complex meaning of the dollhouse in "The miseducation of Cameron Post". How lonely Marti is.
This is also a story of the recent past. Before Roe, before the Equal Protection Clause. It is a sad tale. But most people in it are good, there is hope, and it is told in beautiful pictures. It feels absolutely authentic.
A slow read that keeps rewarding the careful reader.
October 12, 2024
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
What Was Lost is a gripping experience. Told from Marti’s perspective from the past and in the present, the reader gains a better perspective when it comes to who Marti is, particularly when it comes to her inner struggles and the issues she faces when it comes to parenting her daughter. Marti has always felt some sort of disconnect with her daughter, despite the powerful love she has for her, with walls that have been in place for decades.
The trip was initially meant to be a means of apology to a family who meant everything to Marti when she was young. From there, so much of her past, which she’s kept shoved down deep in places she refuses to acknowledge, seeps out and won’t leave her. It affects everything for her. I really appreciated the writing style displayed by the author–I felt like I was really inside Marti’s head, for better or for worse, no matter what. There are times when I wanted to tell her to stop what she’s doing, or to tell someone, and when it comes to the fractured relationship with her daughter, I wanted her to have more grace and to be honest about the reason they’re in Vermont to begin with. Despite the many times Marti makes choices I would never make, they are choices that are real and raw, so much of it based on experiences she’d had and suffered through, back when she was young and didn’t realize she could have more of a voice than she ever thought she could.
The sad thing is, and what is pointed out repeatedly throughout the story, is that despite the times Marti either wanted to use her voice and felt she couldn’t, and even when she does, it goes unnoticed. How realistic. So many people failed Marti, no matter how many people may have cared about her. There was no comfort in being open and verbal during a time when a young girl felt she had no means of protection against a society that protected those with authority, particularly when dealing with someone who knows they have the upper hand. There are some pretty explicit scenes that are painful to read, but it all supports the characterization of adult Marti, and her demons. It takes a scary moment pertaining to her daughter that assists in giving Marti the push she needs to finally face those demons head on.
She has to do it as a means of showing that it’s OK to have strength; that it’s OK to say no and to seek guidance and help. Ultimately, because Marti has to be the role model she knows her daughter needs her to be, and it’s OK if she’s flawed and imperfect. I loved the last few chapters when we get to see Marti’s standoff, and when she finally lets her daughter in. I think I may have gotten teary-eyed at that, too. It felt like the steps Marti needs to take to healing–something she’s wanted for most of her life. What Was Lost is touching, disturbing, and heart-jarring, and the best honest stories are that way. A definite five-star experience!
What Was Lost is a gripping experience. Told from Marti’s perspective from the past and in the present, the reader gains a better perspective when it comes to who Marti is, particularly when it comes to her inner struggles and the issues she faces when it comes to parenting her daughter. Marti has always felt some sort of disconnect with her daughter, despite the powerful love she has for her, with walls that have been in place for decades.
The trip was initially meant to be a means of apology to a family who meant everything to Marti when she was young. From there, so much of her past, which she’s kept shoved down deep in places she refuses to acknowledge, seeps out and won’t leave her. It affects everything for her. I really appreciated the writing style displayed by the author–I felt like I was really inside Marti’s head, for better or for worse, no matter what. There are times when I wanted to tell her to stop what she’s doing, or to tell someone, and when it comes to the fractured relationship with her daughter, I wanted her to have more grace and to be honest about the reason they’re in Vermont to begin with. Despite the many times Marti makes choices I would never make, they are choices that are real and raw, so much of it based on experiences she’d had and suffered through, back when she was young and didn’t realize she could have more of a voice than she ever thought she could.
The sad thing is, and what is pointed out repeatedly throughout the story, is that despite the times Marti either wanted to use her voice and felt she couldn’t, and even when she does, it goes unnoticed. How realistic. So many people failed Marti, no matter how many people may have cared about her. There was no comfort in being open and verbal during a time when a young girl felt she had no means of protection against a society that protected those with authority, particularly when dealing with someone who knows they have the upper hand. There are some pretty explicit scenes that are painful to read, but it all supports the characterization of adult Marti, and her demons. It takes a scary moment pertaining to her daughter that assists in giving Marti the push she needs to finally face those demons head on.
She has to do it as a means of showing that it’s OK to have strength; that it’s OK to say no and to seek guidance and help. Ultimately, because Marti has to be the role model she knows her daughter needs her to be, and it’s OK if she’s flawed and imperfect. I loved the last few chapters when we get to see Marti’s standoff, and when she finally lets her daughter in. I think I may have gotten teary-eyed at that, too. It felt like the steps Marti needs to take to healing–something she’s wanted for most of her life. What Was Lost is touching, disturbing, and heart-jarring, and the best honest stories are that way. A definite five-star experience!
October 29, 2024
What Was Lost is a searing debut that pairs the psychological intensity of Dostoevsky with the domestic rawness of Ferrante. At turns haunting and healing, the novel sees the reader embarking on a modern-day hero’s journey with Marti Farrell, a single mother and survivor, and her teenage daughter, Tess. This time, it's a family vacation-turned-reckoning. With the lush Vermont landscape to fill in our imagination, Marti’s past traumas reveal themselves, sometimes quite graphically (CW is advised), and we meet rich characters such as Peter, her childhood best friend dealing with his parallel struggles coming of age in the 1970s. Propelling us up to the year 2000, Marti finds her saving grace in art. So too does the reader, as the power of the human spirit prevails in the prose.
Connelly wields a light hand to delve into heavy themes of abuse and redemption. We are left with the beauty of an unfolding flower, a masterpiece of form and deception, a must-read novel for lovers of literary fiction. 5/5 stars.
Connelly wields a light hand to delve into heavy themes of abuse and redemption. We are left with the beauty of an unfolding flower, a masterpiece of form and deception, a must-read novel for lovers of literary fiction. 5/5 stars.
October 6, 2024
This is the story of Marti and how what happened to her as a child and teenager shaped who she became as an adult. Still struggling with what happened and now having a teenage daughter that age, Marti goes back to where it all began. As this story unfolds, we get to see how Marti was taken advantage of by a teacher in the 70's and what has transpired since. It shows how it affects her relationship with others as well as her daughter. Because of the consequences of what happened, she lost a great long time friend. When she heads back to Vermont to try and bring closure, she finds more heartache as well as a hurtful truth about a friend she had trusted. I feel this novel has perfect timing with all of the #metoo movements and cases that have come out. This novel shows sadly, how easily it is to take advantage of the innocence of someone when in a position of power. Thank you to the author and BooksForward for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
October 13, 2024
This book centers around closure. Marti travels back to her hometown in Vermont one summer with her daughter to finally work through the trauma of her childhood and past there including making amends with Mrs. Colgan. When Marti arrives at her house, she learns that Mrs. Colgan has already passed away from her old friend, Peter’s, son.
The story weaves Marti telling her past story with the present as Marti navigates having a teenage daughter. Marti had a terrible accident as a child leaving her with burns on part of her body. In high school, when she was her daughter’s age, her art teacher took interest in her, which leads to many more traumatic events in her life.
This book was difficult at times, but I think it tackled the dark subject matter well and with grace. The author is a great writer, and I would recommend this book with trigger warnings. Thank you to BFF for sending me a copy!
The story weaves Marti telling her past story with the present as Marti navigates having a teenage daughter. Marti had a terrible accident as a child leaving her with burns on part of her body. In high school, when she was her daughter’s age, her art teacher took interest in her, which leads to many more traumatic events in her life.
This book was difficult at times, but I think it tackled the dark subject matter well and with grace. The author is a great writer, and I would recommend this book with trigger warnings. Thank you to BFF for sending me a copy!
September 19, 2025
I chose to read this novel because it promised to be dark and twisty while being set in a place I often visit and think of as idyllic . I was not prepared for its raw portrayal of 70s adolescence and its nuanced exploration of the themes of self-esteem, childhood trauma and its effect on being a parent in the wake of those experiences. The author does an excellent job of laying the protagonist bare and not romanticizing or excusing what can be hard to put into words. I found that the timeline - flashbacks between decades, in clearly labeled chapters - easy to follow. It was an excellent way to add to the 20/20 hindsight element that makes this story so much more than just a tale of bad things that happen to unfortunate people. I finished the book this evening and walked it over to my friends house with a strong recommendation to read asap.
October 3, 2024
WHAT WAS LOST is an unforgettable story about feeling like an outsider, family, friendship, and autonomy. It’s an undeniably propulsive read and Connelly’s ability to balance tragedy and hope is impressive. The content is difficult and disturbing so I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings.
Alternating between the 1970’s and the early 2000’s emphasized the traumas the MC experienced in adolescence and how those experiences affect her as an adult. The author effectively portrays the broad scope of deep-seated trauma and highlights how harmful it is to live in an era that’s accepting of predatory behavior. This book is beautifully written.
Thank you to Books Forward PR for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Alternating between the 1970’s and the early 2000’s emphasized the traumas the MC experienced in adolescence and how those experiences affect her as an adult. The author effectively portrays the broad scope of deep-seated trauma and highlights how harmful it is to live in an era that’s accepting of predatory behavior. This book is beautifully written.
Thank you to Books Forward PR for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
WHAT WAS LOST
Melissa Connelly #melissaconnelly
Thank you #partners @booksforwardpr @shewritespress and the author for my #gifted copy.
Thoughts:
This was a very powerful read. It was not easy to read at times but it’s such an important subject. The way this was constructed, we learned pieces of information at a time and as they unfold this stunning story evolves. I felt so much for Marti. Her past, her relationship with her daughter- Tess- and her quest to find out who she really was all kept me glued to this book. My daughter came in my room at 3am and asked why I was still awake and I said “I can’t stop!)”. She asked if it was because it was a deadline and I said no, I cannot stop reading it’s that good!
As a child of the 70s I loved all the flashbacks. Little tidbits of my past crept out of the memory vault.
Know that this deals with sensitive subjects so check CW if you need to.
Melissa Connelly #melissaconnelly
Thank you #partners @booksforwardpr @shewritespress and the author for my #gifted copy.
Thoughts:
This was a very powerful read. It was not easy to read at times but it’s such an important subject. The way this was constructed, we learned pieces of information at a time and as they unfold this stunning story evolves. I felt so much for Marti. Her past, her relationship with her daughter- Tess- and her quest to find out who she really was all kept me glued to this book. My daughter came in my room at 3am and asked why I was still awake and I said “I can’t stop!)”. She asked if it was because it was a deadline and I said no, I cannot stop reading it’s that good!
As a child of the 70s I loved all the flashbacks. Little tidbits of my past crept out of the memory vault.
Know that this deals with sensitive subjects so check CW if you need to.
January 31, 2025
In this expertly crafted novel, Connelly navigates themes of mother/daughter relationships, trauma, abuse, misplaced guilt, and the search for resolution by victims. The book kept me engaged with incremental revelations about the main character's past. At times, it was quite painful to listen to, but in a good way; I was thoroughly invested in what this child endured. As an adult, she must embark on a journey, searching for forgiveness, revenge, redemption, and coming to terms with her secret truths. Emotionally complex, but totally satisfying.
October 9, 2024
A beautiful story filled with conflicted feelings and try to come to terms with a traumatic past. It's wonderfully written and deals with such a heavy subject. Marti did such a great job in righting the wrongs from the past and finally seeking justice. We learn many small details throughout the story that at some point make so much sense. This book will definitely make you cry but I can't recommend it enough it's just so well written.
October 16, 2024
This is a powerful story about closure. The setting in this book was beautiful! The descriptions make it so easy to make a clear and vivid image in your head! Which I loved! The things that Marti went through as a child and teen were horrible. The way it travels between the past and present really brought everything together. Giving the reader a clear understanding of what Marti dealt with. Following along as she finds the strength and courage to face those demons you honestly can't help but want to know more and admire her for her strength. It's definitely not an easy read. It handles some very tough subjects but the author handles them with care. Overall it was a good read! Thank you Books Forward and Melissa Connelly for sharing this book with me!
April 12, 2025
A very powerful read about one woman journey to find the answers to her childhood abuse. She will take her daughter along but they do not have an easy relationship. See how they deal with everything they are about to discover
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it took me on a rolleroater of a ride
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it took me on a rolleroater of a ride
May 4, 2025
This was a new author for me, and I received the ARC from Hidden Gems. The story takes place in several timelines through Marti Farrell's life as she returns to her hometown in Vermont. There are a few events from her youth that are traumatic and leave an impact on her life. At times, I found some of these stories hard to read, and it took me a while to get through them.
May 18, 2025
A sensitive and complex story around childhood abuse and a lifetime of traumatic memories and problematic relationships. A journey towards healing and uncovering answers, confrontations, and finding oneself. Very well done. A raw and emotional story, thought provoking and deep.
February 22, 2025
This was all over the place. Hard to read. Hard to know what was going on from the beginning
April 2, 2025
I enjoyed this book . It is very well written and insightful.
April 13, 2025
I received this book as a free e-book in return for a truely honest review. This book was not for me personally as I found it hard to follow at times and got really boring for me
July 8, 2025
Heartbreaking and a book I couldn’t put down. The timeline “jumping” isn’t confusing, as it’s quite logical. Would highly recommend this book, and would put a trigger warning on it too.
December 11, 2024
I received a NetGalley ARC of this book.
Marti’s captivating story, from the very first page, drew me into an engrossing and layered family drama that I couldn’t put down. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR list!
Marti’s captivating story, from the very first page, drew me into an engrossing and layered family drama that I couldn’t put down. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR list!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews