Eleanora in Pieces

by Jessica Maffetore

“...an inspirational exploration of family, friendship, and indomitable strength of the human spirit.” –Troy Hollan, author of Clucked

It's been two years since her 4-year-old son... her baby... her Owen... disappeared from his bed in the middle of the night.

Every day Eleanora waits for news that he's been found. And every day she lives with the nightmare of knowing that she failed to protect her son.

Intuition tells her that Owen is alive, and Eleanora shuts out everyone who doesn't believe. But she fails to see that her single-minded hope has come at the expense of everything else she used to care about. With her career ruined, her marriage disintegrating, and her family coping with the loss in ways she can't understand, Eleanora is left trying to claw her way out of the black hole her world has become.

When an unexpected surprise suddenly offers Eleanora a second chance at happiness, she is shocked to feel...nothing.

Doubting her own worth, questioning her right to find peace, and still praying for her son's return, Eleanora struggles to see that life, ugly and painful as it can be, might still be worth living.

Genres: Fiction

213 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2024

Reviews

[Troy Hollan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel, Eleanora, Jessica Maffetore has created a poignant portrait of loss, redemption, and the relationships that tear us apart and bring us together. Struggling to shoulder the unbearable weight of her child’s abduction, to withstand the wrenching pain of not knowing his fate, and to fight a lonely battle to believe in his continued existence, the protagonist, Eleanora, is a heartbreaking, broken, and wholly sympathetic character. Numbed by a deadening depression, Eleanora’s decisions trigger a cascade of events that threaten to shatter a world that has shrunk to a pinpoint containing only her beloved missing child. Maffetore does an exquisite job of breathing the supporting cast into life, showing the reader that Eleanora has a chance at living - if only she can shift the burden of guilt and shame and reach for it. From the garishly-attired therapist, to the exquisitely flawless and overly-involved older sister, and the perfectly-imperfect work buddy, the novel’s characters have depth, complexity, and kindness, which the reader can see, even if Eleanora cannot - yet. Maffetore’s novel is an inspirational exploration of family, friendship, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. With a fluid, eloquent writing style, the author shows how even the most broken of us can create something new and beautiful from a life that is shattered, binding together what is salvaged with love, hope, and faith.

[Dawn Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Maffetore’s debut novel, Eleanora, is a painstakingly wrought story of a mother unable to accept the disappearance of her toddler son. Eleanora, the title character, moves through her days as if slogging through mud, often succumbing to her depression by staying in bed and refusing social interactions, eventually pushing everyone away, including her husband. The moment-by-moment descriptions of Eleanora’s world are well-written and insightful, rich and painful, real and heartbreaking. Maffetore’s writing lifts the story and inserts the reader into Eleanora’s world, creating a character who is both likable and fractured, both by her child’s disappearance as well as the struggle to maintain an unexpected pregnancy after her husband announces his affair with another woman. We both root for Eleanora and sympathize with the daily pain of losing a child and having your world fall apart afterward. Nothing in the world can be worse than what Eleanora endures, but she keeps on going “because Owen may come home” at any time. Bravo to Maffetore for writing a stunning and intricately shaped novel about how we handle loss and yet keep on living.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings you into the mind and heart of a mother hoping and grieving at the same time over her missing child and doesn't hold anything back. Eleanora is experiencing every mother's worst nightmare and losing everything she once loved. She is on her own island of pain and at times doesn't seem to want to find her way off of it. I cried ugly tears while reading this one, but I think the author does a great job of making us feel all the things yet showing that even in the depths of despair there is a way out. Relying on friends and family, seeing a good therapist, finding others that have had a similar experience are all ways that Eleanora survived and learned to breathe life again. The conclusion is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read and I will be thinking of this book forever.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shailene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book compels you to not put it down, to keep turning pages well into the night. It is utterly gut-wrenching, but beautifully written, and you really feel like you know Eleanora and are feeling her pain along with her. I cannot wait to see what new author Jessica Maffetore writes next!

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Eleanora in Pieces, Jessica Maffetore chronicles the unrelenting grief, despair, and self-reproach of a woman whose four-year-old son was abducted from her home two years earlier. We root for her fortune to change as we follow along on her painful journey, wondering if Eleanora will ever catch a break.

There are several unforeseen developments in this well-crafted story that keep you on the edge of your seat. But unlike many fictional plot twists, which can seem contrived or sentimental, the surprises in this book punch you in the gut with the full force of reality. Eleanora’s story is sometimes shocking and often heartbreaking, but it also inspires. In this impressive debut novel, Maffetore reaffirms the strength of the human spirit and the goodness of most—though by no means all—people.

[Francis M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put the book down!

This book was absolutely phenomenal. it kept your interest until the end.. waitin.
. g for another book now. PS loved some of the names you used. What great talent you have. I love your mom, and family. Best to you and family Nancy Braverman Riley

[Anne McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally engrossed in this book. The writing is beautiful. The characters are well-developed and it felt like I knew them. What a wonderful debut novel. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!!

[Kimberley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother’s worse nightmare told with so much raw, intense, and heart wrenching emotion. Something most of us cannot possibly fathom, but the brutality of the ordeal is one a deeply feeling individual can imagine and empathize with. The story is extraordinarily put together and realistic. The trauma, ongoing suffering, isolation, self blaming, and deep depression that impacts all aspects of survival. Many such conflicts and consequences come to light here. The story is one that sticks and will be processed even following conclusion. Despite the sensitive nature of the story, it is definitely at the top of my reads this year and highly recommended. I look forward to reading more from this author. Excellent writing!

[Dun's · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In pieces” means shattered, broken, physically and emotionally destroyed; all these suitably capture the mood of this novel. Eleanora’s son, Owen, disappears from their home one night. Two years later, she is burdened with guilt and grief. While steadfastly holding on to a hope that Owen will return, she is also dealing with other issues in her life under the public eye and general’s belief that Owen is gone forever.

This heart-wrenching story is beautifully written. Thank you for the e-copy I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: September 2024.

[Regina Buttner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother's agony is brought to heart-wrenching life in this extraordinary debut from Jessica Maffetore. Her first person account of the two years following the disappearance of Eleanora's little boy is starkly realistic and emotionally affecting without descending into sentimentality. Despite the somber themes of the book, Maffetore skillfully relieves the tension through Eleanora's subtly wry observations, from her Italian mother's reliance on food to cure all ills, to her therapist's unorthodox clothing choices. I'm eagerly anticipating more from this impressive author!

[James Afshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maffetore really shines in her debut novel, showcasing intense characters that truly illuminate the struggles of motherhood and the deep ache of loss. I couldn’t put this book down; the deeply moving story and gut wrenching plot twists left my jaw on the ground multiple times throughout the journey of the novel. Eleanora truly embodies the heart and soul of what it is to be a mother. immediate five stars.🙌⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rachel Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sudden loss of her 4-year old son, who was abducted from their home and remains missing, has left Eleanora consumed by grief, guilt, and overwhelming sadness. She is unable to process her emotions or connect with those around her who are trying to offer support. The author portrays Eleanora’s deep depression and sense of helplessness with sensitivity and insight, exploring themes of loss and mourning in a moving and powerful way.

Two years on, Eleanora is still engulfed by grief and unable to forgive herself as a mother. She pushes away those who love her, family and friends trying desperately to help, unintentionally straining the very relationships that might guide her toward healing. However, change begins to unfold through the presence of a compassionate, characterful therapist with whom she finally begins to engage. New life events also reveal the depth of care and shared sorrow held by those around her, helping Eleanora reconnect with the living and imagine a more hopeful future. Ultimately, she begins to forgive herself and reconcile with her past.

Eleanora’s story of a parent grieving the loss of a young child could have easily felt bleak or heavy. Yet I found myself not only sympathising with her pain but also understanding the frustrations of the other characters who long for her to re-join the world.

I usually read to escape, and wouldn’t typically choose a novel centred on grief and loss. But I’m so glad I read this debut. It’s a beautifully written, captivating book. Eleanora’s rediscovery of life is profoundly moving. The author masterfully conveys her emotional numbness in a way that is both realistic and compelling, making her journey a genuine page-turner.

I would recommend this novel to anyone wanting to better understand grief and depression through fiction. It is relatable, incredibly well written, and offers a deeply human perspective on loss, one that resonates not just through Eleanora, but through all the characters and their own expressions of sorrow.

Many thanks to Reedsy Discovery and the author for providing me with an ARC, asking for my honest opinion.

[Paulette Mahurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignantly told, this raw, beautifully written view inside the tormented mind of a mother (Ellie) whose 4 year old son disappeared from his bed while she’s in the shower. There’s nothing watered down about Maffetore’s writing, not when describing her therapists, her wilting marriage, her family and work relationships, as she moves through the long drawn hours of days without Owen, her son. The angst is authentic, the stages of grieving bitterly real while her insides guide her to believe he’s still alive, not lost as others glibly refer to a mother’s worst nightmare. From the one night stand where she met and had sex with Owen’s father (last name unknown) through meetings and events, I’m vividly aware while Ellie exists in a real world, her mind is elsewhere, replaying and remembering her son. I’m drawn into and through this story wondering how it will end, will he miraculously appear, or will Ellie come to terms with the fact she is alive and burning daylight hours living in the past. At seventy percent read, I can’t put the book down, and what I read takes my beath away—so powerful is the writing with descriptions burning from the page. Hours after I finished the last heart-wrenching “conclusion”, I’m in a quiet place, finding it hard to answer the phone or engage with my family. It is in this space I write this review, knowing it is sure to linger well into the night and for days to come. Maffetore is a brilliantly eloquent wordsmith.

[Marisa Dondlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elenora in Pieces is the story of a grieving mother whose child was kidnapped. While two years have passed and the world has moved on, Ellie is stuck on the night he was taken from his bed, unable to move forward in any facet of her life: marriage, work, or health. The story is gripping from the first page because it is the nightmare of every parent; a child stolen from the safety of its own bed. And the lack of closure—Where is the boy? Is he dead? Living with another family? Being tortured?—makes it all the more haunting.

Maffetore’s writing is both empathetic and confessional, bringing the reader right into the horror of Ellie’s mind. Everything from the mundane, shopping at Target, to the monumental, the two-year anniversary of the kidnapping, holds psychological pitfalls. She paints Ellie’s world with the vivid prose of an artist. There is beauty in the horror that doesn’t let us look away, even as we ache for Ellie to make better choices, to understand that life is full of second chances, and that the kidnapping wasn’t her fault but the act of a deranged man. Most of all, the book is honest. There is no sugarcoating tragedy or the human response to it; instead, it shows how fragile life is and how one event can shatter an otherwise happy existence.

Full of emotional depth, Elenora in Pieces will have you turning pages late into the night. Highly recommend!

[Cheri Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Eleanora in Pieces’ should come with a warning label: remove mascara before opening.

Eleanora is living every parent's nightmare. Her four-year-old son was taken and two years later she has no more clue where he is than she did the night her hand touched his empty bed. Through the horror, author Jessica Maffetore draws the reader in with lyrical descriptions of loss, grief, anger and frustration. Her masterful pacing of heavy moments to light kept me immersed...I read the book in two days.
Eleanora's self-deprecating humor bites to the bone and makes you want to laugh, weep, and give this poor woman the biggest hug. We learn Eleanora's backstory through her brutally honest memories as she owns her choices and cuts herself no slack. And while your heart is breaking for her, the author heaps on even more for Eleanora to handle. Grab the tissues!
Grief makes a person understandably self-centered. Eleanora wants to curl into a ball and hide from the world and she does a heckuva job at driving people away but the story ends full of hope as Eleanora opens her wounded heart and learns one way to make herself feel better is to make someone else feel better.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, this story is full of pain and heartache. As a mother, I must warn you: It may bring you to your knees.

Eleanora has experienced a mother’s nightmare; her beautiful little boy, Owen, disappeared from his bed without a trace. Two years have passed with no leads, and Eleanor’s life is crumbling. She can’t move on; she hangs on to the hope that Owen will be found.

The writing is raw and authentic, giving us a look inside Eleanora’s despair, grief, and guilt. My heart ached. Yet, at times, I felt like so much was going wrong for Eleanora - it was a bit overwhelming.

I was so thankful that she had supportive relationships in her life, including a loving sister, parents, and an honest friend. Although the ending was not all rosy, it showed positive and healthy solutions for those struggling with depression and trying to put the pieces of their life back together.

Jessica Maffetore has impressively tackled a challenging and emotional subject for her debut novel. Now, I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jessicamaffetoreauthor for a spot on tour and gifted ebook.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanora in Pieces by new-to-me author Jessica Maffetore is a captivating, often gut-wrenching whirlwind of a story of a young woman living every parent’s worst nightmare. In the aftermath of her young son’s disappearance, Ellie’s world comes to a crashing halt. Second-guessing every move, blaming herself and unable to accept the support of her husband and family, she seeks out the help of a therapist. The first is too strict- he wants her to sell her house and literally move on; the second, too odd- she wore the same outfit twelve weeks in a row, and the third? Well, if not ‘just right’ at least Jane is able to offer some level of solace to the grief-stricken young mother. But for Ellie, the climb out of the pit of anger, depression, and sadness she has landed in is fraught with challenges and setbacks.

Set in the Boston suburbs, this all too real tale of child abduction will have you turning pages, hoping for the best and wondering how it will all turn out. Highly recommend for the well-written characters and the unexpected plot twists. 5 Stars.

[Kim McCollum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanora in Pieces by Jessica Maffetore is a masterful depiction of the devastation a mother feels when she loses a child. Beautifully written, heartwrenching, but ultimately hopeful, this novel takes readers through the indescribable grief of Eleanora whose son was taken from his bed and has been missing for years. When all hope is lost and she is unable to get out of bed, she cannot find the will to live, but she must, for her son could come home at any moment and he will need his mother. Despite their best attempts, her family’s efforts to reach her only distress her further, but her family does not give up. Their love knows no bounds and whether she realizes it or not, Eleanora is blessed to have them. Mafferore‘s ability to understand and describe the complex emotions of this grieving mother are incredibly moving and devastatingly accurate. A wonderful debut by a very talented writer.

[TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful cover with lots of emotion, right? Eleanora’s four-year-old son, Owen, disappears from his bed in the middle of the night. It’s now been two years. Two very long years. She blames herself. Why didn’t she keep him safe?

Each day that passes she asks that same question. She feels strongly he’s still alive, and she does not want to hear from anyone who doesn’t believe that. Along with that, she’s losing not just her son, but everything else- her career, her marriage.

Eleanora in Pieces is beautifully written and highly readable. It’s powerful and full of emotion with three-dimensional characters. The author has captured grief in all its layers and nonlinearity. A memorable, captivating and thoughtful story that leaves a mark. I especially loved how it all wrapped up in a remarkable way.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Yvonne deSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanora in Pieces by Jessica Maffetore is an in-depth character study of one woman's personal hell. When we meet Ellie, she is drowning in her grief at the disappearance of her four-year-old son, two years prior. Understandably, she is not functioning well. Though a very tragic subject, I was engrossed in the story, Ellie's struggle and the misguided attempts to "help" her by her loved ones. Maffetore's storytelling puts us in her pain and makes us long for the answers and the purpose that the main character so desperately needs. What I found compelling was that every chapter brought a new light to the arc of the novel. I especially appreciated how Ellie's loved one’s motivations are described slowly. This book reminds us that happy endings are not always obvious and can look different to each of us.

[Sharon Eichhorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book swelled my heart, broke it, and then started the healing process

This book was a simple, moving masterpiece of a story. Peopled with deeply flawed, lovely human beings, it was one of the most realistic stories of loss I have ever read. This author has a skill bordering on genius when it comes to character development. I felt I knew her characters and I wanted to help them. The main character is so well written that I often felt as if I was walking around inside her head and her heart. Do yourself a favor and read this book, but don't stop at the end. Read the Acknowledgements. You will have to smile at a little tidbit of the author's life that found its way into the book!

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is in pieces. Here are words of description that come to mind: total downer, weak characters, sad and repetitive overtones, and a main character that has no redeeming qualities. When buying this book, I somehow had the impression the main character LOOKS for her child…like a detective seeking cues. No, she spends all her time in bed, letting herself go, hating herself and being a burden to those that love her (or try to).This book was 2 days out of my life I can never get back, and I am old! Everyone in her family works so hard to put the pieces of Eleanor back together again…except Eleanora. Her weakness knows no bounds. The book is a ‘Slugo.’ I guarantee you if you buy this book, it will lay on your shelve and go to sleep. 😴

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story threw the abduction of Owen at us right off the bat, fantastic job of starting in the action and hooking the reader. The shock, depression, and sickening feeling of not knowing what happened to her son was skillfully written. I have no idea what losing a child is like, so I hesitate here. I’d be in a straight jacket, no doubt. For reading purposes, being in the pit of despair went on for too long with nothing else really happening. And then, boom, I was not expecting the surprising twist. You can’t help but hug this poor woman who has had the worst of life thrown at her. Though the ending is not rubies and roses, it is believable. Great job on a debut novel and I’d love to see where the author goes from here. 

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a raw emotional novel. I’m very glad I didn’t have on any sort of heart rate monitor device during this read because I’m sure it was exercise level exertion at times.

The book takes us through Eleanora’s life two years after her 4 year old son, Owen, disappears from their home one night.

It really dives deep into
Eleanora’s state of mind. It also portrays how the people in Eleanora’s orbit cope with what has happened to Owen as well as what is happening to Eleanora.

This was a one sitting read for me and at times I had to remind myself that this was a work of fiction and not a memoir.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me in my feels like no other I have read! I cried, a lot...
A mother's worst nightmare comes to life when Eleanora's baby son is kidnapped in the middle of the night. She believes he is alive and hopes everyday for his return. The guilt, hopelessness, depression and even confusion leave Eleanora in a place of numbness. Can she ever come back to herself?
The writing was superb! Each character brought something meaningful to the story and I could not put it down. How Eleanora learned to live and be able to take a breath again, was a beautiful part of the story. This is one of the best debut novels I have ever read and look forward to what the author creates next!

[S.M. Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtfully written, deep dive into the depression a mother experiences when her young son disappears from home on her watch. Her inability to stop blaming herself is at the root of what is a very dark narration. A compassion-challenged person might think, why doesn’t she just get over it? But it’s not that easy. Trauma changes brain chemistry, and it can take therapy and medication and time and a lot of grit to shift that chemistry to a better place. This story is not for the weak of heart. It’s a harsh, realistic and impactful experience that may change the way you see trauma, depression and even motherhood.

[David Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanora in Pieces is a powerful and emotional story about losing a child. It’s not an easy subject, but the author handles it beautifully. The writing is excellent—almost poetic—and really brings the emotions to life.

The book dives deep into grief, depression, and all the hard feelings that come with loss. It’s heavy and heart-wrenching, but it also feels very real. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into showing what it’s like to try to move forward after something so painful.

This is not a light read, and it will stick with you long after you finish it. If you’re ready for an emotional and beautifully written story, I highly recommend Eleanora in Pieces.

[Connie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanora in Pieces by Jessica Maffetore was a hard-to-read, page-turner since my biggest fear has always been the loss of a child. I think the story touches a fear that every mother might possess while raising a child. The abduction of Eleanora's young son, Owen, from his bed, while she showered, sent Eleanor's life into a downward spiral. Guilt-ridden and depressed, Eleanor could no longer function, causing her life to continue to deteriorate. Maffetore gives us a realistic account of the emotional journey Eleanor goes through. Though I rooted for Eleanor all the way through, the ending was bittersweet but plausible, given what Eleanor went through. Get your Kleenex ready, ladies!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author, Jessica, at a market fair and really enjoyed chatting about the writing process. She inspired me to keep plugging away at my own writing. This book was so well written I finished it in two days. It describes something many mothers find unbearable to imagine and if they could, are certain they would not survive - the loss of a child. She made the unimaginable a reality and I felt like I was sitting in Eleanora's kitchen watching her drag herself through life. I wrote to the publisher, Black Rose, to tell them I'm looking forward to Jessica's next book. This is a great read but be ready for an emotional roller coaster.

[Niamh McAnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartbreaking story but told so well by this debut author. From the very outset we are plunged into the raw emotions experienced by a mother whose son has disappeared. The desperation, guilt, uncertainty and panic continue to plague her. Despite everyone else’s assumption that he is gone for good, will her ongoing preparation for his return some day convince them otherwise? A deeply emotional, well written tale that will resonate with anyone who has lost or fears losing a child. And if ever a book's title and cover was a pictorial version of the words within, this is it.