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What She Left
Helen Cooper has a charmed life. She's beautiful, accomplished, organised - the star parent at the school. Until she disappears.
But Helen wasn't abducted or murdered. She's chosen to walk away, abandoning her family, husband Sam, and her home.
Where has Helen gone, and why? What has driven her from her seemingly perfect life? What is she looking for? Sam is tormented by these questions, and gradually begins to lose his grip on work and his family life.
He sees Helen everywhere in the faces of strangers. He's losing control.
But then one day, it really is Helen's face he sees...
But Helen wasn't abducted or murdered. She's chosen to walk away, abandoning her family, husband Sam, and her home.
Where has Helen gone, and why? What has driven her from her seemingly perfect life? What is she looking for? Sam is tormented by these questions, and gradually begins to lose his grip on work and his family life.
He sees Helen everywhere in the faces of strangers. He's losing control.
But then one day, it really is Helen's face he sees...
383 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2017
13 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Fiore
15 books48 followersRosie Fiore was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She studied drama at the University of the Witwatersrand and has worked as a writer for theatre, television, magazines, advertising, comedy and the corporate market.
Her first two novels, This Year's Black and Lame Angel were published by Struik in South Africa. This Year's Black was longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award and has subsequently been re-released as an e-book. Babies in Waiting, Wonder Women and Holly at Christmas were published by Quercus.
After Isabella and What She Left are published by Allen & Unwin.
Rosie also writes as Cass Hunter, and her novel, The After Wife is in translation in nine countries and has sold film rights in China.
Rosie lives in London with her husband and two sons.
Her first two novels, This Year's Black and Lame Angel were published by Struik in South Africa. This Year's Black was longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award and has subsequently been re-released as an e-book. Babies in Waiting, Wonder Women and Holly at Christmas were published by Quercus.
After Isabella and What She Left are published by Allen & Unwin.
Rosie also writes as Cass Hunter, and her novel, The After Wife is in translation in nine countries and has sold film rights in China.
Rosie lives in London with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 16, 2017
If it wasn’t near Christmas time I’m sure I would have flown through this book.
I have really enjoyed my journey in this great read. To some readers it may seem slow to start, or they may get fed up of waiting to hear what happened to Helen.
Sam is married to his second wife Helen. He has two girls from his previous marriage. Unfortunately his first wife died.
Five years Sam and Helen have been together. She cooks, cleans, sorts etc to perfection.
Sam works full time.
To all and purposes this family unit seems to be settled and comfortable.
One day Helen ups and leaves.
She’s not murdered or kidnapped.
She walks out on her husband and daughters who she adores.
But why?
Sam reports her missing.
Helen is found alive and well but wants no contact.
I found Sam annoying at times and self centred when he should have helped his daughters cope.
The chapters alternate between Sam, Helen, his older daughter and Laura.
When I got the insight to how his daughter was feeling I wanted to shake Sam, he should have made more time to talk with them and listen.
Tim, Sams brother seemed to be his rock. It didn’t appear that way at times, but he was.
A father trying to hold down a job, see to his daughters, take them to school and clean house was way too much for Sam. He often found his head in a bottle.
When we got to over halfway through this book we learn more about Helen in a surprising way which puts an entirely new slant on Helen.
At the end of this read yes, I had a lump in my throat.
I was torn.
Unhappy for Sam and his girls but he was moving towards the light.
Helen, I was sad, but part of me was happy too.
The epilogue blew my mind.
What a fantastic book.
Thank you Atlantic books for surprising me in the post with this one.
I have really enjoyed my journey in this great read. To some readers it may seem slow to start, or they may get fed up of waiting to hear what happened to Helen.
Sam is married to his second wife Helen. He has two girls from his previous marriage. Unfortunately his first wife died.
Five years Sam and Helen have been together. She cooks, cleans, sorts etc to perfection.
Sam works full time.
To all and purposes this family unit seems to be settled and comfortable.
One day Helen ups and leaves.
She’s not murdered or kidnapped.
She walks out on her husband and daughters who she adores.
But why?
Sam reports her missing.
Helen is found alive and well but wants no contact.
I found Sam annoying at times and self centred when he should have helped his daughters cope.
The chapters alternate between Sam, Helen, his older daughter and Laura.
When I got the insight to how his daughter was feeling I wanted to shake Sam, he should have made more time to talk with them and listen.
Tim, Sams brother seemed to be his rock. It didn’t appear that way at times, but he was.
A father trying to hold down a job, see to his daughters, take them to school and clean house was way too much for Sam. He often found his head in a bottle.
When we got to over halfway through this book we learn more about Helen in a surprising way which puts an entirely new slant on Helen.
At the end of this read yes, I had a lump in my throat.
I was torn.
Unhappy for Sam and his girls but he was moving towards the light.
Helen, I was sad, but part of me was happy too.
The epilogue blew my mind.
What a fantastic book.
Thank you Atlantic books for surprising me in the post with this one.
January 16, 2018
Absorbing, intense, and immensely sobering!
What She Left is an emotional, character-driven novel that delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife and highlights the detrimental physical and psychological effects the breakdown of a marriage can have on the whole family unit.
The prose is fluid and well turned. The characters are multifaceted, desperate, determined, and raw. And the plot, using multiple perspectives, is an engaging story about life, loss, love, family, secrets, lies, collusion, selfishness, friendship, and the importance of self-identity.
What She Left is a poignant, clever novel that reminds us that true happiness comes from honesty, trust, and never losing sight of your own desires, needs, wants, and dreams.
Thank you to Rosie Fiore, Allen & Unwin and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
What She Left is an emotional, character-driven novel that delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife and highlights the detrimental physical and psychological effects the breakdown of a marriage can have on the whole family unit.
The prose is fluid and well turned. The characters are multifaceted, desperate, determined, and raw. And the plot, using multiple perspectives, is an engaging story about life, loss, love, family, secrets, lies, collusion, selfishness, friendship, and the importance of self-identity.
What She Left is a poignant, clever novel that reminds us that true happiness comes from honesty, trust, and never losing sight of your own desires, needs, wants, and dreams.
Thank you to Rosie Fiore, Allen & Unwin and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
June 6, 2021
It appears Helen is the epitome of a person who manages to do everything they say they will and to the best of her ability. The idea of near enough is good enough wouldn’t even occur to Helen. Everything is done perfectly whether this is managing her home and family, or being involved in school activities. Everyone could depend on Helen. That is, until the day she disappeared. What has happened to Helen? Where is she? Why has no one heard from her? What effect will her absence have on her her husband Sam and two young daughters Miranda and Marguerite and members of the school community?
The story is told from several points of view: Lara, the single Mum and member of the school community, Sam, Helen’s husband , Miranda the eight year old daughter and later in the book, Helen herself. This change of viewpoints gives a good view of the situation and the way people respond. Sam is an unlikable man whose main concern is his own desires and comfort. He is, as described in the book, ‘a taker’ rather than a giver. He uses people.
I found this an interesting read that raises some thought provoking questions especially about relationships and the facades people put up in an attempt to cope. It also encompasses issues like domestic abuse, alcoholism and the hassles of single parenting. Wasn’t sure about some aspects of the ending but all in all, a good solid read. Recommended for this who like books about family and relationships. My first read by this author, I would be keen to read more by her.
The story is told from several points of view: Lara, the single Mum and member of the school community, Sam, Helen’s husband , Miranda the eight year old daughter and later in the book, Helen herself. This change of viewpoints gives a good view of the situation and the way people respond. Sam is an unlikable man whose main concern is his own desires and comfort. He is, as described in the book, ‘a taker’ rather than a giver. He uses people.
I found this an interesting read that raises some thought provoking questions especially about relationships and the facades people put up in an attempt to cope. It also encompasses issues like domestic abuse, alcoholism and the hassles of single parenting. Wasn’t sure about some aspects of the ending but all in all, a good solid read. Recommended for this who like books about family and relationships. My first read by this author, I would be keen to read more by her.
January 21, 2018
4.5stars.
When Helen, the perfect wife, mother, organiser and school event planner supreme disappears, her husband Sam is in understandable turmoil. But his world is torn even further when he is told she is alive, well and has simply walked out on him. I use the simply very loosely here, as you soon discover that there is nothing simple about the way this has been done or why.
Rosie has thought this story through very well, she has given views from different characters. Sam, Lara a friend of Helen’s, Miranda the eldest daughter and then later on Helen herself. It has given the reader thoughts, feelings, views, perspectives, opinions and emotions from various angles, I like this style of writing when it is done well, it gives you a much bigger and more in-depth idea of the characters and the plot. My opinions of the characters changed as the story revealed its secrets, sometimes feeling sorry, then angry and frustrated and by the time I had finished the story, my opinion had changed again.
This is a book I got into very quickly and kept a grip on me right through to the end. By the end of the book I had discovered secrets, past histories and missed opportunities. With a chance for new ventures and new beginnings, and Rosie has pulled together to make a real cracking read.
This is a book that I would recommend to readers who like literary fiction and women’s fiction genres. That like a well written, multi point of view read that looks at family dynamics and lifestyle changes
When Helen, the perfect wife, mother, organiser and school event planner supreme disappears, her husband Sam is in understandable turmoil. But his world is torn even further when he is told she is alive, well and has simply walked out on him. I use the simply very loosely here, as you soon discover that there is nothing simple about the way this has been done or why.
Rosie has thought this story through very well, she has given views from different characters. Sam, Lara a friend of Helen’s, Miranda the eldest daughter and then later on Helen herself. It has given the reader thoughts, feelings, views, perspectives, opinions and emotions from various angles, I like this style of writing when it is done well, it gives you a much bigger and more in-depth idea of the characters and the plot. My opinions of the characters changed as the story revealed its secrets, sometimes feeling sorry, then angry and frustrated and by the time I had finished the story, my opinion had changed again.
This is a book I got into very quickly and kept a grip on me right through to the end. By the end of the book I had discovered secrets, past histories and missed opportunities. With a chance for new ventures and new beginnings, and Rosie has pulled together to make a real cracking read.
This is a book that I would recommend to readers who like literary fiction and women’s fiction genres. That like a well written, multi point of view read that looks at family dynamics and lifestyle changes
January 1, 2018
100% loved every single word, line, page & chapter. As my Goodreads followers know I love reading about a crisis in within a marriage. It's very clear here that Rosie Fiore has worked incredibly hard making sure that the characters are believable with a tip top first class astonishing story line. Helen Cooper has it all a loving husband two girls and a beautiful house. One day she disappeared. The policeman think that the husband Sam has something to do with his missing wife & People online are saying it's always the husband when there is no trace of a wife. I felt really sorry for Sam being absolutely distraught that his wife had left him, I wanted to give him a hug. Then there is news from the police said Helen wasn't murdered she chose to walk away from her husband Sam,& her two girls & her home. Why? I urge all readers to read What She Left by Rosie Fiore as there are quite a few secrets to discover. This is my second book by Rosie Fiore who now tops my list as one of my favourite authors. I can't wait for Rosie Fiore's next book.
January 13, 2018
So what did happen to Helen? That’s the journey we go on when we start the book. The book is split into four sections. It’s told from four characters point of view, which is similar to the style that Jodi Picoult uses and I really enjoy it. Rosie Fiore keeps her character chapters on point and with each of them having their own tone and style it was really enjoyable.
The key theme of the book is that Helen just disappears one day. Helen a normally fastidiously person doesn’t collect the kiddies from school and slowly the unnerving reality hits the family that she’s gone, vanished into thin air. So it’s our journey as the reader to put the jigsaw of truths and lies together.
It’s fast-paced, engaging and cleverly written. It has been a long time that I have read a book in one sitting. But I was hooked and I had to find out what happened to Helen.
A refreshing fast paced edge of your seat read! If this book was a movie it would get an Oscar! Ticks every box of my reading wants tick tick tick BOOM, it definitely started my reading year with a bang!
The key theme of the book is that Helen just disappears one day. Helen a normally fastidiously person doesn’t collect the kiddies from school and slowly the unnerving reality hits the family that she’s gone, vanished into thin air. So it’s our journey as the reader to put the jigsaw of truths and lies together.
It’s fast-paced, engaging and cleverly written. It has been a long time that I have read a book in one sitting. But I was hooked and I had to find out what happened to Helen.
A refreshing fast paced edge of your seat read! If this book was a movie it would get an Oscar! Ticks every box of my reading wants tick tick tick BOOM, it definitely started my reading year with a bang!
January 18, 2018
What She Left is the first book that I have read by Rosie Fiore even though I had been aware of her books before.
When Helen disappears, Sam is left trying to rebuild his life and that of his daughters. He struggled to come to terms with why Helen left the way that she did. The more I got to know him the more I understood why she left. Sam isn’t a very nice person. But even though I disliked Sam’s actions he was aware of all his faults and at times I did have a little sympathy for him.
There are four narrators, Helen, Sam, his eldest daughter Miranda and a friend Lara. Helen doesn’t really have a voice until the second half of the novel and it was only when she started talking that you saw what led to her disappearance and what had happened to her when she was younger.
All four of the narrators were believable, even Miranda’s. It must be hard to write how a child sees a situation but the author does it very well.
I loved the ending, I don’t want to say too much about it but it made me smile through the tears. Just lovely.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
When Helen disappears, Sam is left trying to rebuild his life and that of his daughters. He struggled to come to terms with why Helen left the way that she did. The more I got to know him the more I understood why she left. Sam isn’t a very nice person. But even though I disliked Sam’s actions he was aware of all his faults and at times I did have a little sympathy for him.
There are four narrators, Helen, Sam, his eldest daughter Miranda and a friend Lara. Helen doesn’t really have a voice until the second half of the novel and it was only when she started talking that you saw what led to her disappearance and what had happened to her when she was younger.
All four of the narrators were believable, even Miranda’s. It must be hard to write how a child sees a situation but the author does it very well.
I loved the ending, I don’t want to say too much about it but it made me smile through the tears. Just lovely.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
May 28, 2023
This was one of those books that you expect to be a bit long and drawn out, but despite the fact it was only about a woman who left her husband, it was actually riveting and very compelling. It was a realistic take on people’s feelings, and the main character Sam was a bit of a plonker but overall I couldn’t put it down.
February 2, 2018
What She Left is the first of Rosie Fiore's books that I've read, although I do have a copy of her April 2017 release, After Isabella on my to-be-read shelf and I'm determined to get to it soon.
I have been completely and utterly absorbed in What She Left, it's been a real roller-coaster of a read; one of those books that when you put it down you continue to think about the story, eager to get back to it and constantly intrigued by both the plot and the excellently created characters.
Helen Cooper has it all. She's organised and efficient, her husband Sam is lusted after by all of the other school-gate mothers. Her two girls are perfectly turned out, talented and pretty. Her house is spotless, her handbag is tidy and her whole life is planned down to the exact second. Husband Sam is a high-earner, he spends time away from the home on business, safe in the knowledge that he will return to freshly ironed clothes and wholesome meals, and happy that what happens when away on business, stays away on business.
When Helen fails to collect the girls from school, it's a major event. This never happens. When Helen fails to return home that night, or the next day, or the following day, everyone knows that something terrible has happened. When the police inform Sam that Helen has been found, safe and well, he is over the moon. When he learns that she doesn't intend to come home, he is devastated and confused.
Gradually, over the next few months, Sam begins to realise that Helen really wasn't who, or what she claimed to be. He realises that he never knew his wife. It gradually dawns on him that his life has been a lie, just as Helen's has.
Rosie Fiore is a clever writer. The book is structured incredibly well, told in four parts and narrated in different voices; Sam, Helen and Miranda, their daughter. Not only does this allow the reader to learn more about the relationships within this unusual family, it also gives a good glimpse into each character ... and their reliability.
Whilst What She Left does contain mystery and some tension, it's not a crime story. It certainly looks at certain crimes and the consequences of these on both the victim and their family and friends. There's a complexity to this story that adds such a lot to the overall story, and one of the best parts of the novel, for me, was this author's ability to create a character in Sam who is so believable, but actually really not very nice at all.
I'd certainly recommend What She Left, it's pacy and well written with some intricate plot turns and fabulous character creation. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
I have been completely and utterly absorbed in What She Left, it's been a real roller-coaster of a read; one of those books that when you put it down you continue to think about the story, eager to get back to it and constantly intrigued by both the plot and the excellently created characters.
Helen Cooper has it all. She's organised and efficient, her husband Sam is lusted after by all of the other school-gate mothers. Her two girls are perfectly turned out, talented and pretty. Her house is spotless, her handbag is tidy and her whole life is planned down to the exact second. Husband Sam is a high-earner, he spends time away from the home on business, safe in the knowledge that he will return to freshly ironed clothes and wholesome meals, and happy that what happens when away on business, stays away on business.
When Helen fails to collect the girls from school, it's a major event. This never happens. When Helen fails to return home that night, or the next day, or the following day, everyone knows that something terrible has happened. When the police inform Sam that Helen has been found, safe and well, he is over the moon. When he learns that she doesn't intend to come home, he is devastated and confused.
Gradually, over the next few months, Sam begins to realise that Helen really wasn't who, or what she claimed to be. He realises that he never knew his wife. It gradually dawns on him that his life has been a lie, just as Helen's has.
Rosie Fiore is a clever writer. The book is structured incredibly well, told in four parts and narrated in different voices; Sam, Helen and Miranda, their daughter. Not only does this allow the reader to learn more about the relationships within this unusual family, it also gives a good glimpse into each character ... and their reliability.
Whilst What She Left does contain mystery and some tension, it's not a crime story. It certainly looks at certain crimes and the consequences of these on both the victim and their family and friends. There's a complexity to this story that adds such a lot to the overall story, and one of the best parts of the novel, for me, was this author's ability to create a character in Sam who is so believable, but actually really not very nice at all.
I'd certainly recommend What She Left, it's pacy and well written with some intricate plot turns and fabulous character creation. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
January 12, 2018
A beautifully written contemporary piece on the under side of marriage.
Sam and Helen have been together for five years. She's mother to his two kids from a previous marriage, gave up her career to further Sam's and runs everything to a precise perfection. One day she just ups and disappears. He goes crazy looking for her. Blasts a message on social media and starts seeing her face everywhere. He finds out from police that she has been to a station and confirmed that she is fine and has left of her own accord and does not want to be contacted by Sam. He's consumed by the need to know why and spirals into a dark place at the expense of his job, his family relationships and his daughters.
We mainly see from Sam's point of view and he is NOT a likable character by any means. The more you learn about him, the more reprehensible he comes across. We also get a look into the eyes of his oldest daughter and the woman who ends up helping him, Lara. As the blurb states, eventually he does see Helen and that's where we start to get her side of the story.
What I liked about this book is that it is realistic. There are no crazy weird twists or out of left field reasons for any of the acts to occur. This is something I think any woman who has been in a relationship can understand... at least the ones who felt they've given up a part of themselves for their children and/or their husbands/partners. When is it enough and when do you get to find yourself again? Is there any reason good enough to abandon your family?
A beautiful character driven domestic, contemporary drama that drives you to hate and love the characters all at once. While Sam became utterly annoying and there seemed a lot of repetitive behavior that could become cumbersome, it really brought home just how hard relationships are and how quickly they can fall apart without you even being aware of what the other person is going through. Don't take the people in your life for granted. And never assume that they don't actually know what you think you're hiding.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Allen & Unwin for this copy <3
Sam and Helen have been together for five years. She's mother to his two kids from a previous marriage, gave up her career to further Sam's and runs everything to a precise perfection. One day she just ups and disappears. He goes crazy looking for her. Blasts a message on social media and starts seeing her face everywhere. He finds out from police that she has been to a station and confirmed that she is fine and has left of her own accord and does not want to be contacted by Sam. He's consumed by the need to know why and spirals into a dark place at the expense of his job, his family relationships and his daughters.
We mainly see from Sam's point of view and he is NOT a likable character by any means. The more you learn about him, the more reprehensible he comes across. We also get a look into the eyes of his oldest daughter and the woman who ends up helping him, Lara. As the blurb states, eventually he does see Helen and that's where we start to get her side of the story.
What I liked about this book is that it is realistic. There are no crazy weird twists or out of left field reasons for any of the acts to occur. This is something I think any woman who has been in a relationship can understand... at least the ones who felt they've given up a part of themselves for their children and/or their husbands/partners. When is it enough and when do you get to find yourself again? Is there any reason good enough to abandon your family?
A beautiful character driven domestic, contemporary drama that drives you to hate and love the characters all at once. While Sam became utterly annoying and there seemed a lot of repetitive behavior that could become cumbersome, it really brought home just how hard relationships are and how quickly they can fall apart without you even being aware of what the other person is going through. Don't take the people in your life for granted. And never assume that they don't actually know what you think you're hiding.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Allen & Unwin for this copy <3
November 5, 2017
This is my first read from this author and I wasn't disappointed. This story kept me completely engrossed from the very beginning and all the characters are relateable. There was no far-fetched unbelievable twist or turn. Instead there was a perfectly believable reason as to why Helen felt she had to leave her family.
A book that is told from the point of view of multiple characters. This was fantastic in adding to the suspense of this book. Such a page-turner!
Will definitely be reading more of this author's books! A must read!
A book that is told from the point of view of multiple characters. This was fantastic in adding to the suspense of this book. Such a page-turner!
Will definitely be reading more of this author's books! A must read!
January 12, 2018
**RATING 4.5**
WHAT SHE LEFT by Rosie Fiore is a gripping and completely consuming story that raises the question, can you ever truly know somebody? Brimming with drama, this story really focuses on the characters with each character telling the story as they see it, and I really enjoyed getting to know Helen, Sam, Lara, and the children, inside and out.
I presumed from the description that this may be some sort of twisted story with some sort of crime angle, but nothing prepared me for this wonderfully in-depth, character-driven plot of life, lies, and finding the strength to do what needs to be done to survive. My opinion of characters constantly changed as the story developed and my heart broke for the children that had already lost so much in their short lives. I had originally planned to read just a few pages before bed but immediately I was ensnared with what was happening and I devoured it in one go.
WHAT SHE LEFT by Rosie Fiore is a brilliant story that will really get under your skin and make you realise that looks can be deceptive, and I think it would portray perfectly on our tv screens. An excellent story with excellent characters and perfectly paced, WHAT SHE LEFT by Rosie Fiore is a winner for me.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the blog tour organiser
WHAT SHE LEFT by Rosie Fiore is a gripping and completely consuming story that raises the question, can you ever truly know somebody? Brimming with drama, this story really focuses on the characters with each character telling the story as they see it, and I really enjoyed getting to know Helen, Sam, Lara, and the children, inside and out.
I presumed from the description that this may be some sort of twisted story with some sort of crime angle, but nothing prepared me for this wonderfully in-depth, character-driven plot of life, lies, and finding the strength to do what needs to be done to survive. My opinion of characters constantly changed as the story developed and my heart broke for the children that had already lost so much in their short lives. I had originally planned to read just a few pages before bed but immediately I was ensnared with what was happening and I devoured it in one go.
WHAT SHE LEFT by Rosie Fiore is a brilliant story that will really get under your skin and make you realise that looks can be deceptive, and I think it would portray perfectly on our tv screens. An excellent story with excellent characters and perfectly paced, WHAT SHE LEFT by Rosie Fiore is a winner for me.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the blog tour organiser
April 9, 2020
What a fantastic book! Cleverly written too.
Helen Cooper wakes up, gets dressed, takes the kids to school, comes home and puts the breakfast things away, makes sure there's enough food in the fridge and freezer and then grabs her handbag, leaves the house and never returns.
If you were her husband what would you do? Well this is a story about just that. Helen's husband Sam finds himself in a nightmare situation; his wife has left for no apparent reason, has no idea where she has gone, practically disappeared off of the face of the world, the kids are beside themselves and acting up because of it, and on top of this he's on the brink of losing his job. This is a story about how life can turn upside down in the blink of an eye, that not everything is how it seems and that you really don't know someone as well as you thought you did.
If there is one thing you can take away from this book, it would be never give up dreaming.
Helen Cooper wakes up, gets dressed, takes the kids to school, comes home and puts the breakfast things away, makes sure there's enough food in the fridge and freezer and then grabs her handbag, leaves the house and never returns.
If you were her husband what would you do? Well this is a story about just that. Helen's husband Sam finds himself in a nightmare situation; his wife has left for no apparent reason, has no idea where she has gone, practically disappeared off of the face of the world, the kids are beside themselves and acting up because of it, and on top of this he's on the brink of losing his job. This is a story about how life can turn upside down in the blink of an eye, that not everything is how it seems and that you really don't know someone as well as you thought you did.
If there is one thing you can take away from this book, it would be never give up dreaming.
August 15, 2017
As the title suggests the book is centred around Helen, the perfect housewife with the perfect children and the perfect life, who suddenly and then mysteriously goes missing.
The book then follows the storyline from the perspective of multiple characters, and finally from the perspective of Helen.
Throughout the book you are able to discover more about Helen leading the reader to their own conclusions. Thankfully your curiosity is saited with a full explanation at the end of the book. It also ends on an incredible note which leaves room for another book.
This was a fantastic read!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for something to get their teeth into.
I would like to thank Readers First for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book then follows the storyline from the perspective of multiple characters, and finally from the perspective of Helen.
Throughout the book you are able to discover more about Helen leading the reader to their own conclusions. Thankfully your curiosity is saited with a full explanation at the end of the book. It also ends on an incredible note which leaves room for another book.
This was a fantastic read!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for something to get their teeth into.
I would like to thank Readers First for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
Very surfaced story, quite predictable. Overly descriptive about things that weren’t relavent. Most of the characters are completely unlikable, especially Sam and we have to spend most of the book reading it from his perspective. I like Helen’s character but i don’t think she was given the depth she deserved. Sam is clearly an abusive husband and I felt the way the story went minimised what Helen had to deal with framing it that she just left everything behind because she wanted a career. Coercive control is a much more traumatic, suffocating and dangerous experience to go through in a marriage and this story diminishes and minimises that completely just like the husband in the story does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2017
Intriguing book with a good story, wanted to keep going to know why Helen left, but thought there was something missing from the story/narration.
I also think this book could do with a stronger title
3.5*
My resounding memory from this book - as I was describing it to my other half, the response was "don't worry, I wouldn't come after you if you walked out"... bl**dy cheek!!
I also think this book could do with a stronger title
3.5*
My resounding memory from this book - as I was describing it to my other half, the response was "don't worry, I wouldn't come after you if you walked out"... bl**dy cheek!!
June 5, 2021
What She Left is an enjoyable and highly readable book; it just didn't blow me away. Helen's way of leaving the family was a little over the top for me and I found myself rolling my eyes more than once. Having said that it's a pacey read with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing but I don't think it's one I'll remember in the future.
December 29, 2017
Loved it. Interesting, different and satisfying.
February 26, 2018
Beautifully told with a mix of suspense in it a bit. Everything makes sense (no plot holes - for me!) and I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end.
August 7, 2018
This was a real page turner, despite being a little predictable. Throughout the book I felt I knew how it would end, and I was pretty spot on! It was a good read though
January 15, 2018
I really wanted to love this book. Yet, I found myself more struggling with it then I would have liked. I could not connect with the characters as much as I tried and tried. Thus in turn it was hard to become invested in the story. Although, I will tell you that I did try to stick with this book for the main reason that I wanted to know what happened to Helen?
Here is where my issues laid with this book for myself personally. The characters' voices were muddled. I didn't really notice when a new person or a change over from one character to the next happened. Plus, the story really seemed to move and pick up speed very slowly. If the intensity of the story had picked up faster and sooner, I actually could have excused some of the lack of emotional connection I missed with the characters. While, these problems affected me, this should not deter you from checking this book out as many other readers seemed to really enjoy this book.
Here is where my issues laid with this book for myself personally. The characters' voices were muddled. I didn't really notice when a new person or a change over from one character to the next happened. Plus, the story really seemed to move and pick up speed very slowly. If the intensity of the story had picked up faster and sooner, I actually could have excused some of the lack of emotional connection I missed with the characters. While, these problems affected me, this should not deter you from checking this book out as many other readers seemed to really enjoy this book.
August 27, 2017
I was intrigued after reading the first few chapters through Readers First ‘first look’, and then won a copy to read and review. I couldn’t wait to find out what had happened to Helen, and why she walked away from a seemingly perfect life.
The story unfolds through the different points of view, of Sam, Helen’s husband, Miranda his eldest daughter, and Lara a single mum at Miranda’s school. I confess that I skimmed Sam’s chapters sometimes as he really annoyed me. I even ended up shouting out loud at him on quite a few occasions. Good job I was at home and not in a café having a coffee!!
I enjoyed Lara’s part of the story as I liked her and felt a lot of sympathy for her situation. Miranda’s version of events was very well done even though I didn’t like her.
Helen’s point of view was rather sparse and only really appears towards the last third of the book, when you find out why and how she disappeared. I definitely would’ve enjoyed reading more about her, as I admired her, and her ability to just up sticks and walk away.
I would recommend this if you enjoy character driven domestic dramas, as there is a lot in this book.
The story unfolds through the different points of view, of Sam, Helen’s husband, Miranda his eldest daughter, and Lara a single mum at Miranda’s school. I confess that I skimmed Sam’s chapters sometimes as he really annoyed me. I even ended up shouting out loud at him on quite a few occasions. Good job I was at home and not in a café having a coffee!!
I enjoyed Lara’s part of the story as I liked her and felt a lot of sympathy for her situation. Miranda’s version of events was very well done even though I didn’t like her.
Helen’s point of view was rather sparse and only really appears towards the last third of the book, when you find out why and how she disappeared. I definitely would’ve enjoyed reading more about her, as I admired her, and her ability to just up sticks and walk away.
I would recommend this if you enjoy character driven domestic dramas, as there is a lot in this book.
May 27, 2024
I did enjoy it but felt it went on too long I.e. with a bit of editing it could have been a better book.
November 2, 2017
Helen disappears from the family home without a trace. She was a textbook wife, mother and member of society, almost a Mary Poppins character – perfect in every way. A few days later, after seeing the media campaign to find her, she goes into a police station and explains that she has left voluntarily and does not want to be found. Sam, her husband is left devastated, bewildered, bemused and angry as he tries to juggle work, children and a host of emotions that he doesn’t know how to deal with. The story gradually unfolds through the voices of each of the main characters and we are privy to their thought processes and feelings. Various pertinent facts are drip-fed in stages and they require the reader to reevaluate what they know so far in the light of each piece of new information.
The plot is well conceived and clever. The book is full of suspense but avoids sensationalism and contrived cliffhangers, favouring gentle twists and turns rather than momentous revelations. I think the reactions of the people she left behind were very genuine. Sam could be a little irritating at times but then, can’t we all? His narrative in particular did drag at times but he wasn’t unlikeable and his behavior and emotions were entirely reasonable in the light of what he was going through. He wasn’t perfect, but then, as it transpires, neither was Helen. Her “voice” joins that of the other narrators about half way through the book and her motivation for her actions begins to unfold.
I thought this was a good book with a few minor flaws. It certainly kept my interest from start to finish but was absorbing rather than compelling. Without introducing spoilers, it is difficult to articulate one issue that I was unsure about which was the ending. Technically I suppose it does make sense, but I might need to read it again to get the full implications of it and really understand it. The other thing that I feel much more strongly about is the title – “What she left” leaves quite a lot to be desired. Even another word would help, possibly “What she left behind”? However, even this just doesn’t sound right and doesn’t really solve the problem. Browsing in a bookshop I would be highly unlikely to even take the book off the shelf, leave alone get as far as reading the back cover.
On the whole I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it and thought it was a fairly unique concept for a good story. I will certainly look out for more books by the same author.
The plot is well conceived and clever. The book is full of suspense but avoids sensationalism and contrived cliffhangers, favouring gentle twists and turns rather than momentous revelations. I think the reactions of the people she left behind were very genuine. Sam could be a little irritating at times but then, can’t we all? His narrative in particular did drag at times but he wasn’t unlikeable and his behavior and emotions were entirely reasonable in the light of what he was going through. He wasn’t perfect, but then, as it transpires, neither was Helen. Her “voice” joins that of the other narrators about half way through the book and her motivation for her actions begins to unfold.
I thought this was a good book with a few minor flaws. It certainly kept my interest from start to finish but was absorbing rather than compelling. Without introducing spoilers, it is difficult to articulate one issue that I was unsure about which was the ending. Technically I suppose it does make sense, but I might need to read it again to get the full implications of it and really understand it. The other thing that I feel much more strongly about is the title – “What she left” leaves quite a lot to be desired. Even another word would help, possibly “What she left behind”? However, even this just doesn’t sound right and doesn’t really solve the problem. Browsing in a bookshop I would be highly unlikely to even take the book off the shelf, leave alone get as far as reading the back cover.
On the whole I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it and thought it was a fairly unique concept for a good story. I will certainly look out for more books by the same author.
August 29, 2019
3.5 stars. Great pace, easy read. Found myself looking forward to picking it up each night. I enjoyed the story from different perspectives. Thought I’d picked a twist in the ending, but was glad that I was only half right & the author didn’t cheapen the story by going down that path.
August 13, 2017
When I first started 'What She Left', I was initially concerned that it was going the direction of 'Gone Girl'. My prediction couldn't be more wrong. I won't include any spoilers, in my review, though it's hard not to! There are twists, but they are never 'earth-shattering'. For this story, that is not negative. As the novel progresses and we have the first person narratives of Sam, Lara, and Miranda. Each character has their own obvious flaws, (less so for Miranda, being a child who you don't expect to know better. She's more of a third person narrator for Sam), and their own self awareness of these flaws (or lack of) adds to their characterisation. Sam is an unreliable narrator, oftentimes withholding information from the audience. Usually this information puts him in a bad light. Sam's narration where he hides and doesn't admit to his flaws reflects his outward character, a nice touch which makes his sometimes unlikeable character compelling. The author sets up intrigue which continues throughout the novel, casting her story with well developed, 'real' characters. An engrossing read.
October 22, 2017
I have a love/hate relationship with this book.
Overall I did enjoy it, but I wouldn't probably read it again. I felt there was a little bit too much crammed in, with not enough detail. I did like the concept and most of the characters, though I feel at times there should have been less focus on some.
My main dislike of this book is the main character, Sam. I could not stand him and he has majority point of view. I found him, a waste of a character and honestly had me sympathizing with both his estranged wife and his angry daughter. I think his brother summed him up perfectly, a taker and a user. He let his daughters down and the memory of his marriage. I had hoped there would have been more from Helen, more explanation instead of finding it all out from Sam. I wish more had been said about Lara and her relationship with Marc.
All in all I think the concept was good but too much was shoved in with not enough time on the details with the ending seeming somewhat rushed and almost unresolved.
Overall I did enjoy it, but I wouldn't probably read it again. I felt there was a little bit too much crammed in, with not enough detail. I did like the concept and most of the characters, though I feel at times there should have been less focus on some.
My main dislike of this book is the main character, Sam. I could not stand him and he has majority point of view. I found him, a waste of a character and honestly had me sympathizing with both his estranged wife and his angry daughter. I think his brother summed him up perfectly, a taker and a user. He let his daughters down and the memory of his marriage. I had hoped there would have been more from Helen, more explanation instead of finding it all out from Sam. I wish more had been said about Lara and her relationship with Marc.
All in all I think the concept was good but too much was shoved in with not enough time on the details with the ending seeming somewhat rushed and almost unresolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
5 stars
This book had me gripped from beginning to end. It was a very compelling read.
I read Babies in waiting by this author a few years ago and she has been on my radar ever since.
Helen and Sam seem to have the perfect relationship and family until one day Helen just disappears.
The book was very well written. It was quite hard to read in places, to read someones life fall apart.
This is definitely a book I'd recommend to others.
This book had me gripped from beginning to end. It was a very compelling read.
I read Babies in waiting by this author a few years ago and she has been on my radar ever since.
Helen and Sam seem to have the perfect relationship and family until one day Helen just disappears.
The book was very well written. It was quite hard to read in places, to read someones life fall apart.
This is definitely a book I'd recommend to others.
April 5, 2020
I really enjoyed the textured characters in this book - totally flawed and wholly believable. And thank goodness for a good ending. I’ve been let down so much in the last few months by rollicking writing full of pace and style leading to a damp squib ending. This book resolves enough to be satisfying, but is frayed enough to be real. Looking forward to my next Rosie Fiore read
February 21, 2023
Loved this book. In-depth look at the effects on everyone involved when someone dissappears. The relationships within the book are perfectly illustrated, and the characters are believable and likeable despite their flaws.
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