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What Was Left
When Rachel is pregnant with Lola, she imagines motherhood will involve pushing her sleeping infant in a pram through sun-dappled parks, suffused with the purest love she has ever felt. Then she gives birth to a screaming, colicky child in a country far from home. Feeling isolated and unsupported, she is plagued with thoughts of hurting her daughter.
This is the story of what happens next.
“Limprecht’s story deftly arranges big themes – ambition, activism, infidelity and obsession – against a rush of backdrops as Rachel takes flight: India, Israel, Switzerland and beyond. There are flashes of love’s different versions, bound up with the damage we do to ourselves and to others. And there are sharp observations: Rachel’s sense that she ‘could do anything she chose to do… unless you have children'; a single father’s sense that while he’s lauded for rearing his child, ‘how many single mothers are doing the same thing?'” Ashley Hay, The Australian
“It does what fiction does best, daring its reader to imagine what it is like to be someone society has long trained us to malign as the near-evil other.” Melbourne Review
“One of the best debut novels I have read in a long time… What Was Left is a riveting novel that examines ideas of motherhood, identity and the lies people tell to protect each other..” Readings Monthly
“The elegant structure of this bildungsroman incorporates six countries and four sets of parents, Limprecht is in tight control of these narratives… the novel’s ideas flourish.” Australian Book Review
“Limprecht’s first novel is a richly textured book about the strengths and limitations of family bonds.” Thuy On, Sun Herald
This is the story of what happens next.
“Limprecht’s story deftly arranges big themes – ambition, activism, infidelity and obsession – against a rush of backdrops as Rachel takes flight: India, Israel, Switzerland and beyond. There are flashes of love’s different versions, bound up with the damage we do to ourselves and to others. And there are sharp observations: Rachel’s sense that she ‘could do anything she chose to do… unless you have children'; a single father’s sense that while he’s lauded for rearing his child, ‘how many single mothers are doing the same thing?'” Ashley Hay, The Australian
“It does what fiction does best, daring its reader to imagine what it is like to be someone society has long trained us to malign as the near-evil other.” Melbourne Review
“One of the best debut novels I have read in a long time… What Was Left is a riveting novel that examines ideas of motherhood, identity and the lies people tell to protect each other..” Readings Monthly
“The elegant structure of this bildungsroman incorporates six countries and four sets of parents, Limprecht is in tight control of these narratives… the novel’s ideas flourish.” Australian Book Review
“Limprecht’s first novel is a richly textured book about the strengths and limitations of family bonds.” Thuy On, Sun Herald
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2013
What Was Left, Eleanor Limprecht (Sleepers, 2013)
This novel is written by a dear friend of mine and I have read it several times, in various drafts. The author (American-born, Sydney-based) Eleanor Limprecht had a succinct vision for this novel from the start, and the narrative ambition did not alter much during the redrafting, it simply become clearer. One thing that did not change for me, as a reader of this novel, was how every time I read it, it broke my heart again.
What Was Left follows the confliction of Rachel, who, caring for her beautiful, healthy newborn daughter, has never felt more isolated and alone. This novel is a brave illustration of how new mothers can be failed by their own families and society, and a timely reminder that it takes a village to raise a child. I have two small children and I related to certain parental situations described in this novel.
Eleanor is a natural story teller. Using lean, restrained prose, she creates a raw and unflinching vision of an extended family and the secrets that shape them. She uses sparing, evocative imagery to convey the anguish, hopes and joys of her characters. This story explores landscape, domestic drama, character and history, across three continents and four generations of women. One aspect that swept me away are the descriptions of the American towns and rural communities, the grand beauty of Yosemite national park and the colourful chaos of India. To read What Was Left is to take a trip to Colorado’s glacial wilderness, through the cornfields, cattle and farming life in Nebraska and the shadowy skyscrapers of Chicago, to see Sydney life through a visitor’s eyes, to visit the temples and colourful bazaars of northern India, culminating in a startling encounter in a dank, old German apartment building.
There is a lot to like in this book. Eleanor's descriptions are unique, she uses restrained language that delivers a huge impact. She cooks a broth of contrasting flavours: she delves into life’s most ruthless and tender moments, exposes humour and cruelty, all the while observing nature’s sensual rhythms and unyielding city landscapes. Eleanor has delivered an original, compelling feminist novel driven by the premise of a passionate, broken woman desperate to save herself.
Does this novel offer redemption or a solution? That depends on the reader. Ultimately, this novel explores the judgements we make about each other, and the devastating consequences that can have. While exploring parenthood, the novel asks the question, have our feminist mothers, while raising feminist daughters, failed to raise feminist sons? There is no attempt to blame, but any woman who has birthed or raised a child, will relate to the kaleidoscopic onslaught of emotions felt by the novel’s protagonist.
Eleanor has invited me to say a few words about her, as a writer, at her book launch this coming Friday night in Sydney. Here is one thing I am planning to say: "I would describe What Was Left as raw, delicate and unflinching, an exploration of motherhood and the lengths a mother will go to, to protect her child and herself." I'm also going to talk about our similar backgrounds and how we became friends while working on Sydney newspaper the Village Voice.
Reading my review, it would be fair to assume I am biased due to my friendship with Eleanor! So don't just take my word for it, here are some of the comments made by early reviewers: 'one of the best debut novels I have read this year' (Annie Condon, www.readings.com.au), and 'a richly textured book about the strengths and limitations of family bonds' (Thuy On, Sun-Herald).
Fans of the domestic complexity portrayed by Georgia Blain and the emotional authenticity of Julienne Van Loon’s work will gravitate to Limprecht’s style: her writing also resembles the beautiful, effortless storytelling of Ann Patchett.
This novel is written by a dear friend of mine and I have read it several times, in various drafts. The author (American-born, Sydney-based) Eleanor Limprecht had a succinct vision for this novel from the start, and the narrative ambition did not alter much during the redrafting, it simply become clearer. One thing that did not change for me, as a reader of this novel, was how every time I read it, it broke my heart again.
What Was Left follows the confliction of Rachel, who, caring for her beautiful, healthy newborn daughter, has never felt more isolated and alone. This novel is a brave illustration of how new mothers can be failed by their own families and society, and a timely reminder that it takes a village to raise a child. I have two small children and I related to certain parental situations described in this novel.
Eleanor is a natural story teller. Using lean, restrained prose, she creates a raw and unflinching vision of an extended family and the secrets that shape them. She uses sparing, evocative imagery to convey the anguish, hopes and joys of her characters. This story explores landscape, domestic drama, character and history, across three continents and four generations of women. One aspect that swept me away are the descriptions of the American towns and rural communities, the grand beauty of Yosemite national park and the colourful chaos of India. To read What Was Left is to take a trip to Colorado’s glacial wilderness, through the cornfields, cattle and farming life in Nebraska and the shadowy skyscrapers of Chicago, to see Sydney life through a visitor’s eyes, to visit the temples and colourful bazaars of northern India, culminating in a startling encounter in a dank, old German apartment building.
There is a lot to like in this book. Eleanor's descriptions are unique, she uses restrained language that delivers a huge impact. She cooks a broth of contrasting flavours: she delves into life’s most ruthless and tender moments, exposes humour and cruelty, all the while observing nature’s sensual rhythms and unyielding city landscapes. Eleanor has delivered an original, compelling feminist novel driven by the premise of a passionate, broken woman desperate to save herself.
Does this novel offer redemption or a solution? That depends on the reader. Ultimately, this novel explores the judgements we make about each other, and the devastating consequences that can have. While exploring parenthood, the novel asks the question, have our feminist mothers, while raising feminist daughters, failed to raise feminist sons? There is no attempt to blame, but any woman who has birthed or raised a child, will relate to the kaleidoscopic onslaught of emotions felt by the novel’s protagonist.
Eleanor has invited me to say a few words about her, as a writer, at her book launch this coming Friday night in Sydney. Here is one thing I am planning to say: "I would describe What Was Left as raw, delicate and unflinching, an exploration of motherhood and the lengths a mother will go to, to protect her child and herself." I'm also going to talk about our similar backgrounds and how we became friends while working on Sydney newspaper the Village Voice.
Reading my review, it would be fair to assume I am biased due to my friendship with Eleanor! So don't just take my word for it, here are some of the comments made by early reviewers: 'one of the best debut novels I have read this year' (Annie Condon, www.readings.com.au), and 'a richly textured book about the strengths and limitations of family bonds' (Thuy On, Sun-Herald).
Fans of the domestic complexity portrayed by Georgia Blain and the emotional authenticity of Julienne Van Loon’s work will gravitate to Limprecht’s style: her writing also resembles the beautiful, effortless storytelling of Ann Patchett.
November 3, 2015
Post Natal Depression or just self centred and yearning for her father? Both situations crossed my mind as new mum Rachel leaves her child Lola to seek her roots. This is Eleanor Limprecht's first novel and it is excellent despite some gratuitous (and these days seemingly obligatory) swearing in parts. This did not add to the feel of the book for me. But it is a wonderful read and a reminder of the very serious issue of PND and how doctors and nurses must forever be vigilant as they care for new mums. Limprecht's second novel Long Bay is even better than 'What Was Left'. I am looking forward to many more books by this talented novelist.
March 13, 2015
2.5 I think. This starts brilliantly - you feel the main character's struggles viscerally as she tries to cope with a difficult baby, a distracted husband and dark, ugly feelings. Once she leaves though, things drift a bit - the time spent in India and the quest to track down her missing father didn't really work for me, and the idea that parents behaviours explain everything about our struggles as adults seemed overcooked.
February 24, 2017
This was a quick read, even thought the subject matter was difficult - the post-natal depression that leads a young mother to leave her child and travel to India and then Germany in search of her self and her origins. The first section of the novel is gripping, showing very effectively how Rachel feels after she has baby Lola with whom she finds she cannot bond. This novel would speak very clearly to all young mothers and even though those days are long behind me now, I identified with some of those life-changing feelings.
I was less convinced by the story once Rachel left Australia and especially by how her feelings 'what was left' change. The writing is much more ordinary and by the end I felt that I had not really experienced anything new. I have read better books about the challenges of motherhood but I admire Eleanor Limprecht for coming to grips in her own way with this issue.
I was less convinced by the story once Rachel left Australia and especially by how her feelings 'what was left' change. The writing is much more ordinary and by the end I felt that I had not really experienced anything new. I have read better books about the challenges of motherhood but I admire Eleanor Limprecht for coming to grips in her own way with this issue.
February 13, 2015
Having skated close to PND after the birth of my first child, there were elements of this book that were very close to home for me. Some lines haunted me in how close they were to my own feelings at the time:
'...her scream peels the skin from Rachel's flesh.'
'When Lola screams like this, Rachel wants to leap through the glass window. When she screams like this, Rachel feels as if she is breaking.'
'She feels as if the world has lied to her.'
'But instead she lies there, arms and legs tense, waiting for Lola to cry out. Rachel will lie there for hours, awake, as she does every night. Her mind racing, anger and worry like fists in her chest.'
The subplots of the father and Eli seemed more a convenient purpose for Rachel to travel than an essential part of the story, but overall I think this book is important in helping to overcome the stigma of post-natal depression.
'...her scream peels the skin from Rachel's flesh.'
'When Lola screams like this, Rachel wants to leap through the glass window. When she screams like this, Rachel feels as if she is breaking.'
'She feels as if the world has lied to her.'
'But instead she lies there, arms and legs tense, waiting for Lola to cry out. Rachel will lie there for hours, awake, as she does every night. Her mind racing, anger and worry like fists in her chest.'
The subplots of the father and Eli seemed more a convenient purpose for Rachel to travel than an essential part of the story, but overall I think this book is important in helping to overcome the stigma of post-natal depression.
October 14, 2013
If I were to ever meet Eleanor Limprecht I would thank her for writing this book. I think there are many new mothers who suffer in silence, never comfortable to voice how they really feel. In this debut novel, Limprecht touches on the topic of post natal depression which becomes the tipping point for Rachel's premature departure.
Personally, when I was a new Mum, I tended to gravitate towards the Mums who were 'real'. The ones who weren't afraid to tell it how it really was. And I did the same. This made me feel less alone, and made the whole parent journey enjoyable, just knowing that others were going through the same issues.
In this sense, I found it difficult to relate to Rachel's decision to stay quiet, withdraw, and leave her nine month old baby with her father. Despite a number of opportunities to open up and share her pain with others, she chooses instead to head to India.
Weaving a story through a number of continents and times in Rachel's history, Limprecht tells a beautiful and magnetic story that kept me interested right to the end. It's an interesting read and a necessary one for any new parent out there feeling alone. I look forward to the next one!
Personally, when I was a new Mum, I tended to gravitate towards the Mums who were 'real'. The ones who weren't afraid to tell it how it really was. And I did the same. This made me feel less alone, and made the whole parent journey enjoyable, just knowing that others were going through the same issues.
In this sense, I found it difficult to relate to Rachel's decision to stay quiet, withdraw, and leave her nine month old baby with her father. Despite a number of opportunities to open up and share her pain with others, she chooses instead to head to India.
Weaving a story through a number of continents and times in Rachel's history, Limprecht tells a beautiful and magnetic story that kept me interested right to the end. It's an interesting read and a necessary one for any new parent out there feeling alone. I look forward to the next one!
October 18, 2013
Well, this is a fascinating book. As a mother, it's hard for me to like a character who leaves their baby. Sure, with lack of sleep, lack of self, you do wish for time alone, and you can understand a mother suffocating under the pressure of total dependence. But this main character is so well written, you can understand why she does what she does, and you want her to find the answers she needs. From USA to Sydney to India, and Europe, I was with Rachel and her family all the way. Almost a 5 star debut novel, I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 1, 2014
An interesting premise let down by a TV mini-series plot and a gabby narration.
October 20, 2017
Honest story about one woman's battle with postnatal depression and coming to terms with her own fractured childhood. Set in Australia, America and Germany, all places felt authentic.
May 16, 2018
New mother Rachel has a screaming baby, little support and fears for herself and her child. Coupled with her feelings of desperation is a deep seated issue of finding her missing father which compels her to abandon her baby girl and her bewildered husband.
It’s a heartbreaking story as the author explores family relationships and breaks down what is means to be thrust into motherhood. Rachel, an American, lives away from family and friends with her Australian husband in Sydney. The stress of adjustment is too much and she seeks out her friend in India where she attempts to sort herself out. Her journey takes her to Germany amidst the ire of her mother’s disapproval and her husband’s dismay.
Eleanor Limprecht writes well and gives us a moving yet unsettling story. Motherhood is often put on a godlike pedestal surrounded by unrealistic expectations and what new mother can't identify with this? We feel for Rachel yet want her to desperately to come to her senses and this makes for a page turner. The discovery about her father is a shock although I wonder if her response to him in her psychological state might have made for a different ending.
All in all, an enjoyable and easy read.
It’s a heartbreaking story as the author explores family relationships and breaks down what is means to be thrust into motherhood. Rachel, an American, lives away from family and friends with her Australian husband in Sydney. The stress of adjustment is too much and she seeks out her friend in India where she attempts to sort herself out. Her journey takes her to Germany amidst the ire of her mother’s disapproval and her husband’s dismay.
Eleanor Limprecht writes well and gives us a moving yet unsettling story. Motherhood is often put on a godlike pedestal surrounded by unrealistic expectations and what new mother can't identify with this? We feel for Rachel yet want her to desperately to come to her senses and this makes for a page turner. The discovery about her father is a shock although I wonder if her response to him in her psychological state might have made for a different ending.
All in all, an enjoyable and easy read.
March 23, 2023
Really enjoyed this book (and feel like I’ve read it before). A truly diabolically real description of new baby daze. Sustained me all the way to the end reunion which felt stilted, unconvincing. A good read though, romping through Sydney India Zurich stuttgart, the US and Mexico. Good book.
September 15, 2018
An extremely well written book about one woman's struggle with post-natal depression. The characters were so carefully and thoughtfully presented. A great read about a challenging topic.
July 6, 2019
Started off as a good read and just went right down hill fast. Disappointing of this author
October 3, 2021
This book was okay - moved at a good pace, decent storyline, easy reading. It just didn't wow me. I enjoyed reading it but felt that there wasn't the build up that a great story holds.
December 5, 2013
This is a very good book that challenges the myths of parenting and the bonds that exist between parents and children. The story is about a woman who struggles to connect with her baby and succumbs to the relentless pressure to meet stereotypical standards and feelings by deserting her husband and child to go in search of her father who deserted her as a child. This is not sugar coated fiction. The situation is quite real, but one rarely spoken about. There are no perfect endings, but instead we find hope that the characters will work through their complex feelings. Beautifully written, highly believable and quite gripping. Recommended.
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January 31, 2014Rachel has post-natal depression and, unable to ask for help from her husband, friends or doctor, she flees the country. Readers are clearly supposed to sympathise with each of the characters, especially Eleanor, but the narrative doesn't quite manage to achieve that. Competent but strangely empty, this book is infected with the kind of polite, bourgeois writing that is typical of a writing community entranced by Master of Arts degrees.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews