I Never Stopped

by Elizabeth Elle Mitchell

Francesca’s partner–her everything–is dead. After eleven months of listless grief, Francesca leaves Sloane’s memory in San Francisco to visit Italy and her mother. Surrounded by fresh pasta, never-ending wine, and laughter, she finds moments of solace. When Francesca meets Cecelia–a complex love interest, she begins to picture a future without Sloane.

Unbeknownst to Francesca, Sloane can’t let go. Trapped in the mysterious afterlife of The Gray, she’s desperate to contact her love, but limited by forces she doesn’t understand. Though Francesca is so near Sloane can almost smell her hair, she’s always just out of reach. As Francesca’s wounds begin to heal in Italy, Sloane struggles with how her presence may affect Francesca’s tenuous new life.

Can Francesca start a new life in Italy, and will Cecelia be a part of it? And what will become of Sloane?

In her powerful debut speculative queer novel, Elle Mitchell crafts a story of palpable love and longing. With deft language that engages readers’ hearts, I Never Stopped explores grief, loss, and the many stages of healing.

Genres: Queer

Paperback

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Mitchell is a disabled author, multidisciplinary artist, and publisher who's lived many lives. Her work challenges, blends genres, explores haunted bodies, and delves into the human psyche. She's a social activist, a gamer with potato aim, and an avid reader. As a woman with several invisible illnesses, she enjoys living a semi-horizontal life with her husband and spoiled furbutts in the PNW. Her writing is also under Elle. Find her at https://www.justanotherelizabeth.com/.

Reviews

[Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking yet beautiful.

[Neil Cochrane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I NEVER STOPPED is a fascinating and emotional novel about grief and love, especially, in my reading, the dark side of what is otherwise a powerful, genuine, healthy love. The ending was particularly surprising to me, and though it wasn't what I thought would or should happen, it was an excellent culmination of the arcs building throughout the book. The writing was good, with lines throughout that sparkled poetically (my favorite was one about the rain being an invitation to cry). I didn't find myself particularly caring for Francesca or Sloane, but they were both thoroughly fleshed characters who felt like real women. I think more could have been done to explore the supernatural aspects of the story, but that may just be more to my tastes.

[Benjamin Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Elizabeth Mitchell's I Never Stopped. I couldn't decide if I related better to Francesca or Sloane, and that's a testament to the quality of the characters and the nature of their love story. As always, Mitchell really shines when it comes to description. She can make the reader feel like they're right there, both inhabiting the physical space and the emotional space of the characters. If you want a love story that will twist your guts and pound on your heart, don't miss this one!

[Tajly Schwaiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very poetic and literal descriptors of grief. Interesting writing style. Pretty easy to get into and stay into even though it’s a bit heavy because the world the writing creates is very engaging and fun. Personally I felt the ending was a bit forced/not ideal but I guess that’s how it be

[Margaret Pinard · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense story of love, grief, forgiveness, and transformation. Funny bits, foodie bits, and a whole lotta love. Great debut!