Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone is a chilling and emotional psychological thriller that takes readers on a journey of grief, mystery, and surprising revelations. The plot revolves around Laurel Mack, a mother looking for answers following her teenage daughter Ellie’s mysterious disappearance ten years ago. With suspenseful twists and a deeply emotional narrative, this book delves into the lengths people will go to find the truth and solace. This Then She Was Gone book summary delves into the captivating plot and complex characters that make it a must-read for fans of suspenseful and heartbreaking fiction.
Then She Was Gone Book Details
| Author | Lisa Jewell |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller, Mystery |
| Published | 2017 |
| Main Themes | Grief, family, secrets, and obsession |
| Setting | Modern-day England |
| Main Character | Laurel Mack, a mother seeking answers about her missing daughter, Ellie |
| Writing Style | Suspenseful, emotional, and deeply engaging |
Then She Was Gone Book Chapters
“Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell is divided into sections, each with several chapters. While the book does not provide specific titles for each chapter, here’s an outline of the structure:
- Prologue
- Part One: Chapters 1 – 12
- Part Two: Chapters 13 – 26
- Part Three: Chapters 27 – 35
- Part Four: Chapters 36 – 49
- Part Five: Chapters 50 – 57
- Epilogue
Then She Was Gone Book Summary
Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that explores grief, family bonds, and the lengths people will go to uncover hidden secrets. This gripping story follows Laurel Mack, a mother who is struggling to move on from the tragic disappearance of her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, ten years ago. The novel moves between the past and the present, exposing secrets and lies that lead to shocking revelations.
The disappearance of Ellie Mack
The story begins with Ellie, a bright and promising teenager, disappearing without a trace on her way to the library. Her disappearance has left her family devastated. Her mother, Laurel, is consumed by grief, withdrawing from her remaining family and eventually causing her marriage to fail. The police find no leads, so the case goes cold, leaving Laurel with unanswered questions and a life in limbo.
A New Chapter for Laurel
Ten years later, Laurel meets Floyd, a charming and intelligent man, at a coffee shop. Their relationship blossoms, bringing a glimmer of hope and happiness back into her life. Floyd has two daughters, including the precocious and eerily familiar Poppy, who reminds Laurel of Ellie. Poppy’s uncanny resemblance to her missing daughter stirs Laurel’s suspicions and reignites her quest for answers.
Flashbacks and Clues
The narrative alternates between Laurel’s point of view and flashbacks to Ellie’s life before her disappearance. Ellie’s relationship with her manipulative math tutor, Noelle Donnelly, serves as a watershed moment. Noelle, who has a twisted obsession with Ellie, kidnaps her in a desperate attempt to satisfy her own need for control and motherhood.
Ellie is imprisoned in her home as a result of Noelle’s bizarre behavior. Ellie tragically dies as a result of an accidental fall while in captivity. Noelle buries Ellie’s body, concealing the truth for years. However, Noelle’s unstable behavior and the eventual discovery of Ellie’s remains expose her dark secrets.
Unraveling Floyd’s Involvement
As Laurel delves deeper into Floyd’s life, she uncovers unsettling truths. Floyd had a relationship with Noelle before meeting Laurel and became entangled in her deceit. After Ellie’s death, Noelle abducts another child, Poppy, and raises her as her own until Floyd intervenes and takes custody. Floyd’s decision to hide these details from Laurel reveals his complicity and moral ambiguity.
The Truth Emerges
Laurel solves the puzzle with mounting evidence and confessions. She discovers that Floyd was drawn to her because of her connection to Ellie and the resemblance he saw in Poppy. This revelation shatters Laurel but also brings her closer to a resolution. The discovery of Ellie’s remains and the conclusion of the case give Laurel and her family a bittersweet sense of relief.
Themes and Emotional Depth
Then She Was Gone explores profound themes of grief, obsession, and the enduring strength of maternal love. Laurel’s journey is one of heartbreak and resilience, highlighting the complex dynamics within families and the ripple effects of loss. Jewell’s skillful storytelling keeps readers on edge while delivering poignant insights into human nature.
Conclusion
Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone is a haunting and compelling novel that captivates readers with its intricate plot and emotionally charged narrative. By blending suspense with a deeply human story, Jewell creates a memorable tale of tragedy, discovery, and healing. This detailed account of Ellie’s disappearance and Laurel’s search for truth makes the book a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
10 Key Points From Then She Was Gone Book
- Ellie Mack, a promising 15-year-old, disappears mysteriously on her way to the library.
- Laurel Mack, Ellie’s mother, becomes consumed by grief, leading to the collapse of her marriage.
- The police find no solid leads, leaving the case unsolved for ten years.
- Laurel begins dating Floyd, a charming man, bringing hope back into her life.
- Floyd’s daughter, Poppy, bears an uncanny resemblance to Ellie, raising Laurel’s suspicions.
- Flashbacks reveal Ellie’s math tutor, Noelle Donnelly, as her obsessed kidnapper.
- Ellie dies accidentally while in captivity, and Noelle buries her body to hide the truth.
- Floyd’s past relationship with Noelle ties him to the mystery of Ellie’s disappearance.
- Laurel uncovers the full truth through confessions and evidence, finding bittersweet closure.
- The story explores themes of grief, obsession, family bonds, and the search for healing.
My Review-Then She Was Gone
I recently finished Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, and I have mixed feelings about it. The story starts off with a lot of intrigue—Ellie’s disappearance and the mystery behind it are compelling, and I found myself wanting to know what happened to her. The twists are unexpected, but some of them felt a bit over the top, especially towards the end. The reveal about Floyd’s involvement was chilling, but honestly, it felt a bit forced. The characters were well-developed, but their motivations didn’t always feel completely believable. Overall, it’s a quick read that’ll keep you hooked, but I wasn’t blown away by it. It’s entertaining, but not necessarily a standout thriller.
Should We Read The Book?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with suspenseful twists and dark family secrets, Then She Was Gone is worth reading. While it may sometimes feel predictable, the emotional depth and unexpected revelations keep it engaging. It’s a quick, page-turning read for fans of the genre, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more original or complex story.
What is the twist in “Then She Was Gone”?
In Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, the twist revolves around the discovery that the character, Ellie, who disappeared years ago, was not just a victim of a random event. The truth is revealed that someone close to her was involved in her disappearance, and there are shocking connections between the people closest to her, including family secrets and hidden motives. This twist changes the entire perspective on the story and its characters.
How did Ellie get pregnant in the book Then She Was Gone?
In Then She Was Gone, Ellie gets pregnant by Floyd, a man she meets shortly before her disappearance. Floyd has a complicated relationship with his daughter, and it is later revealed that Ellie had an affair with him, which resulted in her pregnancy. This connection plays a significant role in the mystery surrounding Ellie’s disappearance and the dark secrets that unfold throughout the novel.
What happens to Ellie at the end?
At the end of Then She Was Gone, Ellie’s disappearance was due to being kidnapped by Floyd, who obsessed over her. Ellie gave birth to a child and later died trying to escape. The truth is revealed, leading to justice for her and closure for her loved ones.
