Synopsis
Then She Was Gone is a novel about a fifteen-year-old girl named Ellie Mack who disappears in 2005. Much of the book takes place in 2015 and is told from the point of view of Laurel Mack, her mother. The story of a teen-aged girl from a semi-privileged background that vanishes into thin air, or does she? Ultimately told from the perspectives of 4 different characters, this story kept me wanting more and more.
My Reaction
Even with 2 jobs and a blog, I finished Then She Was Gone in 3 days. This is definitely not something I am able to do anymore. So I think that goes to show you that I found this book interesting. The differing perspectives kept the story moving and took it to a different level than if it had been told from only 1 perspective. Also, the jumps in the timeline kept it interesting and gave new insights that would not have been possible if it had been told in a linear fashion.
I liked our protagonist, Laurel, despite her seeming like a pretty crappy mom and wife. I mean, after Ellie’s disappearance she basically forgets about her other two kids and her husband. This happens to many female characters when they have to put the pieces of their lives back together after the disappearance of a loved one. But, really, how would you react when one of your children, especially your favorite child, disappeared and there was nothing you could do to find them? I bet you would either give up on life entirely and shut out everyone else in your life. Or you might pull your loved ones around you a little tighter and cling to them for life. So I can understand Laurel’s actions following the disappearance to a degree.
Some of the plotlines were predictable. There were also some glaring holes in the plot that I questioned long after I finished the book. Overall, though, I still really enjoyed reading it. I won’t give spoilers for the things I predicted because I actually liked this book and want people to read it. Also, Ellie was just too darn perfect from Laurel’s descriptions of her. I definitely see why Hanna was both in competition with Ellie for everything but also ended up hating Laurel after the disappearance. I don’t think it is necessary for the character that disappears to always be a “golden child,” like they are in so many suspense stories. For once, I’d love to read a story about a troubled kid/adult who disappears, but the people they love still fight like crazy to find them.
I would definitely recommend Then She Was Gone to a friend. One caveat though: it will be a little predictable if you’ve read other suspense/psychological thriller-type books. If you’re looking for a faster-paced thriller with complicated characters that I could.not.put.down, read Emma in the Night. It’s amazing and I finished it in under a day. Or check out our other Thriller/Suspense reviews to find your next read.
Rating
Now it’s your turn. Have you read Then She Was Gone? Did you enjoy it as much as I did? If you want to chat about it please make sure to comment below or tag me on Instagram (@bookishkitchen #thebookishkitchen)! I love to hear from our followers.
