"What She Left Behind" Summary

Introduction

"What She Left Behind" is a captivating historical fiction novel written by Ellen Marie Wiseman. Published in 2013, this emotionally charged story takes readers on a journey through the lives of two young women, separated by decades, but bound together by their shared experiences of love, loss, and resilience.

Brief Synopsis

The novel is set in both the present day and the 1930s, alternating between the lives of two protagonists. In the present, we meet Izzy Stone, a seventeen-year-old girl who has spent most of her life in foster care. She is determined to uncover the truth about her mother, who was institutionalized in a mental asylum known as Willowbrook in the 1930s. As Izzy explores the abandoned asylum, she discovers a suitcase belonging to Clara Cartwright, a young woman who was a patient at Willowbrook.

The story then shifts to the 1930s, where we meet Clara Cartwright, a sixteen-year-old girl from a wealthy family who falls in love with a young Italian immigrant named Bruno. However, Clara's relationship with Bruno is frowned upon by her family, and they do everything in their power to keep them apart. When Clara's father discovers her secret relationship, he has her committed to Willowbrook, where she faces unimaginable horrors and struggles to maintain her sanity.

As Izzy delves deeper into Clara's story, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her and to bring her tragic tale to light. In the process, Izzy uncovers dark secrets about her own past and finds the strength to confront her own demons.

Main Characters

Summary of Story Points

Chapters 1-5: Izzy's Investigation Begins

Izzy, driven by her desire to uncover her mother's past, visits Willowbrook, an abandoned mental asylum. She discovers Clara's suitcase, filled with letters and journals, and becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to her.

Chapters 6-10: Clara's Forbidden Love

The story shifts to the 1930s, where Clara, a young girl from a wealthy family, falls in love with Bruno, an Italian immigrant. Their romance is met with opposition from Clara's family, leading to her eventual commitment to Willowbrook.

Chapters 11-15: Life Inside Willowbrook

Clara faces the harsh reality of life at Willowbrook, where she witnesses the mistreatment of patients and struggles to hold onto her sanity. She forms a connection with Dr. Elias, who becomes an ally in her fight for survival.

Chapters 16-20: Izzy's Personal Challenges

As Izzy continues to uncover Clara's story, she faces personal challenges in her own life. She confronts her foster mother, faces bullying at school, and begins to question her own mental health.

Chapters 21-25: The Truth Unveiled

Izzy's investigation leads her to confront her own family's dark secrets, as she learns the truth about her mother's time at Willowbrook. She finds closure for both herself and Clara, finally understanding the depth of their shared experiences.

Main Events

• Izzy discovers Clara's suitcase at Willowbrook, sparking her investigation into Clara's story.
• Clara falls in love with Bruno, but their relationship is forbidden by Clara's family.
• Clara is committed to Willowbrook, where she faces mistreatment and struggles to maintain her sanity.
• Izzy confronts her own family's secrets and finds closure for both herself and Clara.

Themes and Insights

The Stigma of Mental Illness

The novel explores the stigma surrounding mental illness in the 1930s and the present day. It sheds light on the horrific treatment of patients in mental asylums and the lasting impact it has on their lives.

Love and Resilience

Both Clara and Izzy demonstrate incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Their love for their respective partners and their determination to uncover the truth drives them forward, even in the darkest of times.

Family Secrets and Betrayal

The book delves into the theme of family secrets and the devastating effects they can have on individuals. The betrayal experienced by both Clara and Izzy at the hands of their families shapes their journeys and influences their search for truth and healing.

Reader's Takeaway

"What She Left Behind" is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that explores the impact of mental illness, love, and resilience. Through the compelling stories of Clara and Izzy, readers are reminded of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the strength to confront the past.

Conclusion

Ellen Marie Wiseman's "What She Left Behind" is a gripping historical fiction novel that seamlessly weaves together the lives of two young women from different eras. With its compelling characters, engaging plot, and exploration of important themes, this book is sure to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.