Discover the Heart-Wrenching Story in 'What She Left Behind': A Book Review

What She Left Behind is a gripping and heart-wrenching novel by Ellen Marie Wiseman that delves into the lives of two young women, decades apart, who are connected by tragedy. The book tells the story of Clara Cartwright, a teenage girl who is committed to a mental institution in 1929 after witnessing her father's brutal murder. Decades later, in 1995, sixteen-year-old Izzy Stone is sent to live with her grandmother and discovers Clara's diary hidden in the walls of the old asylum. As Izzy reads Clara's words, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about what happened to her and the other patients. This book review will explore the themes of mental illness, loss, and the enduring power of hope and love.

From the first page, What She Left Behind draws you in with its vivid descriptions of life inside a mental institution in the early 20th century. Wiseman's writing is rich and evocative, transporting the reader to a different time and place. Through Clara's eyes, we see the horrors of electroshock therapy, the cruel treatment of patients by some of the staff, and the despair of being trapped in a place where no one believes you belong. The novel also explores the way mental illness was viewed and treated at the time, and how it affected families and communities.

The characters in What She Left Behind are complex and fully realized, with their own struggles and secrets. Clara is a sympathetic protagonist, whose strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma is inspiring. Izzy, too, is a compelling character, struggling with her own grief and sense of isolation. The relationship between these two young women, separated by decades but united in their experiences, is one of the highlights of the novel.

Wiseman skillfully weaves together the stories of Clara and Izzy, creating a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotional. As Izzy uncovers more of Clara's story, she begins to suspect that there is more to her father's murder than anyone knows. The tension builds as Izzy races to uncover the truth before it's too late. Meanwhile, Clara's own journey towards healing and self-discovery is heart-wrenching and ultimately satisfying.

One of the strengths of What She Left Behind is its exploration of the enduring power of hope and love, even in the darkest of circumstances. Despite the horrors she faces, Clara never gives up on the possibility of a better future. Her love for her family and her determination to find justice for her father propel her forward, even when all seems lost. Similarly, Izzy finds solace and connection in the pages of Clara's diary, and in the relationships she forms with those around her.

The novel also touches on themes of loss and grief, and the different ways people cope with these emotions. Clara's experiences of loss are devastating, but she eventually learns to channel her pain into something positive. Izzy, too, must learn to come to terms with her own losses and find a way to move forward.

Overall, What She Left Behind is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Wiseman's writing is beautifully crafted, and her characters are unforgettable. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, suspense, or stories of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Introduction

What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale of two young women, decades apart, whose lives are intertwined by their shared experiences of mental illness, abuse, and loss. The novel explores the themes of family, friendship, trauma, and resilience, and delves into the dark history of mental institutions in America.

The Plot

The story follows the parallel narratives of Clara Cartwright, a teenage girl in the 1920s who is committed to a mental asylum by her wealthy parents after she refuses to marry a man she doesn't love, and Izzy Stone, a modern-day teenager in foster care who becomes obsessed with Clara's story after discovering her abandoned suitcase in an old asylum building.

Clara's Story

Clara's story is told through her journal entries, which are interspersed throughout the novel. She describes her terrifying experiences at the asylum, where she is subjected to brutal treatments and forced to endure the company of dangerous and unstable inmates. Despite the horrors she faces, Clara never loses her spirit or her determination to escape and regain her freedom.

Izzy's Story

Izzy's story is told in the present tense, as she tries to uncover the mystery behind Clara's suitcase and her ultimate fate. Izzy is a troubled teenager who has been shuffled through the foster care system and has never had a stable home or family. She finds solace in Clara's story and becomes determined to give her a voice and a place in history.

The Characters

The characters in What She Left Behind are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own struggles and secrets.

Clara Cartwright

Clara is a strong and resilient young woman who refuses to be broken by the injustices she faces. She is intelligent, brave, and fiercely independent, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul.

Izzy Stone

Izzy is a troubled and rebellious teenager who has been through more than most people her age. She is haunted by her past and struggles to trust others or form meaningful connections. Her obsession with Clara's story is both a coping mechanism and a way of finding purpose and meaning in her life.

The Themes

What She Left Behind explores several important themes that are still relevant today, despite the time period in which the novel is set.

Mental Illness

The novel sheds light on the cruel and often barbaric treatment of mentally ill patients in the early 20th century. It also raises important questions about the stigma and discrimination that still surround mental illness today.

Abuse

Both Clara and Izzy are victims of abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological. The novel highlights the devastating effects of abuse on individuals and communities and the importance of breaking the cycle of violence.

Family and Friendship

The novel explores the power of family and friendship to heal and support individuals in times of crisis. It also shows how relationships can be complicated and fraught with tension and conflict.

The Writing Style

Ellen Marie Wiseman's writing style is hauntingly beautiful and vividly descriptive. She captures the emotions and experiences of her characters with heartbreaking clarity and sensitivity. Her use of dual narratives and journal entries adds depth and complexity to the story and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

The Verdict

What She Left Behind is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, hope, and friendship. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, YA literature, or stories of personal triumph and resilience.

Introduction: A Brief Overview of What She Left Behind

What She Left Behind is a novel by Ellen Marie Wiseman that explores the dark realities of mental health treatment in the 1930s. The story follows two young women, one living in present-day and the other locked away in a mental institution during the Great Depression. As their stories intertwine, secrets are uncovered and the true horrors of the mental health system are exposed.

Plot Summary: A Story of Secrets and Survival

The novel begins with 17-year-old Clara Cartwright, who is living with her wealthy, abusive stepfather, Marcus. After Marcus commits suicide, Clara discovers a suitcase full of old letters and belongings belonging to a woman named Izzy Stone who was institutionalized in the 1930s. As Clara delves deeper into Izzy's story, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about her past.Izzy, the second protagonist of the novel, is a young woman in her twenties who is sent to the Goldengrove Asylum after her father dies and her mother remarries a man who doesn't want her around. Izzy is wrongly committed by her stepfather and forced to endure brutal treatments and abuse at the hands of the staff. Along the way, she meets other women who have been institutionalized for various reasons and forms a bond with one of them, Clara Evans.As Clara continues her investigation into Izzy's past, she soon realizes that there is a connection between the two women that goes beyond just the contents of the suitcase. She uncovers a family secret that has been kept hidden for decades and must decide whether to continue seeking the truth or let the past stay buried.

Character Analysis: Exploring the Protagonists of the Novel

Clara Cartwright is a complex character who is struggling to come to terms with her own traumatic past. She is haunted by the memory of her mother's suicide and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather. Her obsession with Izzy's story gives her a sense of purpose and allows her to confront her own demons.Izzy Stone is a strong-willed woman who refuses to let the system break her spirit. Despite the abuse and mistreatment she endures, she never loses hope that she will one day be free. Her friendship with Clara Evans is a source of comfort and support for both women.Clara Evans is another character who plays an important role in the novel. She is a former patient at Goldengrove who has been released and is now living in a halfway house. Her experiences at the asylum have left her scarred, but she is determined to help other women who are still trapped there.

Themes and Motifs: Unpacking the Book's Complex Messages

One of the main themes of What She Left Behind is the abuse of power. The mental health system of the 1930s was rife with corruption and cruelty, with patients being subjected to barbaric treatments and forced to endure inhumane conditions. The novel highlights the need for accountability and transparency in systems of power, as well as the importance of speaking out against injustice.Another theme that runs throughout the novel is the power of friendship and connection. Izzy and Clara Evans form a bond that helps them survive the horrors of the asylum, and Clara Cartwright finds solace in the letters and belongings left behind by Izzy. The novel emphasizes the importance of human connection and the way that it can help us through even the darkest of times.The motif of secrets also plays a significant role in the book. Both Clara Cartwright and Izzy are hiding secrets from those around them, and as their stories unfold, more and more secrets are revealed. The novel explores the destructive power of secrets and the importance of honesty and transparency.

Writing Style: The Artistry of Ellen Marie Wiseman's Prose

Ellen Marie Wiseman's writing style is both evocative and haunting. She has a talent for bringing her characters to life and creating vivid, detailed settings that transport the reader to another time and place. Her prose is poetic and lyrical, with a sense of rhythm that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.Wiseman also has a knack for pacing, keeping the story moving at a steady clip while still allowing for moments of reflection and introspection. She builds tension masterfully, creating a sense of foreboding that keeps the reader on edge throughout the novel.

Historical Context: Understanding the Mental Health Treatment System of the 1930s

The mental health treatment system of the 1930s was a dark and often brutal place. Patients were subjected to shock treatments, lobotomies, and other barbaric procedures in an attempt to cure them of their mental illnesses. Many patients were wrongly committed by family members or spouses who simply wanted to be rid of them.Wiseman's novel sheds light on this dark period in history and highlights the need for reform in mental health treatment. By showing the reader the horrors of the system, she encourages us to speak out against injustice and fight for change.

Critical Reception: How the Book Has Been Received by Critics and Readers

What She Left Behind has received generally positive reviews from both critics and readers. Many have praised Wiseman's skillful storytelling and the way that she brings the characters to life. The novel has been described as heartbreaking and haunting, with a powerful message about the importance of human connection.Some critics have criticized the book for being overly sentimental or predictable, but these criticisms are relatively minor in the face of the book's overall impact.

Comparison to Other Works: How What She Left Behind Stacks Up Against Similar Novels

What She Left Behind is a unique and powerful novel that stands out from other books in its genre. While there have been many books written about mental health treatment in the past, few have tackled the subject with the same level of nuance and complexity as Wiseman's novel.The book has been compared to works like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Bell Jar, but it stands on its own as a powerful and thought-provoking work of fiction.

Emotional Impact: Why This Book Will Stay with You Long After You've Finished Reading It

What She Left Behind is a deeply emotional and affecting book that will stay with readers long after they've finished reading it. The characters are so vividly drawn and the story so compelling that it's impossible not to become invested in their lives.The book will make you think about the power of secrets, the importance of human connection, and the need for reform in mental health treatment. It's a book that will stay with you for a long time and leave you thinking about its themes and messages for days after you've finished reading.

Final Thoughts: A Personal Reflection on the Meaning and Significance of What She Left Behind

What She Left Behind is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tackles important themes and messages. It's a book that will make you think about the way we treat those who are different from us and the need for reform in systems of power.For me, the book was a reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and the power of human connection. It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in mental health treatment, the power of friendship, or the need for reform in systems of power.

Book Review: What She Left Behind

Point of View

What She Left Behind is a captivating novel that tells the story of two young women from different eras, connected by one tragic event. The narrative is told through alternating perspectives, which adds depth and complexity to the characters and their motivations. As a reader, I found myself fully invested in the lives of both Clara and Izzy, and was eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding their pasts.The author, Ellen Marie Wiseman, does an excellent job of weaving together historical fiction and contemporary drama, creating a compelling and emotional storyline that is both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant and well-written novel.

Pros

The alternating perspectives add depth and complexity to the characters and their motivations.
The historical fiction aspect of the novel is well-researched and adds an interesting layer to the story.
The emotional storyline is both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching.
The writing is engaging and well-crafted.

Cons

The novel has some graphic content that may be disturbing for some readers.
Parts of the story can be predictable or cliché.
There are some loose ends that are left unresolved at the end of the book.

Table Comparison: Clara and Izzy

	Clara	Izzy
Age	17	18
Era	1930s	Present day
Background	Orphaned and sent to a mental institution	Adopted and struggling with her identity
Motivation	To escape the institution and uncover the truth about her family	To find her birth mother and come to terms with her past
Relationship to other characters	Romantic relationship with a fellow patient; close friendships with other patients	Close relationship with her adoptive mother; strained relationship with her adoptive father

Overall, What She Left Behind is a well-written and engaging novel that explores themes of mental health, family, and identity. While there are some flaws in the story, such as predictability and loose ends, the emotional depth of the characters and the historical research make it a worthwhile read.

What She Left Behind Book Review: A Story of Hope and Healing

Dear blog visitors,

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman. I hope that my thoughts on this book have piqued your interest and encouraged you to pick up a copy for yourself.

What She Left Behind is a powerful story of two women, separated by decades but united in their struggles. The novel tells the story of Clara, a teenage girl who is placed in a mental institution in the 1920s, and Izzy, a modern-day teenager who discovers Clara's diary while volunteering at the institution-turned-museum.

Wiseman seamlessly weaves together these two narratives, exploring themes of mental illness, family, and the power of hope. Her writing is evocative and emotional, drawing the reader into the lives of these two young women and keeping them invested until the very end.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the way in which Wiseman handled the topic of mental illness. She approached the subject with sensitivity and nuance, never shying away from the harsh realities of life in a mental institution but also never reducing Clara or any of the other patients to mere caricatures.

Throughout the book, we see Clara struggle with her own demons while also forming connections with the other patients and staff members at the institution. Her relationship with Dr. Kildaire, in particular, is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as she struggles to come to terms with her feelings for him and the reality of their situation.

Meanwhile, Izzy's story provides a more contemporary perspective on mental illness, exploring how it affects families and the challenges faced by those who care for loved ones with mental health issues.

As I read What She Left Behind, I was struck by the way in which Wiseman managed to balance difficult subject matter with moments of hope and redemption. While there are certainly some dark moments in the book, there are also moments of warmth and light that serve to remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Ultimately, What She Left Behind is a story about the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of the human heart and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

If you're looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend picking up a copy of What She Left Behind. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Thank you for reading,

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