Patti Callahan Henry's Latest Fictional Novel Draws Inspiration From Real Life 20th Century Events

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Book Review

From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry comes a bewildering family journey, carrying a mother and daughter from coastal South Carolina to rural England in search of clues to a decades old family secret. Based on historical fiction 'The Story She Left Behind' chronicles the life of a noted writer who suddenly vanishes with nary a trace, leaving behind only questions without answers. 

Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham was bright beyond her years, perhaps leading doctors to often misdiagnose her mental state. A published author at age 12 gifted with a vivid imagination, Bronwyn lived in her own world, leading her to create a literary language based on her experiences coming of age in the early 20th century.

Seemingly content and happily married with an eight year old daughter, what would cause Bronwyn to suddenly disappear in 1927, leaving very little clues for authorities to work with. 25 years later her daughter Clara, now with an eight year old of her own receives a mysterious call saying some of Bronwyn's lost papers have been discovered in an Englishman's London study.

Could a trip abroad for Clara and her daughter Wynnie bring about closure for the family. Furthermore could Bronwyn's notes provide clues for Clara, as she tries desperately to solve two questions plaguing her for decades. Why did her mother leave? And will Bronwyn's final messages allow Clara enough insight to decipher her mom's secret vocabulary?

Baffling to Clara is why there are so many parallels in London and in the English countryside to her home in the palmetto state. Even more puzzling, could Wynnie have a mystical connection to a grandmother she's never met. Quite possibly, there's more to an unfinished story than meets the eye. Perhaps creating a secret language skips a generation, as do kindred spirits to imaginary friends.

Encompassing 330 pages and covering 59 chapters 'The Story She Left Behind' is an easy and delightful read, with well-defined characters. Patti Callahan Henry is a master storyteller exploring themes from love and loss to personal transformation.

'The Story She Left Behind' is Henry's 19th book in just over two decades. It's clear she's an accomplished writer and a skilled wordsmith. In her own literary world she is 'miraculum', an object of wonder who can create a 'word for everything'. Followers of Henry will be simply enraptured with her latest novel, set for release on March 18th. 

Without question she loves to write and tell stories. For more on all things Patti Callahan Henry including her previous books, essays, blogs, podcasts, and media posts visit her website at https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/

Side note - Patti Callahan Henry will be making two area stops in greater Charleston SC, visiting Buxton Books on King Street in downtown Charleston on Thursday March 20th, and returning Friday March 28th to the Timrod Library in Summerville. Details at https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/appearances