The Girl You Left Behind

How does the final revelation that Kommandant Hencke kept his promise to Sophie alter your understanding of his character throughout the novel?

Discuss how the primary settings of Le Coq Rouge and the Glass House function symbolically in the novel.

The alternating narrative structure between the two narratives is central to the novel. At first, these are long episodes, and then shorter alternations. What effects does this choice have on the novel as it develops?

The novel introduces characters into Liv’s narratives who are the direct descendants of characters in Sophie’s. In what ways does this shape the novel and its meanings?

Consider the novel’s portrayal of social condemnation in both narratives and the ways in which Liv and Sophie respond to this. What differences and similarities does this reveal about their characters?

Liv and Paul fall in love quickly, although the reader is given clues to this before they recognize it themselves. Engage in close analysis of language to illuminate how Moyes shows them to be falling in love.

Jojo Moyes draws on the conventions of historical fiction, romance, and legal thriller in her novel. Which of these do you think is the stronger influence in the novel, and why?

What does the novel have to say about feminine identity and agency, especially in times of trauma? Consider minor characters in your answer too.