What Was Lost

A Novel

By: Melissa Connelly

Narrated by: Marnye Young

Reminiscent of Hello Beautiful and The Lying Life of Adults, this powerful narrative delves into social changes from 1970 to 2000 and captures a woman’s journey in a pre-#MeToo era via the tale of a mother who returns to her hometown to face the perpetrator of her childhood abuse. When a young girl feels complicit in her own abuse, how does that thwart her attempts to build a happy life as an adult woman?

When disturbing memories begin to surface, Marti returns to the small Vermont town she ran away from thirty years ago to face her demons. She drags her unwitting teenage daughter along on the journey—heightening already existing tension between mother and daughter. But Marti is determined to achieve what she’s returned home for: forgiveness for lies told, and revenge for secrets held.

Exploring the vast social changes that took place between 1970 and 2000 and turning a critical eye on times before language such as #MeToo helped give voice to these all-too-common occurrences, What Was Lost is a raw, powerful tale of one woman confronting the ghosts of her past.

©2024 Melissa Connelly (P)2024 Melissa Connelly

Believable characters who got into your head and heart.

I liked the ending. Everything was not tied up in a neat little package. Very realistic.

Powerful story of abuse and redemption

In this expertly crafted novel, Connelly navigates themes of mother/daughter relationships, trauma, abuse, misplaced guilt, and the search for resolution by victims. The book kept me engaged with incremental revelations about the main character's past. At times, it was quite painful to listen to, but in a good way; I was thoroughly invested in what this child endured. As an adult, she must embark on a journey, searching for forgiveness, revenge, redemption, and coming to terms with her secret truths. Emotionally complex, but totally satisfying. The narration was excellent.