A review by creolelitbelle
The Leaving by Tara Altebrando

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Reread: Even during my second time reading this book, it still made me think a lot. All the answers are not always necessary for a good story, and an important lesson is LIFE does not always provide us with all the answers we wish for. 
The ending is a little ambiguous, and I appreciate that. Capturing those who harmed us is not as vital as learning how to live with trauma and move on with life.


First read: The best kinds of mysteries make you contemplate not just the plot, characters, and their motivations but also fundamental ideas about life itself. The experiences of Lucas, Scarlett, Avery and others told through their eyes truly made me wonder about the impact memories have on our lives and who we become. I see why E. Lockhart endorsed this book - the twists feel like the kind that make you sit back and wonder, just as the twists in We Were Liars.
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