I Was Here Summary & Key Insights

Gayle Forman's "I Was Here" unravels the intertwined lives of two teenage girls, Meg and Côr, connected by a shared tragedy and a posthumous quest for meaning. Meg, a seemingly ordinary high school student, discovers a box of Côr’s belongings – a box that holds the key to understanding a life lived intensely, albeit tragically cut short. Côr, a vibrant and artistic soul, had committed suicide, leaving behind a trail of cryptic clues and unspoken emotions.

The novel's central plot revolves around Meg's discovery of Côr's secret life. Through Côr's journals, artwork, and hidden messages, Meg begins to piece together the puzzle of her predecessor, uncovering Côr's struggles with mental health, her burgeoning artistic talent, and her complex relationship with her family. Meg embarks on a journey, not only to understand Côr but also to fulfill a promise she finds hidden within Côr's belongings: to complete Côr's final art project, a series of murals depicting significant places in Côr’s life.

This project acts as a catalyst for Meg's own personal growth. As she tracks down the locations significant to Côr – a local park, a dilapidated building, a bustling city street – Meg interacts with people from Côr's life, gaining insights into her personality and the events leading to her death. These encounters, initially hesitant and awkward, gradually reveal the complexities of Côr's relationships and the lingering impact of her suicide on those left behind.

The overarching theme is the enduring power of connection and legacy, even in the face of loss. Meg's quest to complete Côr's art project transforms into a journey of self-discovery, forcing her to confront her own anxieties and vulnerabilities. The book highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of mental illness and the devastating consequences of untreated depression. Through Meg's actions, the novel emphasizes the significance of reaching out to others and finding support during difficult times.

Côr's story serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles many teenagers face and the urgency of offering empathy and understanding. Meg's journey, fueled by a desire to honour Côr's memory, illustrates the restorative power of empathy and the possibility of finding meaning and purpose in the wake of tragedy. While the narrative ultimately focuses on Meg's journey, it is Côr's story that profoundly impacts her and the reader, leaving a lasting impression on the importance of recognizing suffering and celebrating the lives of those lost too soon.