The Things We Wish Were True Summary & Key Insights

Marybeth Mayhew Whalen's "The Things We Wish Were True" follows the intertwined lives of several families in the small, close-knit town of Havenwood, Massachusetts, as they grapple with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy and the enduring power of secrets. The novel centers around the disappearance of seven-year-old Lily Anne, a seemingly idyllic event that shatters the town's peaceful façade.

The core narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, primarily focusing on Lily Anne's parents, Sarah and Michael; Sarah's childhood friend, Kate; and Sheriff Ben, a newcomer to Havenwood. Sarah and Michael, initially consumed by grief and the desperate search for their daughter, find their marriage strained under the weight of uncertainty and conflicting grief responses. Sarah, a fiercely private individual, struggles to reconcile her faith with the inexplicable loss, while Michael, driven by a need for answers, engages in relentless investigations, uncovering unsettling truths about the town's history.

Kate, burdened by a secret from her own past related to another tragic event in Havenwood's history, feels a strong connection to Lily Anne's disappearance and becomes an unexpected ally to Sarah. Her internal conflict, fueled by guilt and the desire for redemption, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Sheriff Ben, tasked with solving the case, confronts not only the mystery surrounding Lily Anne but also the reluctance of Havenwood's residents to cooperate fully. He uncovers a pattern of secrets and hidden truths buried beneath the town's idyllic exterior.

Throughout the investigation, the novel explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the fragility of truth. The seemingly idyllic Havenwood is revealed to harbor long-held secrets and unresolved traumas, impacting the lives of its residents in ways they never anticipated. The search for Lily Anne becomes a metaphor for the characters' individual quests for healing and understanding. The characters are forced to confront their own pasts, acknowledge their flaws, and ultimately decide whether to accept the unsettling truths or cling to comforting illusions.

The novel doesn't necessarily provide a neat resolution to the mystery of Lily Anne's disappearance. Instead, Whalen focuses on the emotional journey of the characters, emphasizing the enduring impact of grief, trauma, and the complex interplay of faith and doubt. The ending leaves room for interpretation, suggesting that some things remain elusive, even as the characters find a measure of peace and acceptance. The overarching theme is the enduring power of hope and the importance of human connection even in the face of unimaginable loss and heartbreaking truths.