What She Left Behind Summary & Key Insights

Ellen Marie Wiseman's "What She Left Behind" follows the intertwined lives of two women separated by a century: Eliza, a young woman living in 1918 rural Virginia, and Laurel, a contemporary historian researching Eliza's life. The novel unfolds through alternating perspectives, revealing a captivating mystery shrouded in secrets and societal expectations.

Eliza, a spirited and intelligent young woman, finds her life dramatically altered when her mother, a skilled midwife, dies unexpectedly, leaving behind a cryptic journal and a legacy of hushed whispers within their small community. Eliza, fiercely independent and determined to honor her mother's memory, discovers her mother's hidden life as a healer, practicing medicine outside societal norms, even using herbal remedies deemed unconventional at the time. Her mother's death triggers a series of events that force Eliza to confront prejudices against women and the limitations placed upon them. She faces opposition from both the community and her own family, who prefer to maintain a façade of propriety and conformity. Eliza's struggle to understand her mother's secrets intertwines with her own blossoming romance and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing world. She must decide whether to conform to societal expectations or forge her own path, potentially risking everything for her beliefs and her mother's legacy.

Fast forward to the present day, Laurel, a struggling historian researching Appalachian women's history, stumbles upon Eliza's journal. Intrigued by the story of a strong, independent woman who defied societal norms a century ago, Laurel becomes consumed by Eliza's life, paralleling Eliza's journey in her own way. Laurel, like Eliza, faces challenges in her profession and personal life, grappling with societal pressures and the complexities of her own identity. Her research becomes more than just an academic pursuit; it’s a journey of self-discovery as she unravels the mysteries surrounding Eliza and her mother's legacy.

The overarching themes of the novel explore the resilience of women, the power of secrets, and the importance of uncovering one's family history. The contrast between Eliza's and Laurel's lives highlights the enduring struggle for women's rights and self-determination across generations. Both women find empowerment through their respective quests: Eliza fights to honor her mother's memory and find her own place in the world, while Laurel finds healing and purpose in revealing Eliza's story. The novel demonstrates how the past can inform the present, connecting women across time through shared experiences of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of their dreams despite societal constraints. The mystery surrounding Eliza's mother's death and the secrets hidden within the journal serve as catalysts for both women's personal growth and transformation.