The Only One Left: A Novel

Lenora Hope was just 17 years old when she was accused of murdering her family with her sister. This horrific event took place in 1929 on the coast of Maine. The police never found enough evidence to prove Lenora's guilt, and despite the family's dark history, she has always denied any involvement in the tragedy.

The story then jumps to 1983, where we meet Kit McDeere, a 17-year-old home-health aide who arrives at Hope's End to care for Lenora, who is now in her 70s and confined to a wheelchair. Lenora has never spoken about that fateful night, and she can only communicate with Kit through a typewriter. As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading up to the massacre, she starts to reveal some shocking details. However, when Kit discovers new information about her predecessor's departure, she begins to suspect that Lenora might be hiding something - and that she might not just be telling the complete truth.

As Kit digs deeper, she realizes that the story of the Hope family massacre is far more complex and sinister than she initially thought. With each new revelation, Kit finds herself drawn into a dark and twisted world, where nothing is as it seems. The further Kit gets to know Lenora, the more she starts to question her own perceptions of the tragedy. The question of who really committed the murders, and why, becomes a central mystery that Kit is determined to unravel.

This book is a haunting and thought-provoking tale of family secrets, lies, and tragedy. The author masterfully weaves together a complex narrative that spans over six decades, taking us on a journey from the darkness of the past to the present day. The story is presented in a unique way, with the protagonist, Lenora, communicating through a typewriter, which adds a sense of intimacy and detail to the events that unfold.

At the heart of this story is the complex web of relationships within the Hope family. We see how tragic events in the past have shaped the lives of those involved, and how they've continued to be passed down through generations. The author raises so many questions, from what really happened on that fateful night, to why the truth has been hidden, and what the consequences of keeping secrets can be. As I turned the pages, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the mystery, my curiosity growing with each new revelation. I couldn't help but feel for Lenora, who has carried this burden for so long, and for Kit, who is drawn into this world despite the danger and uncertainty.

The writing is descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the setting and atmosphere. The author's use of language is simple, yet effective, making it easy to follow the complex plot. As I read, I found myself reflecting on my own understanding of the world, and the ways in which our perceptions can be influenced by those around us. This book is not just a story, but an exploration of the human condition, and the power of secrets and lies to shape our lives.

Rating: 3.2 / 5.0

This book is a thought-provoking tale of family secrets, lies, and tragedy that spans over six decades, taking us on a journey from the darkness of the past to the present day. The author masterfully weaves together a complex narrative that raises many questions, from what really happened on that fateful night, to why the truth has been hidden, and what the consequences of keeping secrets can be. The writing is descriptive and evocative, making it easy to follow the complex plot, and the author's use of language is simple, yet effective. As I turned the pages, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the mystery, my curiosity growing with each new revelation. I couldn't help but feel for Lenora, who has carried this burden for so long, and for Kit, who is drawn into this world despite the danger and uncertainty.