Everything We Left Behind Summary
Lonsdale, Kerry

Everything We Left Behind Overview

In Everything We Left Behind by Kerry Lonsdale, James Donato’s life is in upheaval when he regains his memory after six and a half years in a dissociative fugue during which time he went by the name Carlos. He is angry about the life he missed out on and seethes with a deep distrust for his mother and brothers, whom he believes left him behind. He must ask himself if he will continue to mourn the past that has moved on without him or embrace his new family — his sons and girlfriend who love him — that he created while he was Carlos? Themes in the novel include the true meaning of family, the nature of true love, and the strength it takes to forgive.