Podcast Summary: "Then She Was Gone" Episode of The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Introduction and Welcoming Banter
The episode kicks off with Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna engaging in their trademark playful banter, showcasing the dynamic and humorous rapport that defines The Book Lisp. Their light-hearted exchange about microphone mishaps and past humorous disputes sets a relaxed and entertaining tone for the discussion ahead.
Sarah Colonna [00:02]: "And you're listening to the Book List. The Book List."
John Ryan [00:07]: "The Book Lisp."
Podcast Information and Patreon Promotion
Sarah takes a moment to highlight their Patreon page, encouraging listeners to support the podcast for an enhanced experience, including bonus content released on specific dates each month. She briefly mentions their monthly book selections alternating between Jon’s romance picks and Sarah’s psychological thrillers.
Sarah Colonna [01:50]: "I love all the weeks of doing the fun stuff in between as well. But getting to finally talk about it is really exciting."
Jon adds a humorous touch by referencing their current projects and upcoming events, such as Jon’s involvement with the new soccer team, Portland Bangers FC.
John Ryan [02:11]: "Portland Bangers FC first game, May 15th. New soccer team."
Diving into "Then She Was Gone"
Overall Impressions and Ratings
Sarah and Jon express their enthusiasm for Lisa Jewell's "Then She Was Gone", rating it highly for its compelling narrative and intricate character development. Their ratings come with a twist of humor, using vodka and beer scales to quantify their enjoyment.
Sarah Colonna [04:26]: "I give it a five out of five. Vodka."
John Ryan [04:53]: "I give it a solid 10 out of 12 beers."
Character Analysis
Laurel Mack
Laurel Mack, the protagonist, is portrayed as a deeply sympathetic character grappling with the unresolved disappearance of her daughter, Ellie. Sarah highlights Laurel's struggles with moving on and her strained relationships with her remaining family members.
Sarah Colonna [10:59]: "She's a little frustrating now. From the beginning, you. You totally get her. Right. You totally understand that she's stuck at this time, that she lost her daughter."
Jon comments on Laurel’s inability to fully move past her grief, which adversely affects her other relationships and her capacity to trust new people.
John Ryan [11:26]: "Like, she really was. And then, I mean, also, you look back, like, she didn't date for 10 years because she's so obsessed with the."
Floyd
Floyd, a complex character, is discussed extensively. Both hosts ponder his ambiguous morality and the depth of his involvement in the central mystery.
Sarah Colonna [07:03]: "So that's one of the. My favorite things about it is it's like Lisa Jewel knew that she could relax me a little bit by telling me one of the bad guys right up front."
John Ryan [07:25]: "He's interesting. We'll talk about that later. He's interesting."
They explore Floyd’s obsession with Laurel and his morally questionable actions, including his methods of investigation and eventual confrontation with Noel.
John Ryan [14:00]: "Did he go about it the right way, no, obviously he didn't go about it the right way, but, like, how do you feel about that?"
Noel
Noel is depicted as a deeply disturbing antagonist, whose actions against Ellie are both sinister and twisted. The hosts emphasize her manipulative nature and the terror she inflicts on the Mack family.
Sarah Colonna [06:09]: "So that's one of the. My favorite things about it is it's like Lisa Jewel knew that she could relax me a little bit by telling me one of the bad guys right up front."
John Ryan [06:30]: "She's basically like, oh, I'm just. I'm sick of her being in the basement. I'll just let her go. Like a five year old that has a hamster or something."
Supporting Characters: Paul and Poppy
Sarah delves into Paul’s supportive role in Laurel’s life post-divorce, highlighting his understanding and encouragement as they navigate their shared past and present challenges.
Sarah Colonna [32:55]: "But Paul does say to her, when she says that she lost him, I can't find the exact quote...he says, you know, you didn't lose me, you still have me."
Poppy, Laurel's granddaughter, is discussed as a curious and intelligent child whose inquisitiveness drives much of the plot’s tension.
Sarah Colonna [38:06]: "She’s not an only child because she grew up with another child. But that's why we're screwed because all these kids that are coming, going, like leaving college right now, they're all homeschooled for two years during COVID."
Plot Points and Twists
The conversation navigates through key plot developments, including Laurel’s discovery of Floyd’s secretive investigations and the shocking revelation of Ellie’s fate. The hosts appreciate the book’s twists, such as the epilogue providing closure and a bittersweet ending.
Sarah Colonna [23:54]: "And she says it should have been four. She's alluding to Ellie. I'm like, what about Hannah?"
John Ryan [51:34]: "I like a good epilogue. Can really bring a whole book together, you know?"
Themes and Emotional Impact
Themes of grief, obsession, and the complexities of familial relationships are thoroughly examined. Sarah and Jon empathize with Laurel’s perpetual mourning and the detrimental effects it has on her ability to connect with Hannah and Poppy.
John Ryan [35:29]: "I think their situation...because you're like, what? You're still like, you're like, you're not at the same stage of grief that I am."
Sarah reflects on the realistic portrayal of enduring parental worry and the perpetual struggle to balance personal grief with responsibilities to the family.
Sarah Colonna [37:20]: "And so. And so she's like, immediately she's worried about her, starts calling. And that's got to be for the rest of your life."
Critiques and Praise
While the hosts laud the book for its compelling storytelling and complex characters, they also offer constructive critiques. Jon points out minor plot inconsistencies, such as character motivations and actions that felt excessive or unexplained.
John Ryan [26:10]: "They're like, oh, my God, I cannot be with him because his sailor moon is in Jupiter during fall time, and he's a. He's a Sagittarius."
Sarah appreciates the book’s ability to blend suspense with emotional depth but questions certain character decisions that seemed illogical or forced.
Sarah Colonna [17:33]: "But Poppy's nine now. Ten."
Conclusion and Wrap-Up
Jon and Sarah conclude the episode by reaffirming their appreciation for "Then She Was Gone", praising its intricate plot and emotional resonance. They tease their next month's selection, "Beach Beach Vibes" by Susan Mallory, and encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon and social media platforms for additional content and book recommendations.
Sarah Colonna [52:12]: "And you have until the end of May...Maybe just some videos through, you know, once a week or something that we do at home and, and whatnot."
Jon and Sarah's final remarks encapsulate their enthusiasm and commitment to providing insightful and entertaining book discussions, inviting listeners to join them for future episodes.
John Ryan [53:43]: "The Book List, the book lisp, the book list, the book lisp, the book list."
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Colonna [04:26]: "I give it a five out of five. Vodka."
- John Ryan [04:54]: "10 beers out of 12? 12 beers out of a 12 pack."
- Sarah Colonna [05:44]: "I already knew going in...that Noel had something to do with this."
- John Ryan [07:25]: "He's interesting. We'll talk about that later."
- Sarah Colonna [23:54]: "She's alluding to Ellie. I'm like, what about Hannah?"
- John Ryan [36:14]: "You're tied together with someone when you have a kid till. Till the day you die."
This episode of The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna offers an engaging and in-depth exploration of "Then She Was Gone", blending thoughtful analysis with the hosts’ signature humor and chemistry. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or new to the podcast, this summary encapsulates the essence of their lively discussion, making the episode accessible and intriguing for all listeners.