The Girl Who Chased the Moon: Summary

In “The Girl Who Chased the Moon” by Sarah Addison Allen, a young girl named Emily moves to Mullaby, North Carolina, to live with her grandfather after her mother’s death, only to discover a town filled with secrets, magic, and unexpected connections.

Discovering the Magic of Mullaby

Emily Benedict, a sixteen-year-old girl, arrives in Mullaby to live with her grandfather, Vance Shelby, whom she has never met. She soon learns that Mullaby is a town filled with peculiar occurrences and whispers of magic. The town is known for its mysterious lights that appear in the woods at night, and the scent of sugary cakes that fills the air. As Emily settles into her new life, she befriends Julia Winterson, a girl her age who has her own secrets. Together, they navigate the mysteries of Mullaby and uncover the truth behind the town’s enchantments.

A Tale of Love and Loss

As Emily delves deeper into her family’s history, she discovers that her mother, Dulcie, was ostracized by the town due to her relationship with a man named Sawyer. Emily becomes determined to uncover the truth about her parents’ past and the reasons behind her mother’s departure from Mullaby. Along the way, she finds herself falling in love with Sawyer’s son, Win Coffey, who is also hiding his own secrets. Their relationship becomes entangled in the complicated history of their families, and they must confront the ghosts of the past to find their own happiness.

Embracing Forgiveness and Acceptance

Throughout the story, forgiveness and acceptance play significant roles. Emily learns to forgive her mother for leaving her and discovers that her mother’s actions were driven by love and a desire to protect her. She also learns to accept herself and embrace her own unique abilities. Julia, on the other hand, struggles with accepting her own past and finding forgiveness for herself. As the two girls support each other, they both learn valuable lessons about the power of forgiveness and self-acceptance.

• Family secrets can shape our lives and understanding them can lead to healing.
• Love and forgiveness have the power to overcome past mistakes and heal relationships.
• Accepting oneself and embracing individuality is key to finding happiness.

“Sometimes you have to feel the past to believe it.” – Sarah Addison Allen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon

In “The Girl Who Chased the Moon,” Sarah Addison Allen weaves a magical tale of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through the enchanting town of Mullaby, readers are transported into a world where secrets are unraveled, pasts are confronted, and the power of forgiveness is celebrated. As Emily and Julia navigate their own journeys, they learn the importance of embracing their true selves and finding solace in the mysteries of life. With its whimsical atmosphere and heartfelt storytelling, this book reminds us that sometimes the most extraordinary things can be found in the most ordinary places.