Why did Susie’s mom leave?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

Answer: The reason why Susie’s mom leaves her family in The Lovely Bones is a complex and deeply personal one. It stems from the immense grief and overwhelming emotions she experiences after the tragic death of her daughter, Susie.

After Susie’s disappearance and murder, her mother finds solace and connection with Len Fenerman, the detective assigned to investigate the case. Their professional relationship evolves into an affair, which becomes a catalyst for her departure from her family. This affair serves as a way for her to momentarily escape the pain and sorrow that consumes her.

In the aftermath of Susie’s death, her mother is trapped in a state of profound grief and loss. The weight of her sorrow becomes unbearable, and she struggles to find meaning or purpose in her life. This overwhelming emotional burden takes a toll on her relationships, including her marriage and her connection with her surviving children.

The affair with Len Fenerman provides a temporary escape from this emotional turmoil. It offers her a brief respite from the constant reminders of her daughter’s absence and the pain that accompanies it. However, this affair ultimately becomes a way for her to distance herself from her family and the painful reality they all must face.

Leaving her family may also be her way of seeking a fresh start, an opportunity to rebuild her life and find some semblance of happiness. The loss of her daughter has shattered her world, and she may believe that by leaving, she can begin to heal and move forward. It is a desperate attempt to find some sense of normalcy in a life that has been forever altered by tragedy.

It is important to note that everyone copes with grief differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. While her decision to leave may be difficult for her family to understand and accept, it is a deeply personal choice that she believes is necessary for her own healing and well-being.

Susie’s mother leaves her family in The Lovely Bones as a result of her overwhelming grief and the emotional turmoil she experiences after her daughter’s death. The affair with Len Fenerman serves as a temporary escape from her pain, but ultimately becomes a way for her to distance herself from her family and seek a fresh start. It is a deeply personal choice that she believes is necessary for her own healing and to find some sense of happiness amidst the tragedy.