The Last Anniversary summary

The Arrival of Sophie Honeywell

In The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty, we are introduced to Sophie Honeywell, a woman in her mid-thirties who works in marketing and is in a long-term relationship with a man named Thomas. When Thomas finally proposes to her, Sophie surprisingly declines, feeling that she doesn't love him enough to marry him. Thomas, heartbroken, moves on and marries someone else, leaving Sophie single and regretful.

Fast forward to several years later, Sophie is still single and living in her ex-boyfriend's apartment, working as a house sitter. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a phone call informing her about the death of Thomas' aunt, Connie. Even more surprising is the news that Connie has left her house on Scribbly Gum Island to Sophie, despite the fact that they weren't particularly close. Sophie is intrigued by the inheritance and decides to move to the island, leaving her old life behind.

The Mystery of the Munro Baby

Scribbly Gum Island is known for the unsolved mystery of the Munro Baby. Over seventy years ago, a couple, the Munros, disappeared, leaving behind a baby girl. The baby was found alive and well on the front porch of the house where Sophie now lives. The baby, Grace, has grown up and is now an old woman, still living on the island. The mystery of what happened to her parents has never been solved, and it has become a part of the island's folklore.

Upon moving to the island, Sophie is welcomed by the eccentric residents, including Connie's daughters, Rose and Margie, and their respective families. Sophie discovers that the house she inherited is not in good shape and needs a lot of renovation. She also learns about the annual celebration of the Munro Baby's survival, which has become a major tourist attraction for the island.

Secrets and Revelations

As Sophie settles into her new life, she uncovers the secrets and hidden tensions within the family and the island. She learns that Connie, her late aunt, was not as sweet and kind as she appeared to be. There were rumors about her involvement in the Munro Baby's disappearance, and many people on the island seem to hold her in contempt. Sophie also discovers that Thomas had visited the island before her, which raises questions about his intentions.

As Sophie delves deeper into the history of the Munro Baby, she becomes more entwined with the island's residents and their complicated lives. She forms a close bond with Grace, the surviving Munro Baby, and helps her confront her painful past. She also gets involved in the family drama surrounding Connie's estate and tries to mend the strained relationships between the family members.

Love and New Beginnings

Throughout her time on Scribbly Gum Island, Sophie finds herself reevaluating her past and her choices. She starts to appreciate the slower pace of life on the island and the sense of community she finds there. She also begins to question her feelings for Thomas and whether she made the right decision in turning down his proposal.

In the end, Sophie uncovers the truth about the Munro Baby's disappearance, a revelation that brings closure to the island's long-standing mystery. She also comes to terms with her past and embraces the idea of starting over. Sophie decides to leave the island and embark on a new adventure, ready to take control of her life and pursue her own happiness.