The Last Anniversary is a touching and heartwarming story written by Liane Moriarty. The last anniversary takes readers on a journey through family secrets, love, and the truth that hides behind smiles. This story is set on Scribbly Gum Island, a small place filled with mystery and memories. It is about people who come together every year to celebrate something from the past, but deep inside, they carry stories that are not easy to tell. Each character has something special, something broken, and something they try to hide. As the story moves, readers slowly discover how every life connects, how secrets can change everything, and how love can heal even old wounds. The book shows that life is not perfect, but it is beautiful when we learn to forgive, accept, and love again.
In this story, we meet Sophie Honeywell, a woman who once had everything planned but still feels something is missing. When she inherits a house on Scribbly Gum Island from her ex-boyfriend’s aunt, her life takes a turn she never expected. What seems like a sweet surprise soon becomes a deep journey into the past of the island and its people. The island has long held a mystery—the story of the Munro Baby disappearance—that made it famous. Every year, families gather for the last anniversary to celebrate this mystery. But as Sophie gets to know everyone, she begins to uncover more than she ever imagined. Each page of the book pulls readers closer to the lives of its characters, showing us that sometimes, truth can be the most powerful story of all. It is a novel about friendship, forgiveness, and finding where you truly belong.
The Story of Scribbly Gum Island
Scribbly Gum Island is not just a setting in the story—it feels alive. It is a place full of old houses, quiet gardens, and people who have known each other for years. The biggest secret of the island is the mystery of the Munro Baby. Many years ago, a couple named Alice and Jack Munro vanished, leaving behind their baby girl. The baby was found alive, but no one ever discovered what happened to the parents. This mystery became famous, and every year the islanders celebrate “the last anniversary” to remember that strange event.
The anniversary is not just a simple celebration; it is a way for the islanders to stay connected. They bake cakes, decorate houses, and share stories about the past. It sounds cheerful, but beneath the laughter, there are secrets, regrets, and memories that never go away. This yearly event brings out the truth little by little, and Sophie soon finds herself caught between curiosity and fear as she learns more about the island’s history.
Sophie Honeywell and Her New Life
Sophie’s life changes completely when she moves to Scribbly Gum Island. She feels like an outsider at first because everyone already knows each other so well. The people on the island are kind but also private. Sophie tries to fit in, and along the way, she starts to understand herself better. She realizes that her life in the city was missing something real—something that the island now gives her.
Living in the house Connie left her makes Sophie feel both blessed and burdened. The house holds memories of a family she never knew. As she explores, she finds old letters, photos, and objects that tell the story of the people who once lived there. She becomes part of a family that has known both joy and heartbreak. The deeper she looks, the more she learns that every person on the island has their own secret.
The Mystery of the Munro Baby
The Munro Baby mystery is the center of the story. Decades ago, Alice and Jack Munro disappeared without a trace, leaving their baby behind. The baby, named Enigma, was raised by two sisters—Connie and Rose Thrum. They became famous for their kindness and for keeping the baby safe. Over time, people began visiting the island to see where the mystery happened, turning Scribbly Gum Island into a tourist attraction.
As Sophie learns about the story, she becomes close to Enigma and the others. She wants to know what really happened all those years ago, but the truth is hidden under layers of silence and family protection. The mystery isn’t just about what happened to the Munros; it is about what people choose to hide to protect the ones they love.
The Characters That Bring The Story to Life
Liane Moriarty makes the characters in the last anniversary feel real and warm. Grace, one of the islanders, seems to have a perfect life. She has a loving husband and a beautiful baby, but inside, she feels lost. She is struggling with sadness that she can’t explain, which makes her story touching. Veronika, another woman, is smart, strong, and sometimes harsh, but deep down she just wants to be loved and understood. Enigma, the baby from the mystery, is now an older woman who carries the weight of her parents’ disappearance her entire life.
Each of these characters shows a different side of human emotion—fear, guilt, love, and hope. Sophie learns from them and slowly starts to understand that everyone has pain, even those who seem happy on the outside. The island teaches her that life is not perfect, but it can still be beautiful when you open your heart.
Themes of Love, Family, and Secrets
The last anniversary talks deeply about family and love. It shows how people hold on to secrets to protect others, and how sometimes those secrets hurt more than the truth. It reminds readers that no family is perfect. Everyone has something they regret, something they wish they could change, and something they are proud of.
Love is another strong theme in the story. Sophie’s love life, Grace’s struggles as a mother, and Enigma’s painful memories all show different kinds of love—romantic love, family love, and self-love. Through their stories, we learn that love is not always easy, but it is always worth fighting for.
The Message Behind The Last Anniversary
The biggest message in the last anniversary is that the truth always finds its way out, even after many years. It tells readers that forgiveness can heal deep wounds and that facing the past is the only way to move forward. The story shows how people change when they accept their mistakes and forgive themselves and others.
It also reminds us to be kind. Everyone is fighting something we cannot see. On Scribbly Gum Island, every person looks happy, but each one hides a silent pain. Sophie’s journey shows that when you open your heart to others, you find peace for yourself too.
Liane Moriarty’s Writing Style
Liane Moriarty writes in a warm and gentle way that makes readers feel connected to the story. She mixes humor, sadness, and hope all in one book. Her words make you feel like you are sitting on the island, watching the waves and listening to the characters talk. She writes about real emotions in simple ways, which is why people of all ages love her books.
Her storytelling in the last anniversary is soft yet powerful. It makes readers think about their own families, their own secrets, and how they treat others. The way she builds each character and slowly reveals their truth makes the story special and unforgettable.
Why The Last Anniversary Still Matters
Even after many years since its release, the last anniversary still touches hearts. It is not just about mystery—it is about life, forgiveness, and the power of truth. Many readers find themselves in the characters’ emotions. Some feel like Sophie, lost but hopeful. Some feel like Grace, trying to be strong when everything feels heavy. And some see themselves in Enigma, living with memories that can’t be forgotten.
The book shows that time does not erase pain, but love and understanding can make it lighter. It teaches that endings are not always sad; sometimes they are new beginnings. The last anniversary is a story that makes readers cry, smile, and think deeply about what really matters in life.
Conclusion
The last anniversary is more than just a novel—it is a story about real people, real feelings, and real forgiveness. It teaches that life can be messy, but love and truth can make it beautiful again. Sophie’s journey shows that even when life feels broken, something new can begin. Liane Moriarty has created a story that touches the heart and stays with the reader long after the final page.
FAQs
What is The Last Anniversary about?
The last anniversary is about a woman named Sophie who inherits a house on Scribbly Gum Island, where she discovers a long-hidden family mystery about a missing couple and a baby.
Who wrote The Last Anniversary?
The book was written by Liane Moriarty, the bestselling author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers.
Is The Last Anniversary a mystery story?
Yes, it has mystery, but it is also a story about family, love, and finding truth.
