Lost: A Novel

Alice Lichtenstein
Scribner (2010)
ISBN 9781439159828
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (04/10)


“Lost” tells the story of Susan and Christopher Hunsinger, an older couple who have been experiencing difficulties.  Christopher suffers from dementia and Susan acts as his caretaker.  One morning Susan steps out for a short walk while Christopher is asleep.  Upon returning home, she is alarmed to discover Christopher is missing.  With the temperature well below freezing, she knows she must find him quickly.  A search party is assembled and social worker Jeff Herdman is assigned to stay with Susan.  Jeff is dealing with his own issues which include handling the case of a boy named Corey whose brother died in a house fire.  As the search goes on, Susan and Jeff help each other stay strong and keep hope alive.

“Lost” is the perfect title for this book.  The author does an excellent job of weaving together the stories of Christopher, Susan, Jeff, and Corey by showing the different ways each of them has lost something.  By sharing memories from their pasts, she beautifully demonstrates how their lives have been affected by their losses.  This story will stir the emotions of its readers.  It will also leave them with a feeling of hope as well as the ability to recognize goodness in their fellow man.

The author has created characters people can relate to.  She also presents realistic scenarios, especially through Susan’s situation.  She explores how friendships become awkward when one member of a couple becomes ill and often results in the isolation of the healthy one.  She accurately portrays the emotions of an overstressed caretaker - relief at getting a short break and guilt when she loses her patience.  The fact that Susan felt she needed to “be a martyr” and take care of Christopher by herself because he was her responsibility resonates with reality.  It almost seems as if the author herself personally filled the role of a caretaker in “Lost.”

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