Timing is everything. There were three pages left to read in my book and I wanted to be alone when I read them. R was leaving for work so I said my good-byes and prepared for the ending. Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski is the story of a man who sets out to find his son, lost to him during World War II. Hilary had fled the Germans after seeing his newborn son only briefly, his wife Lisa too weak to follow. He later learns that his wife was murdered by the Gestapo but not before she handed over their son to another woman. Through further tragedy there is now a trail to follow which may or may not lead Hilary to this boy who is now almost five years old. The sweetest boy with the skinniest legs and huge brown eyes is presented to Hilary. Is this urchin his son? Does he even want this child to be his son, forcing him to open his heart again? As a woman reading this book I was screaming at Hilary to take the boy and run. The term 'dolt' came to mind more than a few times! The last three pages had me holding my breath and I had absolutely steeled myself to an ending, the ending I had become convinced would play out. The last sentence read, I took a breath and felt the sting in my eyes. There was a review written by a blogger which started 'Marghanita Laski, F__ you!' and I certainly understand where that emotion was coming from. My feelings are 'Marghanita Laski, thank you'.
My next read arrived right on schedule in today's mail. I may have to mull over Little Boy Lost for the evening and a friend is stopping by for a visit but Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger will be on my nightstand waiting.
Timing is everything. There were three pages left to read in my book and I wanted to be alone when I read them. R was leaving for work so I said my good-byes and prepared for the ending. Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski is the story of a man who sets out to find his son, lost to him during World War II. Hilary had fled the Germans after seeing his newborn son only briefly, his wife Lisa too weak to follow. He later learns that his wife was murdered by the Gestapo but not before she handed over their son to another woman. Through further tragedy there is now a trail to follow which may or may not lead Hilary to this boy who is now almost five years old. The sweetest boy with the skinniest legs and huge brown eyes is presented to Hilary. Is this urchin his son? Does he even want this child to be his son, forcing him to open his heart again? As a woman reading this book I was screaming at Hilary to take the boy and run. The term 'dolt' came to mind more than a few times! The last three pages had me holding my breath and I had absolutely steeled myself to an ending, the ending I had become convinced would play out. The last sentence read, I took a breath and felt the sting in my eyes. There was a review written by a blogger which started 'Marghanita Laski, F__ you!' and I certainly understand where that emotion was coming from. My feelings are 'Marghanita Laski, thank you'. 
My next read arrived right on schedule in today's mail. I may have to mull over Little Boy Lost for the evening and a friend is stopping by for a visit but Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger will be on my nightstand waiting.
So glad you loved it too! Thank you, Marghanita Laski, indeed.
ReplyDeleteWow...seeing two such reactions has made me curious to read this one for myself even though it hadn't made my Perpephone wishlist. I am on the fence about Symmetry...I had a lukewarm reaction to Time Traveler and didn't think I would read this one. I will be interested to see what you think of it.
ReplyDeleteThat ending made up for all the thumpings I wanted to give Hilary over the course of the novel.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing more about the Niffenegger. I wasn't a fan of The Time-Traveler's Wife, but I'm hearing nothing but good things about the new novel.
Oh Darlene I am so glad you loved it! Wasn't it just beautiful?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your HFS thoughts; prepare to be sucked in and to lose all grip on reality for the next few days!
Paperback Reader, I was really brought to the edge with that one. The tone of this book was so completely different from The Village!
ReplyDeleteBook Psmith, The reactions to this book scared me and I put off reading it for quite awhile. Read this book!
HFS is set largely around Highgate Cemetary in London and the anglophile in me is way too intrigued.
makedoandread, My goodness that was a roller coaster ride!
I didn't bother reading Niffenegger's first book but read Rachel's review and you'll be very tempted to read this one.
Rachel, There was a movie playing in my head the whole time. Do you watch Coronation Street? I had little Simon in my head for Jean with his dark hair and big eyes, aahhh.
I'm going to start HFS later this afternoon once I'm home from work, can't wait!
This one has made my Persephone wishlist either, but your review has really piqued my interest.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful?! My reaction was just the same.
ReplyDeleteThomas, Don't hesitate to read this book one day.
ReplyDeletefleurfisher, It was rough going there for a bit wasn't it!
I really must get my hands on Little Boy Lost after reading several good reviews. I'm especially curious after seeing that quote from another blogger! I have Her Fearful Symmetry on order. I thought it would be easier to just get the US version, but had I ordered from the UK I bet I would already have my copy, too. Instead I am still waiting. (Not that I don't already have plenty to read!).
ReplyDeleteDanielle, You'll be missing out on something wonderful if you don't read Little Boy Lost one day. The ending has been described as 'one of the most poignant of the twentieth century'.
ReplyDeleteBeing caught bookless is something you will never be! Here's to keeping your eye on the mailbox!