Little Boy Lost


An e-friend sent me Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski earlier this year. As you can see she placed a yellow post-it note on the cover with just one word scribbled on it - 'wonderful.' And indeed it is rather wonderful. Little Boy Lost is a masterpiece. It's a beautiful and poignant novel.

Little Boy Lost is the story of Hilary Wainright who lost his wife during the war. His baby son, whom he saw only once was whisked away by an unknown person. Years later, a friend of his late wife contacts him because a five-year-old boy at a French orphanage may or may not be his child. This is the story of one man's search for his son in a devastated and post-war torn France but  it's also the story of one man's search for himself. The little boy in the title is Hilary who has lost so much during the war that he's afraid to love again because to love means opening yourself up not just for happiness but for pain.

It's such a travesty that this book isn't more readily available and  it's wonderful that Persephone books has brought it back for a new generation of readers to enjoy. I think it's a must read not just because of its beautiful and touching story but because it encapsulates a time in the history of Europe, after world war two. The story of the people who lost so much during the war. The story of the war orphans left behind. This was written in 1949 so Laski  who also spent time in France, lived through this period and she accurately describes the devastation of France and the lost illusion and guilt of its countrymen. Somehow this can never be captured in a novel written today about the same era. A writer today who writes about that period is only working from history books and second hand accounts of people who lived then. Laski was there.

Laski perfectly describes Hilary's emotional turmoil. Is this his son or isn't it? Does he even want the child to be his son? Hilary has spent the last few years getting used to a life without love, without emotion. Can he truly open himself up again? The suspense builds up towards the end when it's time for Hilary to make a decision. As usual, I don't want to give away too much but it will be a hard-hearted reader who isn't swept away by this emotional and wonderful novel.

If you read only one Persephone Book, then please let it be this one. Highly recommended.

Comments

  1. As it happens I bought this a few weeks ago, and this has just reminded me how much I want to read it. I read my first Persephone book last year (Dorothy Whipple's 'Someone at a Distance') and it's made me hungry for more!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, I very much enjoyed your review! I read Little Boy Lost a little while ago and absolutely loved it. So glad you enjoyed it too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Kirsty - Anything by Dorothy Whipple is wonderful but I found Little Boy Lost to be more accessible to non-Persephone readers (i.e. my husband read it and loved it too).

    @skirmishofwit - Thanks! It is a wonderful read.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great review. May I please borrow this? :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. @tashie's mommy - Nice to see you commenting! Yes, of course you may borrow this. I'll bring it tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  6. For some reason I have avoided this book when placing my Persephone orders. After reading your review I wish that that had not been the case.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'd planned on reading another Dorothy Whipple for my next Persephone... now I'm not so sure.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful review! I'll have to look around for a copy to add to the TBR pile. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. @Thomas - Do list this book in your next Persephone order. I think you'll love it. I also avoided this book for some reason and I only read it now because it had been given to me.

    @JoAnn - Whipple is wonderful. I can't really compare this book with any of hers. It's different.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I agree that this is the book that every non-Persephonite should read as it is so accessible.

    I am going to say something controversial... Marghanita Laski is quickly becoming my favourite Persephone author and may overtake Whipple in my affection. I love how eclectic and insightful her titles are as well as having the raw intensity of Whipple; in my opinion her books offer that much more and to a wide readership whereas Whipple -however much I love her- is rooted in the domestic.

    ReplyDelete
  11. But who would want to read just ONE Persephone book? ;)

    I don't think I've heard much about this title, but you've definitely intrigued me. I have a few Persephones in the TBR pile, but sadly not this one. Maybe one day!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm another who avoided this book - perhaps because of the emotional, heart-wrenching tale. I tended to go for uplifting books but after your moving review, it's moving onto my TBR list :-) Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. @Paperback Reader - Claire..that's an interesting comment. I've only read one other Laski, The Victorian Chaise-Longue and though I thought it was good, it's not one of my favourite Persephones. I'm really keen to read To Bed With Grand Music though.

    @Steph - I don't think Persephones are for everyone. I'm sure the ones you have are in your TBR are all good.

    @Rochester Reader - Yes, definitely read this. I think it's a must-read.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is one of my favourite Persephones. You're so right that it's the immediacy of Laski writing at the time of the events that's so affecting. That's what I love about Persephone books. The WWII books were written at the time, sometimes before the war ended & the outcome was still uncertain. The emotion of the ending is almost overwhelming yet never sentimental. This is such a good read it would be a perfect introduction to Persephone.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great review! I'm definitely going to look for this book now, it sounds like a must-read.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you for sharing this, I have heard good things about this book and you have just re-inforced them for me. I must try and get hold of a copy.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great review. I'm definitely on the lookout for this.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mrs B what a great review, I have not read this one but will in the future, I did actually buy a copy as a gift for someone who was not yet a Persephone reader and meant to read it myself first but ran out of time. I am also interested in reading To Bed with Grand Music, Laski is an intriguing author, I found Victorian Chaise-Longue to be an interesting read.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a wonderful review. I think this will be the next Persephone I get.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I liked this book, but I thought the very very end bit was a little too heavy-handed. I would have liked it better if they had left some ambiguity about whether the child was his son or not. Is that just me being curmudgeonly? Did you have the same reaction? (she said hopefully)

    ReplyDelete
  21. This wasn't actually my favourite Laski - in fact, I think it was my least favourite, althopugh it is years since i read The village. To bed with and Victorian Chaise Longue just somehow fitted my taste more. Have you read any other Laski's?

    ReplyDelete
  22. This sounds absolutely fascinating and your review was an interesting read. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a wonderful review! I adored this too - absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful. I just finished The Victorian Chaise Longue today - a totally different kettle of fish but just as well written!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love when friends pass along books with notes like that! A coworker recently left a book on my desk that said: "Enjoyed it. You will, too." She was right!

    This sounds like a great, moving novel... I'll put it on the wishlist!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I found this book in the library last year. The last person to check it out was in 1972! What a great book though. Without giving to much away I was emotionally exhausted by the end of it.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I decided to read this after last year's Persephone Reading Week... still hasn't happened, so I think I'll read it during *this* year's Persephone Reading Week!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I quite like reading an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment! Flatbed Towing Woodbridge

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, This type of article keeps the user's interest in the website, and keeps on sharing more. Motorcycle Towing Clarksville

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is really nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact. Box Truck Towing Memphis

    ReplyDelete
  30. A debt of gratitude is in order for the post with respect to this. I discover this kind of data exceptionally helpful. Tow Truck Aldine TX

    ReplyDelete
  31. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Heavy Hauling Humble

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is a great post. I like this topic. This site has lots of advantages. I found many interesting things on this site. It helps me in many ways. Thanks for posting this again. Motorcycle Towing Stafford

    ReplyDelete
  33. I want you to thank for your time of this wonderful read!!! I definitely enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must-read blog! Motorcycle Towing Albuquerque

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping for the same best work from you in the future as well. Motorcycle Towing Henderson

    ReplyDelete
  35. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Anyway, I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Towing Service Bowling Green KY

    ReplyDelete
  36. I found this article very interesting and informative. It will definitely add to our knowledge. Auto Wrecker DeSoto

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is absolutely too a great posting we genuinely experienced glancing through. It is a long way from every day we have a hazard to look at a touch of something. Auto Wrecker Buda Kyle

    ReplyDelete
  38. I see the greatest content on your blog and I extremely love reading them. Winch Outs Huntsville TX

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your grasp of this topic is amazing. It really touched base with me and I am glad I found this material. Thank you very much. Recovery Towing Shreveport

    ReplyDelete
  40. Keep ‘em coming. you all do such an excellent task at such Concepts… cannot tell you how significantly I, for a single appreciate all you do! Wrecker Service Abilene

    ReplyDelete
  41. It is extremely nice to see the greatest details presented in an easy and understanding manner. Rollback Service Portland TN

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for writing such a good article, I stumbled onto your blog and read a few posts. I like your style of writing. Recovery Towing Cincinnati

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am very glad after reading your amazing article, thanks for sharing. Towing Service Lewisville

    ReplyDelete
  44. It is incredibly ideal to see the best subtleties introduced in a simple and getting way. Towing and Recovery Dallas

    ReplyDelete
  45. Keep them coming… all of you do such a great assignment at such Concepts… can't reveal to you how essentially I, for a solitary welcome everything you do! Parking Lot Towing Bastrop

    ReplyDelete
  46. I see the best substance on your blog and I amazingly love understanding them. Heavy Wrecker Addison

    ReplyDelete
  47. This is total to an extraordinary posting we really experienced looking through. It is far from consistently we have a peril to take a gander at a hint of something. Towing West Park FL

    ReplyDelete
  48. I discovered this article fascinating and useful. It will add as far as anyone is concerned. RV Towing Corpus

    ReplyDelete
  49. Great idea man thanks keep it up all the time. am very happy to see your standard. 18 Wheeler Towing Weatherford

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hello, the whole thing is going perfectly here, that’s truly good, keep up writing. Semi Towing Cypress

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely dig it and personally suggest it to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website. Heavy Wrecker Springdale AR

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for sharing such an amazing article, really informative. Winch Outs Marshall

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love your site. My thanks for doing such a good job. I will come back to read more and inform my coworkers about your site. Wrecker Service El Paso

    ReplyDelete
  54. Writing a blog post is really important for the growth of your websites. Thanks for sharing amazing tips. Wrecker Service Selma TX

    ReplyDelete
  55. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed reading this post. big fan, thank you! Towing Company Tomball

    ReplyDelete
  56. It is very valuable information, it is not at all blogs that we find this. I was looking for something like this and found it here. Flatbed Towing Tuscaloosa AL

    ReplyDelete
  57. Excellent read, Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Auto Repair Service Littlefield

    ReplyDelete
  58. Well, I like your high-quality blog site design plus your posting abilities. Keep doing it. Wrecker Service Tyler Tx

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read. I learn new information from your article, you are doing a great job. Keep it up. Heavy Duty Towing Lakewood

    ReplyDelete
  60. Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck with the upcoming update. This article is really very interesting and effective. Towing Company Richardson

    ReplyDelete
  61. Enjoyed reading the article above, really explains everything in detail, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck with the upcoming articles. Tow Truck Near Me Rockwall TX

    ReplyDelete
  62. Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You’re doing great work. Keep it up. Flatbed Towing Chattanooga

    ReplyDelete
  63. I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, keep it up. Auto Wrecker Victoria TX

    ReplyDelete
  64. This is an extraordinary post. I like this theme. This site has loads of preferred positions. I discovered many fascinating things from this site. It causes me from multiple points of view. A debt of gratitude is in order for posting this once more. Box Truck Towing Jackson MS

    ReplyDelete
  65. Fantastic Blog! I agree completely with you here. It is a very valuable and helpful collection of blogs. I am trying to gain information from all these. Really helpful post. Thank you. Auto Towing Gulfport MS

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am impressed by the way you detailed everything. It is really going to help me a lot. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so clearly. Towing Hattiesburg MS

    ReplyDelete
  67. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Great work. Car Towing Mobile

    ReplyDelete
  68. This is also a very good post which I really enjoy reading. It is not every day that I have the possibility to see something like this. Auto Wrecker Little Rock

    ReplyDelete
  69. Great Article its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. It was really valuable. thanks a lot. Towing Montgomery

    ReplyDelete
  70. I am impressed by the way you detailed out everything. It is really going to help me a lot. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so clearly. Winch Outs Owensboro

    ReplyDelete
  71. You there, this is a really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. Towing and Recovery Huntsville AL

    ReplyDelete
  72. Superb post. Really good to learn. I love reading such a nice post, really. Thank you! Keep on rolling. Towing and Recovery Killeen

    ReplyDelete
  73. I’m writing this post right now on my phone whilst at a beach without a laptop and with a crappy internet connection so please forgive the brief descriptions of each book.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts