Lost by Jacqueline Davies

Posted on May 18, 2011 Updated on May 18, 2015

Lost is a story that alternates between the past and the present and is narrated by Essie. Essie is a 16 year old girl who works at a sewing factory. One day, a mysterious woman shows up at her workplace. The woman’s name is Harriet and both girls slowly become best friends. They learn each other’s secrets then tragedy strikes. A fire occurs and countless people die, including Harriet. In the midst of all the grief and loss, Essie finds herself and things finally start to look up.

Every part in the book is completely unexpected which is what makes it great and interesting. The book has a great plot as well. I mean, it begins with two strangers who meet at a factory, and the encounter flourishes into a great friendship. I would describe this book as flat out amazing. The story does get a bit confusing, but everything falls into place eventually.

As the story goes back to the past, bits and pieces of Essie’s life are revealed. Essie ends up having a hard life at home with her mom and troublesome brother, Saulie. As one reads on, it is learned or can be inferred that Essie’s younger sister, Zelda, is dead. The narrator, having taken care of Zelda since birth, really takes the death to heart. Throughout the story Essie is in denial and continues to talk about Zelda as if she’s still alive. Harriet then turns out to be the runaway daughter of a very rich family, Dorothy Arnold.

I loved the ending. Essie finally finds her passion, and she opens up her own business. The story had a nice, happy ending.

I didn’t like that Harriet had to die in a horrible way. There were also a lot of deaths in the story.

Rate: I would rate this book a 5