Book Review: The Lost Man
Whew! I am FINALLY caught up (mostly), so it’s back to one book review at a time!
In July, we read The Lost Man by Jane Harper. Now, I like a good mystery, but thrillers aren’t exactly my normal “go-to”, you know?
I may have to re-evaluate that based on this one.
The Lost Man is just SO GOOD. I’ve already lent my copy out to multiple people, and they all agree, which is such a rare occurrence, it’s like finding a four leaf clover in the desert.
Which is a particularly fitting analogy, because this novel takes place on a cattle ranch in the unforgiving landscape of the Australian Outback. (Sidenote: If you’ve never seen the movie ‘Australia’ (2008) directed by Baz Luhrmann, go watch that real quick. I firmly believe that my reading experience was GREATLY improved by being able to picture the gorgeous, richly-hued panoramas of the countryside from that film. Also, the protagonist reminded me just a little bit of Hugh Jackman’s character.)
The thing that really cements this book in my mind as such a masterpiece is the pacing. The narrative unfolds in such a natural way that you feel like you’re having a telepathic conversation directly with the main character, Nathan. You discover things as he discovers them, and you’re subject to the same doubts and biases. You also come to realize at the same time that Nathan’s brother Cameron isn’t the only “lost man” in the novel. Harper treats Nathan’s struggles with depression and loneliness with a sensitivity that doesn’t diminish his masculinity and makes him feel relatable in a way that I find many thrillers miss.
In addition to perfect pacing and a likeable, well-rounded protagonist, Harper has crafted a darn good who-dun-it. Every new character introduction had me CONVINCED that I had everything figured out, and I was wrong, EVERY TIME. And yet somehow, the final chapter manages to wrap up the mystery perfectly, even if I’m still a little torn on the morally-gray conclusions.
The Lost Man is definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of murder mysteries and thrillers in the vein of The Girl on the Train and The Couple Next Door.
Sound right up your alley? Hit the blue link above to purchase through our partners at Bookshop! If you decide to purchase, we will make a small commission, and you’ll be supporting independent bookstores around the country!
Stay well, and Happy Reading!
When it comes to connecting literature with everyday school questions, I would rather understand one useful detail properly than rush through a long list of ideas. A literary character's choices can provide a starting point for discussing ordinary dilemmas. Seen this way, Prus literature education becomes a topic to explore rather than something to sum up too quickly. I am more curious about the process than a polished result, because the steps in between are usually where questions appear. How would you invite students to support their interpretation with specific details?
There is something approachable about discussing exploring student choice in democratic education through situations people can actually picture. Choosing an activity can involve discussing responsibilities as well as personal preferences. That connection helps me see why democratic education ideas can be worth a closer look. I am still thinking through the details, and a small example would help me picture how this works in practice. How can a learning community make decisions that include quieter voices?
My first thought about understanding civic spaces and public communication is that the everyday experience deserves as much attention as the larger explanation. A public information page becomes easier to use when its purpose is clear from the start. I would keep that thought nearby when looking for ideas about civic information literacy. I am more curious about the process than a polished result, because the steps in between are usually where questions appear. What helps visitors find the information they need without already knowing the system?
Bài đánh giá tạo cho tôi cảm giác tò mò về The Lost Man mà không biến phần bình luận thành một bản kể lại toàn bộ câu chuyện. Không khí cô độc gợi tôi nhớ đến những tối ở nhà, khi nhóm bạn nói đủ chuyện để giết thời gian, từ sách trinh thám đến game bài đổi thưởng. Có lần một người trong nhóm nhắc h19, nhưng tôi chỉ nghe qua và cũng chưa rõ đó là gì. So với kiểu giải trí nhanh trên điện thoại, một cuốn sách có nhịp chậm đòi hỏi sự kiên nhẫn khác hẳn. Tôi thích nhất cảm giác dư âm mà bài đánh giá gợi ra, hơn là việc cố chốt…
Ngay từ nhan đề Người Đàn Ông Mất Tích, cuốn sách đã gợi cảm giác cô độc và có điều gì đó chưa được giải đáp. Tôi thích đọc bài nhận xét sách để xem người viết chú ý đến không khí, nhân vật hay cấu trúc câu chuyện, nhưng vẫn muốn giữ lại phần bất ngờ nếu sau này đọc tác phẩm. Chủ đề mất dấu và những quyết định khó đoán còn làm tôi nhớ đến lúc bạn bè nói về yếu tố may rủi trong game bài đổi thưởng, khi cái tên tk88 từng được nhắc qua. Liên hệ đó chỉ thoáng qua; điều tôi quan tâm hơn vẫn là liệu cuốn sách có tạo được sức nặng…