I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman
I Have Lost My Way tells the story of three individuals who have each lost something important to them leading to them losing their way. Freya has lost her voice, Harun has lost his love and Nathaniel has lost everything. However, these three elements do not give justice to the extent of what each character has lost. In this expertly written novel, Gayle Forman writes about how these three dissimilar individuals each came to lose what was most important to them, causing them to all meet one fateful day in New York City.
| I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman | |
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| Category: General Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Holly Lewtas
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| Summary: Gayle Forman does not disappoint in her much-anticipated new release that transports you to New York City in a tale of loss and discovery. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 288 | Date: April 2018 |
| Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1471173721 | |
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Forman takes on a risky task as she chooses to write from the perspective of each of the three characters whilst flitting between the past and the present. In some novels this level of complexity can be too confusing for the reader, yet Forman does it in such a way that it only enhances its quality and the standard of writing.
One of the most engaging aspects of this novel is the way in which the three characters and their stories are so varied. Forman does not waste this opportunity to show how she can write from three different perspectives and deal with complex issues surrounding each character, whether involving religion, abandonment or mental health. Even though the novel deals with serious topics, there are subtle humorous moments which are emphasised so much more when contrasted with the overall tone of the book. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the reference to the Chewbacca Mask Lady that took the internet by storm only a couple of years ago. As well as adding humour it made the novel seem more modern and personally relevant to the reader.
What was very refreshing about this novel was that it focused on the development of friendships and bonds between people, as opposed to romance which Forman usually sways towards. As with one of her previous works, the storyline all takes place within twenty-four hours and it is clear that this form of plot suits Forman very well. Although I wish the novel were longer, or extended beyond a day, if this were to happen I don't believe that the extent of the character development and the importance of each character would be as significant. Forman has clearly put a lot of thought, detail and effort into ensuring that this novel is the best it possibly can be.
Forman has created a novel which exceeded my expectations. She has paved the way for a sequel which will undoubtedly be met with open arms from her fan base, who I suspect will expand further than mostly young adults after the publication of this novel. Although some of the topics dealt with are hard-hitting, it is an eye-opening novel that provides a much-needed insight into a diverse range of people's lives. The reader is made to appreciate what they have and to have the hope that if they ever do lose their way, it is not the end of their story.
If you enjoyed this novel, then I would recommend taking a look at Maybe They'll Remember Me by Philip S Newey as it is also written from a variety of different perspectives.
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You can read more book reviews or buy I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman at Amazon.com.
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