Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars What a story!!
A remarkable work of historical fiction - very engaging until the end. You want it to keep going. Exceptionally well researched.
4.0 out of 5 stars A Moving Connection of Past and Present
It is 1875 and a still young country is emerging from the harrowing events of its lengthy civil war. In the aftermath of that conflict, both freed slaves and their former masters have begun the fraught process of attempting to reconcile the past while looking to the future. Hannie Gossett, a young woman who is now sharecropping on the Louisiana farm where she used to be a slave, has just embarked with two other girls on a long and dangerous journey to Texas in an attempt to reunite with the family she has been separated from for most of her life. Along the way, Hannie will come across many other former slaves also trying to find their own people, which leads her to keep a journal of those hopeful and heartbreaking searches for all of the “lost friends”.It is 1987 and Benedetta Silva, a thirty-something woman reeling from a failed relationship and other secrets she is afraid to confront, has just begun a job teaching English at an underserved high school in rural Louisiana. The only place she can find to rent is a dilapidated outbuilding of a once grand plantation estate that is on the edge of the town’s cemetery. In an effort to reach her disinterested, underachieving students, Benny launches a project that will force them research their own personal histories and, in the process, force an unwilling community to confront the horrible legacy of their shared past. With the aid of Nathan Gossett, heir to the plantation properties, the two unlock century-old mysteries that connect the two timelines.In The Book of Lost Friends, Lisa Wingate does a wonderful job of weaving together the stories of these two women, who end up having a lot more in common than anyone might suspect. Told from both Hannie’s and Benny’s perspectives in alternating chapters, the novel bounces between the two stories fairly smoothly, building the suspense in each quite nicely. The only real problem I had with this literary device is that Hannie’s story was substantially more interesting and engaging than was Benny’s; in fact, the angst level in the latter went a little too far so that, by the conclusion, that whole plotline bordered on being melodramatic. Still, the author did an impressive amount of research to produce this work of historical fiction and I found it to be a pleasurable reading experience from beginning to end.
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Read
As someone who loves historical fiction, I finally dove into this powerful novel while recovering from the flu. I enjoyed the dual narration between Hannah Gossett, a newly emancipated former slave, and Benny Silva, a dedicated teacher in an underfunded school.Though the beginning felt slow, the story picked up as I discovered how the lost letters intertwined their narratives. I was especially moved by the emotional weight of the letters from former enslaved individuals searching for their loved ones—many bought and sold without a trace.This book beautifully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and the enduring hope of reconnecting with family. Highly recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars Lost No More, These Characters and Stories are Some of My New Best Friends
Reading The Book of Lost Friends--what a privilege. It's one of those books that makes you go, "Wow," not only as you finish but while you are reading it. I didn't want it to end, and now I want as many more like it as Lisa Wingate is prepared to give her readers.The stories of Hannie Gossett and Benedetta Silva connect beautifully, forming the best example of a split time novel I've seen from Lisa Wingate. The stories feed into each other, showing how the past informs the present and the present influences past choices so that future generations can have positive experiences. Within that, the diversity of human experiences shines more than in most books I've read lately. In one book, we get the stories of an ex-slave girl, a privileged mixed-race girl (both of whom are forced to live as boys), and a 1980s teacher who looks privileged because she's white and middle-class, but is nursing pain and lack. Within *that*, we also get the non-POV stories of people like Nathan and Robin Gossett, LaJuna Gossett, Shad and Gar Fish, and Missy Lavinia, all of whom have multifaceted backgrounds and journeys.You'd think Lisa would drop the ball somewhere during all these journeys, but she gives the secondary characters just enough page time and shading to both pop and fit seamlessly into the main protagonists' stories. Additionally, she crafts her novel around universal themes without being preachy, so that when they are directly addressed, the reader can support that decision. For instance, the themes of privilege vs. want, freedom vs. slavery, could've been heavy-handed. Instead, organic things like Hannie's conversations with Juneau Jane or Benedetta bringing her students pooperoos, turn these into themes that make you think.As noted, every character pops off the page and has a distinct, relatable voice. Having been a teacher--and a misunderstood one at that--I identified heavily with Benedetta, but also rooted for Hannie, and even Juneau Jane and Lavinia as well. Their character growth occurs across a great mix of internal and external stakes, and I loved the interwoven surprises, such as the true identity of Moses, the reappearance of Gus McKlatchy in both timelines, and the revelation of Robin's project, as well as how it affected Benedetta's students.The Louisiana and Texas settings suck you in and keep you riveted. I loved accompanying Benedetta on her walks through the cemetery, and during Hannie's chapters, I could absolutely feel the constant humidity, muck, and heat. (Eck, but in a good way)! Goswood Grove functions as a character in itself, like a stately old woman who might be "crumbling" or dealing with "dementia," but still has a story to tell if you'll listen. The Cluck and Oink and Granny T were two of my favorite additions, and I especially loved how much the kids loved Granny T. But I think my favorite location had to be Judge Gossett's library, partly because of LaJuna's relationship with it. It reminded me of The Book Thief, with a Southern Gothic twist.As with any great book, it's the scenes that stick in your mind. I had so many favorites it would take forever to list them all, but here are a few to keep an eye out for:-Benedetta's first conversations with Granny T. and Sarge-Granny T's presentation-Hannie's midnight jaunt to the library-Hannie and Juneau Jane discover the Lost Friends and begin writing down stories-Hannie and Juneau Jane cement sisterhood-Benedetta confronts the Gossett-ruled school board-The final Tales from the Underground project/unification of prologue and epilogueThe Book of Lost Friends as an object also unites the stories of modern students and families in the best way I've ever seen it done. Benedetta's half of the story could've easily been the same old, "save our underprivileged students" story, but not only does she learn from the kids, they learn from her and embrace their history in deep, organic ways. Special mention to Benedetta's conversation with Gar Fish over his history (oops, another wonderful scene I forgot)!I could, as you can see, go on all day, but I'll leave this review here. Just a few more words: Read it. You're going to love it. And, to Lisa Wingate, can we have a sequel ASAP, PLEASE? Thanks!-
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!
In light of recent attempts to eliminate from our public and school libraries books containing factual information about the practice of slavery in the US, this book is an important and timely read. Though its story is historical fiction, it is steeped in well researched facts about the lives of people of color, who were separated from their families of origin and stripped of their identities. To know that The Book of Lost Friends is a true compilation of names, made in an attempt to reunite families, it is a humbling testimony to the familial bonds that slavery could not sever. A must read!
4.0 out of 5 stars nice historical fiction
Good book, a nice even keeled book. Not a lot of highs and lows but interesting …. .. .. .
3.0 out of 5 stars Good read but abrupt ending
This was a very interesting story and for the most part well written. I was frustrated by the end though. I felt it was very rushed and there was more that I wanted to know about the rest of Hannie’s story.
Great
Loved it, good book group read
Review
Really good read. Wonderful characters. Characters really brought to life spectacularly. Loved how th he two stories past and present linked. Very sad and true of the life lived in those times. Would definitely recommend.
Fantastic
Loved it
The Book of Lost Friends
Schnelle Lieferung. Guten Zustand.
A reminder that the heartbreak of slavery didn't end with Emancipation
This novel switchesbetween the two story lines with each new chapter , a former slave’s journey and near death experiences to find relatives sold away before emancipation, and a teacher’s struggle to inspire her unruly class in 1980s Louisiana by getting them interested in their past.It’s a great premise and the author is an impressive writer. Personally though, I found the book overly long and at times I felt quite disconnected from the story.The ending was brief, including the modern protagonist’s back story which seemed almost like an afterthought.Before each chapter is an extract from the ‘Southwestern’ where former slaves posted details of relatives sold away which would be read out in African American churches, a sobering reminder of the enduring pain and evil of slavery even after it was abolished. So many must never have found parents or siblings they were so brutally parted from
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The Book of Lost Friends: A Novel
AED8838
Quantity:
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Imported From: United States
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Visit the Ballantine Books Store
The Book of Lost Friends: A Novel
AED8838
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars What a story!!
A remarkable work of historical fiction - very engaging until the end. You want it to keep going. Exceptionally well researched.
4.0 out of 5 stars A Moving Connection of Past and Present
It is 1875 and a still young country is emerging from the harrowing events of its lengthy civil war. In the aftermath of that conflict, both freed slaves and their former masters have begun the fraught process of attempting to reconcile the past while looking to the future. Hannie Gossett, a young woman who is now sharecropping on the Louisiana farm where she used to be a slave, has just embarked with two other girls on a long and dangerous journey to Texas in an attempt to reunite with the family she has been separated from for most of her life. Along the way, Hannie will come across many other former slaves also trying to find their own people, which leads her to keep a journal of those hopeful and heartbreaking searches for all of the “lost friends”.It is 1987 and Benedetta Silva, a thirty-something woman reeling from a failed relationship and other secrets she is afraid to confront, has just begun a job teaching English at an underserved high school in rural Louisiana. The only place she can find to rent is a dilapidated outbuilding of a once grand plantation estate that is on the edge of the town’s cemetery. In an effort to reach her disinterested, underachieving students, Benny launches a project that will force them research their own personal histories and, in the process, force an unwilling community to confront the horrible legacy of their shared past. With the aid of Nathan Gossett, heir to the plantation properties, the two unlock century-old mysteries that connect the two timelines.In The Book of Lost Friends, Lisa Wingate does a wonderful job of weaving together the stories of these two women, who end up having a lot more in common than anyone might suspect. Told from both Hannie’s and Benny’s perspectives in alternating chapters, the novel bounces between the two stories fairly smoothly, building the suspense in each quite nicely. The only real problem I had with this literary device is that Hannie’s story was substantially more interesting and engaging than was Benny’s; in fact, the angst level in the latter went a little too far so that, by the conclusion, that whole plotline bordered on being melodramatic. Still, the author did an impressive amount of research to produce this work of historical fiction and I found it to be a pleasurable reading experience from beginning to end.
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Read
As someone who loves historical fiction, I finally dove into this powerful novel while recovering from the flu. I enjoyed the dual narration between Hannah Gossett, a newly emancipated former slave, and Benny Silva, a dedicated teacher in an underfunded school.Though the beginning felt slow, the story picked up as I discovered how the lost letters intertwined their narratives. I was especially moved by the emotional weight of the letters from former enslaved individuals searching for their loved ones—many bought and sold without a trace.This book beautifully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and the enduring hope of reconnecting with family. Highly recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars Lost No More, These Characters and Stories are Some of My New Best Friends
Reading The Book of Lost Friends--what a privilege. It's one of those books that makes you go, "Wow," not only as you finish but while you are reading it. I didn't want it to end, and now I want as many more like it as Lisa Wingate is prepared to give her readers.The stories of Hannie Gossett and Benedetta Silva connect beautifully, forming the best example of a split time novel I've seen from Lisa Wingate. The stories feed into each other, showing how the past informs the present and the present influences past choices so that future generations can have positive experiences. Within that, the diversity of human experiences shines more than in most books I've read lately. In one book, we get the stories of an ex-slave girl, a privileged mixed-race girl (both of whom are forced to live as boys), and a 1980s teacher who looks privileged because she's white and middle-class, but is nursing pain and lack. Within *that*, we also get the non-POV stories of people like Nathan and Robin Gossett, LaJuna Gossett, Shad and Gar Fish, and Missy Lavinia, all of whom have multifaceted backgrounds and journeys.You'd think Lisa would drop the ball somewhere during all these journeys, but she gives the secondary characters just enough page time and shading to both pop and fit seamlessly into the main protagonists' stories. Additionally, she crafts her novel around universal themes without being preachy, so that when they are directly addressed, the reader can support that decision. For instance, the themes of privilege vs. want, freedom vs. slavery, could've been heavy-handed. Instead, organic things like Hannie's conversations with Juneau Jane or Benedetta bringing her students pooperoos, turn these into themes that make you think.As noted, every character pops off the page and has a distinct, relatable voice. Having been a teacher--and a misunderstood one at that--I identified heavily with Benedetta, but also rooted for Hannie, and even Juneau Jane and Lavinia as well. Their character growth occurs across a great mix of internal and external stakes, and I loved the interwoven surprises, such as the true identity of Moses, the reappearance of Gus McKlatchy in both timelines, and the revelation of Robin's project, as well as how it affected Benedetta's students.The Louisiana and Texas settings suck you in and keep you riveted. I loved accompanying Benedetta on her walks through the cemetery, and during Hannie's chapters, I could absolutely feel the constant humidity, muck, and heat. (Eck, but in a good way)! Goswood Grove functions as a character in itself, like a stately old woman who might be "crumbling" or dealing with "dementia," but still has a story to tell if you'll listen. The Cluck and Oink and Granny T were two of my favorite additions, and I especially loved how much the kids loved Granny T. But I think my favorite location had to be Judge Gossett's library, partly because of LaJuna's relationship with it. It reminded me of The Book Thief, with a Southern Gothic twist.As with any great book, it's the scenes that stick in your mind. I had so many favorites it would take forever to list them all, but here are a few to keep an eye out for:-Benedetta's first conversations with Granny T. and Sarge-Granny T's presentation-Hannie's midnight jaunt to the library-Hannie and Juneau Jane discover the Lost Friends and begin writing down stories-Hannie and Juneau Jane cement sisterhood-Benedetta confronts the Gossett-ruled school board-The final Tales from the Underground project/unification of prologue and epilogueThe Book of Lost Friends as an object also unites the stories of modern students and families in the best way I've ever seen it done. Benedetta's half of the story could've easily been the same old, "save our underprivileged students" story, but not only does she learn from the kids, they learn from her and embrace their history in deep, organic ways. Special mention to Benedetta's conversation with Gar Fish over his history (oops, another wonderful scene I forgot)!I could, as you can see, go on all day, but I'll leave this review here. Just a few more words: Read it. You're going to love it. And, to Lisa Wingate, can we have a sequel ASAP, PLEASE? Thanks!-
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!
In light of recent attempts to eliminate from our public and school libraries books containing factual information about the practice of slavery in the US, this book is an important and timely read. Though its story is historical fiction, it is steeped in well researched facts about the lives of people of color, who were separated from their families of origin and stripped of their identities. To know that The Book of Lost Friends is a true compilation of names, made in an attempt to reunite families, it is a humbling testimony to the familial bonds that slavery could not sever. A must read!
4.0 out of 5 stars nice historical fiction
Good book, a nice even keeled book. Not a lot of highs and lows but interesting …. .. .. .
3.0 out of 5 stars Good read but abrupt ending
This was a very interesting story and for the most part well written. I was frustrated by the end though. I felt it was very rushed and there was more that I wanted to know about the rest of Hannie’s story.
Great
Loved it, good book group read
Review
Really good read. Wonderful characters. Characters really brought to life spectacularly. Loved how th he two stories past and present linked. Very sad and true of the life lived in those times. Would definitely recommend.
Fantastic
Loved it
The Book of Lost Friends
Schnelle Lieferung. Guten Zustand.
A reminder that the heartbreak of slavery didn't end with Emancipation
This novel switchesbetween the two story lines with each new chapter , a former slave’s journey and near death experiences to find relatives sold away before emancipation, and a teacher’s struggle to inspire her unruly class in 1980s Louisiana by getting them interested in their past.It’s a great premise and the author is an impressive writer. Personally though, I found the book overly long and at times I felt quite disconnected from the story.The ending was brief, including the modern protagonist’s back story which seemed almost like an afterthought.Before each chapter is an extract from the ‘Southwestern’ where former slaves posted details of relatives sold away which would be read out in African American churches, a sobering reminder of the enduring pain and evil of slavery even after it was abolished. So many must never have found parents or siblings they were so brutally parted from
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Historical”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1984819909