The following review is based on the audio version of the novel Lost Boys. I assume that it follows the novel`s plot – which is why it can be considered a review of the book itself.
Lost Boys by Orson Scott Card was a very intriguing novel. When I first picked it up – I expected that the author would tell some coming of age tale – probably because of the book’s title. However, this turned out not to be the case, as I found out in the first hour of listening to the audio recording. By then, I was sucked by the story and the characters in it – so the fact that it was not what I expected did not really matter.
Somehow it felt like the whole novel is preparing us for its ending – which by all means is one of the most intriguing endings of a story I have read or heard of. In fact, I was so moved by it – that I could not stop thinking of what actually happened – and how the author skillfully leads the readers of his novel to different conclusions, yet developing the story in such a way that one is to remain surprised, amazed and overflown with emotions at the end.
Most of the story in the book focuses on a Mormon family dealing with real life. Step Flether, his pregnant wife DeAnne, and their three children move to Steuben, North Carolina. There Step gets a job as a ” manual writer ” in a software company while DeAnne looks after the kids. Their oldest child- the 8-year old Stevie, is having troubles at school, which far exceeded the usual “new kid” syndrome. Affected by that and maybe something else, Stevie starts imagining fictitious playmates to spend his free time with. His parents worry a lot about those unreal friends of Stevie and attempt to help and understand him.
I honestly think that writing more about this book will not be beneficial to my review – as if you can read / or listen to Lost Boys like I was doing it ( without having really an idea what it is about ) – you would definitely experience the book and the story in it just as the author intended. In the meantime, you would also learn many things about parenting, religion, and humans’ nature – things that would make you think more than once. The excellent character development throughout the story is another plus making this book a good read.
I strongly recommend it.
Lost Boys: A Novel by Orson Scott Card Audio Review
Writer of great stories, but unfortunately he’s a homophobic bigot- just Google Orsen Scott Card and Homophobia
I have not read the short story , but I assume that it is interesting – if the book is based on it. As I said in the review a lot of the content of the book represents the family life and the decisions which one has to take everyday – indeed the ending came as a surprise and felt a bit remote from the story itself.
This was originally a short story. Now lengthened into a novel. But the change was perhpas not an improvement.
Yeah, Card is a Mormon which, I think, lends extra depth and insight into his work. Religion, spirituality, and humanity are common themes take on a unique role in this author's intriguing stories.
Some interesting details I just found on wikipedia about the author.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Scott_Card
It turns out he is a Mormon himself, and has written other fiction, both LDS and nonLDS, such as Enders game.