Scan barcode
A review by duskk_novels
The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
'If someone you loved went missing, would you ever stop searching for them?'
1921. The Great War has ended, and the guns have finally fallen silent. Edie has spent the last four years isolated in her grief and sorrow as her husband Francis, has not come home. Declared ‘missing, believed killed’, she’s spent her lonely days reminiscing the man she loved and lost, and abominating the war for what it stole from her. But when she receives a mysterious photograph in the post taken by Francis, hope flares that he might still be alive. Francis’ brother, Harry, is also searching for answers and desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to Francis, who had died in his arms. Or had he?
1921. The Great War has ended, and the guns have finally fallen silent. Edie has spent the last four years isolated in her grief and sorrow as her husband Francis, has not come home. Declared ‘missing, believed killed’, she’s spent her lonely days reminiscing the man she loved and lost, and abominating the war for what it stole from her. But when she receives a mysterious photograph in the post taken by Francis, hope flares that he might still be alive. Francis’ brother, Harry, is also searching for answers and desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to Francis, who had died in his arms. Or had he?
In this harrowing portrayal of life, Harry returns to the battlefields with Edie and together, they confront their haunting past and uncover the mysterious events that led up to Francis’ disappearance. Through this agonizing journey, gut-wrenching truths are unearthed, and the need for closure intensifies. But it seems that the ‘lost’ may not always want to be found
An astonishing historical fiction with endless mystery. I was spell-bound from the first chapter. With an emotional, mesmerizing prose and magnificent characters, Scott has produced a powerful novel, depicting the magnitude of human grief, loss and the unyielding need for closure. Scott explores the devastating consequences and shattered lives left by the war and the psychological and emotional dissonance that torment the survivors. Slow-paced with beautiful worldbuilding and a crushing series of events, this is one I recommend for all readers
Harry was undoubtedly my favourite. His selflessness, endless love, bravery and commitment to family made him admirable and reading through his POV, especially his vivid descriptions of being on the front line, was haunting but beautiful. I also loved how the focus shifts to other side characters and their own expeditions to find their ‘lost’
My heart breaks for all the victims of war, buried in foreign lands and who were never found by their loved ones.
My heart breaks for all the victims of war, buried in foreign lands and who were never found by their loved ones.