Review by booksbeforebs - Lost Lambs: ‘A voice like no other' Lena Dunham

booksbeforebs 's review for:

Lost Lambs: ‘A voice like no other' Lena Dunham by Madeline Cash

4.0

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It’s been a weird time for the Flynn family ever since Catherine informed Bud she was opening up their marriage. Forget meals not being cooked, laundry not being done, and the house generally going to ruin: Catherine and Bud have far more pressing problems.

If only they would notice.

Their eldest, Abigail, is dating an ex-solider in his twenties known as War Crimes Wes; their youngest, Harper, is channelling her brilliant mind into conjuring up conspiracy theories about local port activities and spy devices being embedded in an art installation in the town; while their other daughter, Louise, is suffering from a bad case of overlooked-middle-child syndrome and is being radicalised online by a terrorist. What will happen when Harper’s conspiracy theories turn out to be a reality? Could this be the wake up call the Flynns need, and will it be enough to bring the family back together?

‘Lost Lambs’ was an utter joy to read. Delightfully dark. Humorous and heartwarming. From the first page, I knew I was in safe hands with this author: the writing is sharp and funny and brilliantly high-quality. I didn’t want to put the book down. Anyone who likes their characters feral and their stories chaotic and unhinged is sure to find this book highly entertaining.

It feels so authentic, too—the characters more real and relatable than those found in many other books I’ve read. Despite its zaniness—or perhaps because of it—the book manages to capture life and what it is to be human in all its chaotic and less than Insta-perfect forms. Part of the joy of the book is that it says the things we think but know we shouldn’t say. It made me feel guilty for laughing along with it, but at the same time it also made me feel seen and less alone.

If you’re thinking about reading ‘Lost Lambs’, don’t hesitate! I thoroughly recommend it. It is full of humour and the warmth and weirdness of family.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Madeline Cash and Random House UK for the ARC.

Content Warnings