Saturday, August 14, 2010

Lost

I *loved* this book. It's on the same level as A Northern Light which is high praise in my book.

It's rare that I read an entire book and then devour the author's note, but I just couldn't get enough of this story and was completely mesmerized when I discovered that it was based on a true story!

This is historical fiction set in New York in 1911. Life was hard, especially if you worked in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. If you remember your history, you'll know what happened there. If not, I won't ruin it for you.

Davies weaves two stories together -- one is about a 16 year old Jewish factory worker with hazy memories of family loss and the other is about a 20-something mystery woman who appears in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory one day.

A stunning mystery. Read it.

5 comments:

Brandy said...

Have you read Uprising, by Margaret Peterson Haddix? It's also about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and unionization efforts.

Lost has been on my mental to-read list for a while--time to move it up to me actual to-read list!

Sharon said...

I haven't, but I'll put it on my list. :)

This story is more character driven, so there is very little about the unions. But I'd be interested to read more. I wonder why this is such a hot time period these days...

Alissa said...

I liked both Uprising and Lost. Even though they deal with the same historical context, they are completely different books.

Lost was one of my favorite unsung BBYA novels last year. The unfortunate cover choice is a detriment because it really requires pushing and it is such a beautiful story!

Triangle has been a popular topic since the adult book that came out on it... besides, it is right up teens alleys don't you think? Poor, hardworking teenage girls locked in a factory and dying in a horrible fire? Oh the angst!

Sharon said...

I agree that the cover presents a serious handicap. I just gave it to one of my teens who only reads angsty stuff and she LOVES it. YAY

Sharon said...

So I finally read Uprising. Fabulous. I loved it... an excellent companion to Lost, too.