Contrary to what you might imagine, Lost in the title of this lengthy young adult novel by Frances Hardinge refers to a special group of people who can send their senses out of their physical bodies to hear, see, and feel things at a great distance. In any world, such abilities would be valued, but in this fantasy world of Gullstruck Island, where technology is still rudimentary, they are invaluable for predicting the weather, apprehending criminals, and just general communication. The island was invaded decades ago and, as so often happens in the process of colonization, the native peoples have been persecuted and often treated as less than human. The coastal village of one such native group, the Lace, is home to a Lost, which brings them prestige, money, and protection. But is Arilou really a Lost, or just mentally deficient? The entire village, and especially her sister Hathin, are complicit in keeping the story viable until the day when all the Lost on the entire island die--except Arilou. Determining who is behind the conspiracy and the subsequent hunt for Arilou becomes the driving force of this book. Hardinge has drawn from various native lores, especially about volcano spirits, to bring life to the indigenous belief systems and the tensions between aboriginals and invaders. It's a fascinating world, compellingly drawn and you'll find it hard to put this one down.
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