BOOK BRIEF

What Was Lost

Catherine O'Flynn
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What Was Lost

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

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Catherine O'Flynn

What Was Lost

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

242

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction

British Literature
Setting

Birmingham, England • 1980s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn follows the interwoven lives of several individuals connected to a Birmingham shopping center. Person-first character Kate, a young girl, initially went missing years ago. The narrative explores themes of loss, disconnection, and the impact of consumer culture on personal relationships, leading to unexpected connections between past and present events.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.7

6,483 ratings

52%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn receives praise for its engaging narrative and emotional depth. The portrayal of a child detective captivates readers, while the critique highlights the slow pacing in the middle sections. The novel effectively explores themes of loss and consumerism, appealing to those who appreciate character-driven stories with a social commentary.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Was Lost?

Readers who enjoy What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn are often drawn to poignant narratives with a blend of mystery and social commentary. Fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will appreciate its intricate storytelling and exploration of loss and connection.

3.7

6,483 ratings

52%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

242

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction

British Literature
Setting

Birmingham, England • 1980s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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