Customer Reviews

Place Last Seen: A Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The author of this book seems to have had perfect pitch when she created her characters. Every one of the variety of people in this story, the mom, dad, brother, grandmother, of the lost child, the searchers, etc. are believable, complex people. The dialogue is dead-on, and the conflicts are real. It was heartfelt without sentimentality. Very good novel.

I just finished reading Charlotte's book. Couldn't put it down. It is thoughtful, well-written, gripping, and has an extremely tight story line. Even the minor characters are well developed. Leaves one with lots of questions, what ifs, could ifs, should ifs, and thoughts---like a good book should. (I have recently read so many books that started strongly and ended as damp squibs that it was refreshing to read one that ends strongly.) I really recommend it.

As a long-time member of a volunteer K-9 search and rescue team in New England, I approached this book with a good deal of skepticism. Too many books about search and rescue are melodramatic and don't get the details right. This one did, right on the money. The tension and (seeming) chaos of a real search came through with real people. And while the character of the mother seems overwrought and unsympathetic, that is EXACTLY the way parents of lost children act. Kudos to the author for doing her homework.

As trite as it sounds, I was glued to this book from the very first line. The story moves swiftly, and the sense of restrained panic experienced by the family of the missing child feels authentic. The prose is clean and at times, quite beautiful. If I had children, I expect I would describe this book as nightmarish -which is a compliment. The author truly seems to have a keen understanding of the emotions her characters go through during their ordeal, and she certainly seems to understand the fine points of a search and rescue mission in the wilderness. It's an impressive book, let alone first novel.

Story basically is, family is out hiking for the day, mom, dad, son and daughter. Daughter gets lost in the wilderness. She also happens to have Down Syndrome. What follows is a totally believable and gripping story of the family and it's ordeal.

Can't say much more than that without giving away too much of the story. I was VERY glad to see that none of the other reviewers gave away the ending (a pet peeve of mine on Amazon). Makes it hard to review though.

If you read the cover blub and think it's the type of story that would interest you, read it. You won't be disappointed.

This haunting book is very well written with a plot and character development that would be noteworthy in a prolific writer. The fact that this is Charlotte McGuinn Freeman's first book is very encouraging to those of us who want to continue reading remarkable prose. The premise is interesting, but what differentiated this book from many with a promising beginning is that the my interest grew as each new layer of the story unfolded. Nothing was predictable and the characters had emotions and conversations that weren't foreseeable. There is a poignancy that will remain in your heart long after you finish this book.

This is a book that will stay with you well beyond the final page. This is not escapist reading. This novel deals with the blunt reality that we will all, in our time, have to deal with fear and grief. Yet, although the subject is somber and thought provoking, the author handles it adroitly, interweaving just enough humor and humanity to keep it from slipping into mushy sentimentality. It is an uplifting book that celebrates the indominable human spirit. A must read for anyone who has the courage to love.

It's hard to say I enjoyed this book, as it's a grim and sad story---a child with Down Syndrome lost in the wilderness, and the search for her. But I enjoyed the writing---it was a perfect example most of the time of showing and not telling---I felt I really got to know the personalities of the main characters without being TOLD about them, just by listening in on their conversations and thoughts and watching their actions. It was interesting to follow how a search is done, and what kind of people get involved in searches and why.

I do think the plot was a bit thin. I would not have minded a little more of a back story, aside from what is revealed during the search, and parts of the search were described in such detail that only other search and rescue people would really be interested.

I liked the way the author did not give a stereotyped portrayal of the girl with Down Syndrome. It's good for people to know that not all children with disabilities are the stereotypical docile angels.

Overall worth a read.

I found myself lost in the amazing story, pulled in by the intriguing characters, and pleased with a writing style that fit the story well. A wonderful book that tears at you in all kinds of ways. Warning-do not start this book until you have time to finish it.

An excellent novel. Lovely writing and fine dialogue. Infact,it rang so true, it felt more like nonfiction. I agree with onereviewer who warned parents. The emotional power of this book -and the anxiety it produces - is powerful. A very confident novel, an ultra-confident debut. Mink was moved.