The Disappeared

by Gloria Whelan

A riveting tale about love and sacrifice by a National Book Award winner. The Disappeared. Los desaparecidos. This is the name given to those who opposed Argentina?s dictatorial government and were kidnapped to ensure their silence. With her hometown of Buenos Aires ensconsced in the political nightmare, Silvia devises a plan to save her missing brother. She?ll make Norberto, son of the general who arrests dissenters, fall in love with her?and he?ll have his father set Eduardo free. Told in alternating chapters, this powerful and poetic story follows Silvia as she spirals into Norberto?s world, and Eduardo as he struggles to endure physical and emotional torture. Will Silvia?s scheme reunite her family? Or will the pursuit of freedom cost these devoted siblings their lives?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Teen, Historical, War, Childrens

144 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2008

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real mixed bag. On the one hand, this story sheds light on the terrifying subject of political violence through imprisonment and torture. It takes place in Argentina in the 1970's as Silvia's brother Eduardo becomes one of los Deseparecidos after protesting against the repressive military dictatorship. The book brings discusses the importance of political speech and the right to protest. It's also a moving story of the bond between siblings, as it is told through unwritten letters between Silvia and Eduardo during his imprisonment. It's emotional, compelling, and short.

On the other hand, the book is a bit too pat to really offer much in the way of commentary. None of the characters are terribly intelligent, and the actions that they take to try to reach each other are outlandish and irresponsible. The siblings' story ends up diminishing the impact of the subject, and the tidy ending blunts the gravity of the situation the characters -- and the entire country -- are in.

The book also pulls too many punches when it comes to dealing with Eduardo's torture. I don't say that to advocate violence in teen lit, but I think that when dealing with something this important (and sadly relevant), it's the author's responsibility to reveal the truth of what torture is and what it's consequences are. Whelan just doesn't seem up to the challenge.

It's a noble effort, and it's decently written. The characters are sympathetic even if their not always believable (or very bright). The book offers an introduction to some of these issues, but falls short of saying all that it should.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

this story is about the bond between siblings, political violence and war in Argentina and life in prison. I like the books by this author!

[mussolet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, told as letters from two siblings to each other, takes the reader deep into the Argentina suffering under the rule of General Videla.

Gloria Whelan manages to tell the deeply moving story of Eduardo disappearing, and Silvia going down a dangerous path to find him, in very simple words, without complications and unnecessary pathos. There is anger, and violence, and people are hurt, but there is also humanity and hope.

This book is short, but make no mistake, for it will capture you from the first page, and will not let you go until the end.

I will leave you with a few quotes, so you can see for yourself the impact that this story can have:

"I look about in my memories to make a book to read, for I have come to realize that our lives are but books to read and reread. We cross out and add and finally we come up with happy endings. I am desperate for a happy ending." (p.49)

"we are not alone in our sorrow over your arrest. The more we reach out to find you, the more we find others who are also suffering. There are so many, we wonder if our arms can embrace them all."(p.34)

"The Phoenix [...] was a bird of the greatest possible beauty. Every five hundred years the bird was consumed by the burning rays of the sun, only to rise once again. The magnificent bird could not be destroyed. That is our country of Argentina" (p.6)

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This book is really more of a novella, not even hitting the 150 page mark. It's set in Argentina during the 1970s and is told in the form of letters between a brother and sister following his abduction by the secret police. Silvia devises a plan to save her brother by attracting the attention of Noberto, son of a powerful general. Meanwhile, her brother Eduardo, is telling us his side of the story from prison - the events that brought him to the attention of the military in the first place, and what he's experiencing in prison.

This was the first time I'd heard of Los Desaparecidos - those who were taken by the secret police and the military in Argentina during military rule in the second half of the twentieth century. So this is an important book, if it makes people aware of Argentina's history. But at the same time, it was so short that it felt like it barely skimmed the surface of the story. And there's so much more here that could have been fleshed out and expanded and developed to make it a harder hitting story. Add in the fact that the ending felt a little too neat and tidy, and it was a quick and decent read, but probably not one that will stay with me.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel, told in alternating chapters from the points of view of a brother and sister, takes place in Argentina in 1977 during the time of the Disappeared, when the military, who were in control of the government, were kidnapping, torturing, and killing anyone whom they suspected opposed them. Eduardo is taken by the military, so his sister Silvia sets out to try to get him released. She is a naive character, and makes some bad though well-meaning decisions. The story was very suspenseful, as I kept thinking that it could not end well. The ending came as a surprise to me, and was very satisfying. Years ago I read John Simpson's The Disappeared and the Mothers of the Plaza, so I had some background on the events of this period. Whelan's novel, however, really brought it to life. This would make a great YA book discussion, as it's a quick read and is filled with much to talk about. Recommended!

[Leona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but the story needed more depth.

Though the story of two siblings connecting through letters was powerful, the progression and characterization could have been stronger. The book did educate me on the military rule of Argentina and the unfortunate outcome of the many men and women who were brutally captured, tortured, and ultimately disappeared.

Given this is a YA adult book, the author was limited to certain boundaries, yet she successfully educated and accurately captured the utter despair of the situation.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful short story told with eloquent simplicity. Its subject matter is serious: the political persecution and violation of human rights by Argentina's government in the 1970s, focusing on the student protestors who 'disappeared', taken as prisoners in a kind of witch-hunt for those who were thought to oppose the government.

While showing that the student protesters fought for a just cause, Whelan helps the reader to think deeply about whether some forms of rash rebellion could be half-fed by a reckless pride in wanting to appear rebellious without considering the most effective way to fix a situation.

She is also wise in showing the naivete of a young woman who believes she can make a dangerous boy love her enough to do her a great favour, helping her to learn the unpleasant reality that there is no real love there, he only wishes to use her.

But excellent storyteller that she is, Whelan shows that though flawed, these heroic young people are brave and humble enough to learn from their mistakes, and through their patiently endured suffering their rebellion truly becomes heroic.

While the storyline is serious, Whelan's narrative is refined and not gratuitously graphic, there are very few brief descriptions of torture and the romance is halted before going too far. Things are implied without being spelt out in detail, though what is implied would probably still be too much for younger readers. And for older readers it is a book that should be thought about and talked about. Mature readers 13 and up.

[Erin Reilly-Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I love Gloria Whelan, but this one just didn't do much of anything for me. I felt dragged into the story too early with a pretty obvious expose of the time and setting, which was a little abrupt, okay, way too abrupt. This made it feel too "un-subtle?" While the gender roles are played with a little bit as Silvia steps up and tries to act to free her brother, action is still seen as typical for boys- Eduardo and the dad- but requires the removal and threat to one of the female's kin to inspire action. But this book isn't even really worth an investigation into gender roles even with the caveats of being historical fiction anyway. My biggest concern is that the ending seems incredibly unrealistic. While children's literature is supposed to be hopeful, I don't find Whelan's resolution of the conflict satisfactorily plausible. Because the beginning was so abrupt to get this short little novel started, I didn't end up caring much about either of the main characters. In any case, I think there are so many books out there that this one isn't worth one's time.

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this aloud for school. MD and MK gave it 4 stars. CN and I gave it 5 stars. This book told a somber story of two siblings caught in the web of Argentina’s dictatorship. They were lucky enough to escape before disappearing unlike 800+ others who did not. While this story was not true it was based on accurate information from the time period. I knew very little about Argentina’s past so this was an informative read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings with this book. This book is about Argentina in the late 70s and how the country was ran under dictatorship. Story was written as a brother and sister's point of view, alternating back and forth, in letter format. Given the setting of the story, it was necessary for this format, not what I prefer. The characters seem very monotone. There were feelings involved, but I didn't seem to reflect as the reader. This is a short read that definitely teaches about a period of world history that I personally was unaware of. For that, 3 stars.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good introduction to the turmoil of Argentina in the late 1970s with the torture and execution of political prisoners. Probably not appropriate for under 13 due to the hints of possible sexual assault. The torture scenes are handled delicately using more suggestive language than too many details but again probably best for 13 and up. Also a good introduction to the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. The author provides an epilogue with more context on the setting of the time and a list of books for further reading. It is a quick read that only took 2-3 hours to finish.

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is something I would recommend because it is such an interesting read on two perspectives of the same event. But overall I loved it even seeing the amazing text describing everything in such detail. Just hearing what the brother, sister bond Silvia and Eduardo had was just breathe taking considering she was willing to do anything to help him out of this horrible situation.

[♡mj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are some positive elements:
- Silvia and Eduardo wouldn't hesitate to risk their lives to save the other
- This is a story of love- how powerful and uncontrollable it is

Negative elements:
- It is told through 2nd person point-of-view (e.g. You said...)
- Some disturbing content while Eduardo is in prison

[Maestra Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story that will hopefully help others learn and remember about the Dirty War and its atrocities. I love how the story is unfolded in mental letters between Silvia and her brother Norberto.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small but important novel about the gruesome history of the Dirty War in Argentina. This would be great for young adult fiction studies in world events, human rights, dictatorships, freedom (and the lack of it)--for high school, university, or pre-service teachers.

[Sheena Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching story. It's terrible the things these families went through not knowing weather or not a part of your family would become one of the disappeared. Having police knock on your door and then take a loved one away without a word would be frightening.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. I learned things about Argentina and their government. It was a odd book but overall I liked it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a fast read of a historical fiction story of two siblings during the 70s in Argentina and the time of the Disappeared. Didn't take long at all to read and I learned quite a bit.

[Inke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story depicting the love between a brother and sister. The lengths they go to, and the sacrifices they make are awe inspiring. Must read for all historical fiction lovers

[Yesica Basaldua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. This book has a bit of emotions in it. I would say that it's a bit sad when it comes to reading it.

[cha]

This was a short but nice book it is different from my genre range but I enjoyed this book and will be reading more of her books.

[Lisa]

Story of a brother and sister who are caught up in the tumultuous times in Argentina during the 1970's.

[Kaitlyn | read_withkaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I felt about this book. It covers such a touchy subject with a brother & sister in the middle of so much chaos. I wasn’t the biggest fan.

[Sadie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read around the world- Argentina 🇦🇷

[Dakota Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too political-Argentina

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5. Interesting topic, but I'm not a fan of first person storytelling.

[Jenish Tailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet book. The story is very well put together about the war in Argentina, between political party affects normal citizen. How citizen who opposes the law/government are being kidnapped, charged conspiracy and never seen again. Normal citizens, who have lost many of their family members without any cause, just because government needs someone to blame and in this case, its innocent citizen. Citizen who merely protest, write poems, journals, research papers, etc are being arrested just to silent their voices and create fear in the others so they don't protest in future. Even though this book is short, it brings many emotions from teen to adult perspective. How siblings feel for each other, how parents feels about having their son being kidnapped by government. How they cannot even voice their fear and ask any question regarding their son taken away by government soldiers. They are merely helpless.

[Casey Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good historical fiction. Finished in two sittings.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the other day I was looking for a book on one of my rare trips to the Teen section in the library looking for a book and I spotted this one out of the corner of my eye because the cover is BEAUTIFUL! I think it's stunning so without even glancing at what it was about I added it to my stack of books that I'd be borrowing.


It wasn't until I came home that I read the inside cover to see what it was about that I realized I could use it in my Around the World Challenge. This book took me back in time to 1977 in Argentina where the political climate was tense and the country was in a state of unrest and upheaval.


The story is told in alternating chapters by 2 teenage siblings Silvia and Eduardo. Eduardo is unhappy with how the government is running his beloved Argentina and begins protesting unfortunately it isn't long before he gets put in an unpleasant situation and the army comes and takes him from his home holding him prisoner.

Silvia, and their parents are distraught over Eduardo's kidnapping and Silvia decides to rescue her brother by getting friendly with a big time generals son in hopes that he could help set her brother free. Sadly this is not the case and the only reason they are both freed is thanks to the general's wife who hates him for turning their son into a monster.


I wish that the book was as good as it sounds but for me it wasn't. I wasn't a fan of the authors writing and I thought her "voice" was too uppity. I did like the subject matter though because she brought this issue to the attention of the readers perhaps giving them a reason after they read this book to learn a thing or to about the country of Argentina. The story while I appreciate her efforts was written far to stifly and I didn't care for the switching from Silvia's point of view to that of her brother.

Despite the book not living up to the expectations I had for it I did enjoy learning about what was happening in Argentina at the time because I don't know much about Argentina and I while I was there in this book that I've walked away knowing things I didn't know before.

[Aalsowaidi7]

Silvia:
Silvia an Argentinean girl, who wanted to have her brother back from General Lopez. If Silvia tried to free her brother from jail, by making him escape or anything that could make her interfere with the government will cause her to go to the government. To free Eduardo without harming anyone, Silvia became friends with the generals son. She thought that if Norberto fell in love with Silvia that he would ask his father to free Eduardo. When Silvia asked Norberto to free her brother he got so mad. At the same time Señora Lopez gave Silvia an envelope. She said that this envelope will save both her and her families life. Indeed it did.


Eduardo:
Eduardo an Argentinean boy, would protest and demonstrate of what is happening in Argentina, because he wanted to free Argentina. Eduardo's protests and demonstration's caused him to got o jail. Eduardo could not do anything to free Argentina in jail. But he did not betray his friends that demonstrate by giving their names that could free Argentina, if he did they would be in jail. Silvia's envelope that Señora Lopez gave her saved both Eduardo and Silvia's life.