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The Ones That Disappeared
Kept by a ruthless gang, three children manage to escape from slavery. But freedom isn't just waiting on the outside.
Separated, scared and looking after a small child, Esra will do whatever she can to reunite with her friend Miran, who was captured by the police - the police who she mustn't trust.
Hiding in the shadows of the forest, Esra is found by a local boy, a boy with his own story. Together they will create a man out of mud. A man who will come to life and lead them through a dark labyrinth of tunnels until they finally have the courage the step above ground. Until they finally have the courage to speak their story. Until they finally have the courage to be free.
Separated, scared and looking after a small child, Esra will do whatever she can to reunite with her friend Miran, who was captured by the police - the police who she mustn't trust.
Hiding in the shadows of the forest, Esra is found by a local boy, a boy with his own story. Together they will create a man out of mud. A man who will come to life and lead them through a dark labyrinth of tunnels until they finally have the courage the step above ground. Until they finally have the courage to speak their story. Until they finally have the courage to be free.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2017
23 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Zana Fraillon
22 books112 followersZana Fraillon is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in over 15 countries and is in development for both stage and screen. She has also had pieces published in The Big Issue, The Guardian, Island Magazine, Dark Mountain, Abridged and Sans.Press.
Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 5, 2017
Trapped downstairs in the basement; charged with the job of watering the plants, never letting them die – this was the life of three children; Miran, Esra and Isa. These three had been brought to a new country for a better life – but that was a lie. They were slaves; nothing more, nothing less. And they were deadly afraid – fearful continually but determined to one day be free…
When the opportunity arose, they took it. But in doing so were separated. Miran was captured by the police and Esra and Isa knew he was also injured. But Miran told them to run; their escape was vital or they would all be killed. So deep into the forest the two youngsters ran, until they spied a cave – they were prepared to wait for as long as it took for Miran to find them.
The morning Esra and Isa spotted the boy by the river they hid. But Skeet would befriend them and help them in their search for Miran. The Riverman also came to their aid. But would they find Miran? Would the children ever be free of the cruel and vindictive men who had captured them and made their lives a misery?
The Ones That Disappeared is a heartbreaking young adult novel of the slave trade of children by Aussie author Zana Fraillon. It’s a powerful novel with an incredible message; a message of hope and friendship. Human trafficking is a dreadful thing – hard to believe in this day and age it still continues. I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Ones That Disappeared.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
When the opportunity arose, they took it. But in doing so were separated. Miran was captured by the police and Esra and Isa knew he was also injured. But Miran told them to run; their escape was vital or they would all be killed. So deep into the forest the two youngsters ran, until they spied a cave – they were prepared to wait for as long as it took for Miran to find them.
The morning Esra and Isa spotted the boy by the river they hid. But Skeet would befriend them and help them in their search for Miran. The Riverman also came to their aid. But would they find Miran? Would the children ever be free of the cruel and vindictive men who had captured them and made their lives a misery?
The Ones That Disappeared is a heartbreaking young adult novel of the slave trade of children by Aussie author Zana Fraillon. It’s a powerful novel with an incredible message; a message of hope and friendship. Human trafficking is a dreadful thing – hard to believe in this day and age it still continues. I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Ones That Disappeared.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
August 7, 2017
This book was incredible. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I was enthralled by every page.
The story is beautiful and heart-breaking all at once. It was a book full of meaning, a book which exists to make a difference. The story was powerful, conveying a message of freedom and hope. It confronted the serious issue of human trafficking, focusing on the story of Esra, Miran & Isa to convey this horrifying reality to the reader. It brings to light conditions which seems remote and far away, driving home to the reader that this is a real issue. Following the story of these three children, it shows how hope can be found even in the darkest places as the children share stories and riddles to give each other hope. They are drawn together by friendship, forming their own family and sticking together through both joy and hardships.
The story showed the horrifying reality of human trafficking which millions of people face each day, yet combined it with a fantastical and mystical whimsy of a child's imagination. The novel was moving, heart-breaking, wonderful, insightful, uplifting, and I highly recommend it to anybody reading this.
The story is beautiful and heart-breaking all at once. It was a book full of meaning, a book which exists to make a difference. The story was powerful, conveying a message of freedom and hope. It confronted the serious issue of human trafficking, focusing on the story of Esra, Miran & Isa to convey this horrifying reality to the reader. It brings to light conditions which seems remote and far away, driving home to the reader that this is a real issue. Following the story of these three children, it shows how hope can be found even in the darkest places as the children share stories and riddles to give each other hope. They are drawn together by friendship, forming their own family and sticking together through both joy and hardships.
The story showed the horrifying reality of human trafficking which millions of people face each day, yet combined it with a fantastical and mystical whimsy of a child's imagination. The novel was moving, heart-breaking, wonderful, insightful, uplifting, and I highly recommend it to anybody reading this.
April 22, 2018
I don’t wait to give too much away but this is such a powerful message about human enslavement, specially of children. It’s heart breaking and I’m crying but it was worth it. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 3, 2017
The Ones That Disappeared is the exploration of three children brought into child trafficking, who are working to pay off their ‘debt’ to the Snakeskin gang. It’s an incredibly disturbing account of poverty, emotional and physical abuse, alienation and the hope they are subjected to.
Being forced to work on marijuana plants in a basement, they are both chastised for making mistakes and praised heavily for doing good. Yet, they are told that they have no other choice, that they’re actually being looked after and groomed by the gang, which they should be grateful for. It’s easy to see how they started believing this after a while, seeing kids on the street die from poverty.
Even after their escape from their captors, the book doesn’t let up as Esra takes the younger Isa under her wing, as they traverse the harsh Australian bushland. They meet another boy called Skeet, a talkative, lively boy who has a pet toad in his pocket. He adds life and vibrance into the story, as he follows Esra and Isa on their adventures to reconnect with their friend Miran.
There’s also a hint of magical realism halfway through, where a Riverman comes to life after being constructed by the children. He resembles a feeling of hope for them and connects the children. I felt the magical realism part to be quite out of place, especially since the rest of the book is set in reality.
It’s not a surprise that I found the book emotionally taxing to read, as it delves heavily into the emotional effects of child slavery on each character. I had to stop and put the book down every few chapters, because of how hard and heavy the content was, especially through Esra’s perspective. Hope, courage and survival underpins the bleak narrative as we follow these kids who are considered the ‘lucky’ ones who have escaped.
Although the book ends on a hopeful note, it leaves as lasting impression as we’re left to ponder the fates of actual child slaves after the author note.
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Being forced to work on marijuana plants in a basement, they are both chastised for making mistakes and praised heavily for doing good. Yet, they are told that they have no other choice, that they’re actually being looked after and groomed by the gang, which they should be grateful for. It’s easy to see how they started believing this after a while, seeing kids on the street die from poverty.
Even after their escape from their captors, the book doesn’t let up as Esra takes the younger Isa under her wing, as they traverse the harsh Australian bushland. They meet another boy called Skeet, a talkative, lively boy who has a pet toad in his pocket. He adds life and vibrance into the story, as he follows Esra and Isa on their adventures to reconnect with their friend Miran.
There’s also a hint of magical realism halfway through, where a Riverman comes to life after being constructed by the children. He resembles a feeling of hope for them and connects the children. I felt the magical realism part to be quite out of place, especially since the rest of the book is set in reality.
It’s not a surprise that I found the book emotionally taxing to read, as it delves heavily into the emotional effects of child slavery on each character. I had to stop and put the book down every few chapters, because of how hard and heavy the content was, especially through Esra’s perspective. Hope, courage and survival underpins the bleak narrative as we follow these kids who are considered the ‘lucky’ ones who have escaped.
Although the book ends on a hopeful note, it leaves as lasting impression as we’re left to ponder the fates of actual child slaves after the author note.
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2024
dnfed 5% 🥲
July 15, 2017
4/5
'The Ones That Disappeared' is one of those books packed with the power to make a difference to the world. Fraillon has quickly been marked as an author to watch amongst readers when her debut novel 'The Bone Sparrow', a supposedly outstanding fictional account of young refugees, received much positive acclaim. I still have not read it, but it has been pushed to the top of my to-buy list if it's anything like 'The Ones That Disappeared'! This time, Fraillon has placed a spotlight on human trafficking, and the very disturbing and realistic portrayal of its presence in our society spoke volumes to me and shook me to my core.
'The Ones That Disappeared' follows three children as they hang onto their dreams of one day returning home. They belong to the Snakeskin gang, their wrists branded with ink showing to the world that they are not free, and they can be bent to His will. But they are treated well, and He protects them. Esra, Miran and Isa work hard to pay off the "debt" that they are owed for coming into His care, telling jokes and sharing stories to keep their spirits strong. Until one day, an accident results in the destruction of their Jungle where they have been helping grow drugs, so they do the only thing they can do. Run.
(Full review to be posted at a later date.)
Thank you to Hachette Australia for a review copy.
'The Ones That Disappeared' is one of those books packed with the power to make a difference to the world. Fraillon has quickly been marked as an author to watch amongst readers when her debut novel 'The Bone Sparrow', a supposedly outstanding fictional account of young refugees, received much positive acclaim. I still have not read it, but it has been pushed to the top of my to-buy list if it's anything like 'The Ones That Disappeared'! This time, Fraillon has placed a spotlight on human trafficking, and the very disturbing and realistic portrayal of its presence in our society spoke volumes to me and shook me to my core.
'The Ones That Disappeared' follows three children as they hang onto their dreams of one day returning home. They belong to the Snakeskin gang, their wrists branded with ink showing to the world that they are not free, and they can be bent to His will. But they are treated well, and He protects them. Esra, Miran and Isa work hard to pay off the "debt" that they are owed for coming into His care, telling jokes and sharing stories to keep their spirits strong. Until one day, an accident results in the destruction of their Jungle where they have been helping grow drugs, so they do the only thing they can do. Run.
(Full review to be posted at a later date.)
Thank you to Hachette Australia for a review copy.
January 28, 2019
Trigger warnings: child slavery, child abuse, death of a sibling (in the past), murder, death of a child.
I honestly feel like I just didn't quite understand this book. Because on one level, it's a group of kids escaping from the house where they're kept as slaves, forced to grow pot (or maybe opium poppies??). But on another level, it's a magical realism story about a group of kids being separated and finding their way back together thanks to pigeons and a man made of mud.
And, like, ????????
I wanted to love this because The Bone Sparrow was such a powerful read. But I genuinely felt like I didn't know any of the characters, I didn't know where it was set, I didn't know what was happening. Others have said it's set in Australia, but that was never explicitly spelled out. Others have said that the children are Syrian refugees, which seems likely from context but again, it's never explicitly spelled out.
It was eye opening, for sure. But the whole way through I struggled with it and it took me forever to read it. And I'm not entirely sure of the intended audience. The kids are aged 8-12 but because of the subject matter, it's very much not a middle grade book. But I also feel like it's a book that teens wouldn't really get. So...?????
I honestly feel like I just didn't quite understand this book. Because on one level, it's a group of kids escaping from the house where they're kept as slaves, forced to grow pot (or maybe opium poppies??). But on another level, it's a magical realism story about a group of kids being separated and finding their way back together thanks to pigeons and a man made of mud.
And, like, ????????
I wanted to love this because The Bone Sparrow was such a powerful read. But I genuinely felt like I didn't know any of the characters, I didn't know where it was set, I didn't know what was happening. Others have said it's set in Australia, but that was never explicitly spelled out. Others have said that the children are Syrian refugees, which seems likely from context but again, it's never explicitly spelled out.
It was eye opening, for sure. But the whole way through I struggled with it and it took me forever to read it. And I'm not entirely sure of the intended audience. The kids are aged 8-12 but because of the subject matter, it's very much not a middle grade book. But I also feel like it's a book that teens wouldn't really get. So...?????
Read
June 24, 2017I found this upsetting. Hard to rate or review.
May 24, 2020
Really good about child trafficking
July 24, 2017
Another book by Fraillon where she tries to give a voice to the dispossessed. This time her focus is on three street kids: Miran, Esra and Isa.
We don't know the exact details of their home lives, but these three could be any child kept in poverty and forced to work for criminal gangs. The children are kept in a locked-up home, forced to tend the marijuana plants and harvest the drug ready for sale. They are beaten, slowly being poisoned by the chemicals used in the process and under constant threat that they might be used elsewhere or turned onto the streets when they outlive their usefulness. One can only imagine the heartache their families might endure as they believe their child has been taken abroad to be educated, and they're not heard of again. And they're the lucky ones, as many of these kids will come from war or other terrible experiences and have no family.
These three have to run after an accident ruins the crop they were tending, and their life on the run means Esra and Isa are in constant fear of being found by their 'owner'. Determined to find Miran, the children never lose hope.
This is a bleak read. The story behind what we're being told is truly upsetting, and told through the childrens' eyes their story becomes even more touching. They should not be facing these experiences.
Perhaps to offset the bleakness of a story about human trafficking we get the character of Skeet, a young boy who's as lost as they are but who does have potential to help. There's also the David Almond-esque magical character of Riverman who looks out for the kids and helps them on their quest.
Not an enjoyable read in terms of content, but beautifully told and very very necessary.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my review.
We don't know the exact details of their home lives, but these three could be any child kept in poverty and forced to work for criminal gangs. The children are kept in a locked-up home, forced to tend the marijuana plants and harvest the drug ready for sale. They are beaten, slowly being poisoned by the chemicals used in the process and under constant threat that they might be used elsewhere or turned onto the streets when they outlive their usefulness. One can only imagine the heartache their families might endure as they believe their child has been taken abroad to be educated, and they're not heard of again. And they're the lucky ones, as many of these kids will come from war or other terrible experiences and have no family.
These three have to run after an accident ruins the crop they were tending, and their life on the run means Esra and Isa are in constant fear of being found by their 'owner'. Determined to find Miran, the children never lose hope.
This is a bleak read. The story behind what we're being told is truly upsetting, and told through the childrens' eyes their story becomes even more touching. They should not be facing these experiences.
Perhaps to offset the bleakness of a story about human trafficking we get the character of Skeet, a young boy who's as lost as they are but who does have potential to help. There's also the David Almond-esque magical character of Riverman who looks out for the kids and helps them on their quest.
Not an enjoyable read in terms of content, but beautifully told and very very necessary.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my review.
July 14, 2019
Ok. I'm well and truly behind on these reviews, so I'm going to smash a few out quickly.
This Young Adult novel explores complex themes and characters. Trapped in a basement and forced to water suspiciously important plants, Miran, Ezra and Isa are bound to a life of darkness and opression. The victims of human trafficking, one day they find a way to break free from this tiny room and into the world beyond. They are scared, separated, and unsure. Their journey to find one another and seek safety is filled with magical realism. There is a surreal character, difficult to understand and place, which would push most young audiences in their comprehension.
I did not enjoy this as much as her other novel, but it was still an excellent read in its own right. The loss of stars on this book was purely for magical realism, as it is just not my thing. I found it somewhat out of place in a book about such a serious topic and was challenged to see its purpose.
This is an endearing search for hope. Fraillon gives these issues a voice. Her writing style is beautiful. I'm currently reading her other novel to my class and have recommended this one to some of my higher level readers. It is perfect for early to late high school to bring up conversations about worldly topics. Be prepared to cry and sit in turmoil at its completion.
Rating: 3/5 stars
This Young Adult novel explores complex themes and characters. Trapped in a basement and forced to water suspiciously important plants, Miran, Ezra and Isa are bound to a life of darkness and opression. The victims of human trafficking, one day they find a way to break free from this tiny room and into the world beyond. They are scared, separated, and unsure. Their journey to find one another and seek safety is filled with magical realism. There is a surreal character, difficult to understand and place, which would push most young audiences in their comprehension.
I did not enjoy this as much as her other novel, but it was still an excellent read in its own right. The loss of stars on this book was purely for magical realism, as it is just not my thing. I found it somewhat out of place in a book about such a serious topic and was challenged to see its purpose.
This is an endearing search for hope. Fraillon gives these issues a voice. Her writing style is beautiful. I'm currently reading her other novel to my class and have recommended this one to some of my higher level readers. It is perfect for early to late high school to bring up conversations about worldly topics. Be prepared to cry and sit in turmoil at its completion.
Rating: 3/5 stars
July 30, 2018
Wow. Just wow.
This was one of those rare books that didn’t just put me in the characters’ world, it put me right by their side. Whenever I had to put the book down, I felt like I’d been separated from them and couldn’t wait to get back together. I found myself thinking of them when I wasn’t reading the book, worrying if I’d left them at a particularly dramatic point.
This book both ripped my heart out and made me smile and chuckle to myself. It made me incredibly angry but also incredibly lucky.
What a book!
This was one of those rare books that didn’t just put me in the characters’ world, it put me right by their side. Whenever I had to put the book down, I felt like I’d been separated from them and couldn’t wait to get back together. I found myself thinking of them when I wasn’t reading the book, worrying if I’d left them at a particularly dramatic point.
This book both ripped my heart out and made me smile and chuckle to myself. It made me incredibly angry but also incredibly lucky.
What a book!
October 1, 2017
A very eye opening book! Although, the storyline could've been much deeper in my opinion. I enjoyed the spiritual element to the book, and enjoyed the way that it was tied in so smoothly. At times I felt the story moved to slowly or could have been developed further. All in all, an ok book to read, but with a good agenda!
July 13, 2017
http://jessjustreads.com
The Ones that Disappeared is the latest YA novel by the Carnegie-shortlisted author Zana Fraillon. It’s a powerful tale about three trafficked Syrian children searching for freedom and hope. Across the world, millions of children are the victims of human trafficking. Zana takes an issue that people no doubt think is ‘far away’ and brings it into our hands. The book is set in Australia.
‘Be careful girl,’ he said, his voice growling like Orlando’s dogs. ‘Most people won’t tolerate a mouth like that. Better hope I don’t tell Orlando he needs to shape you up. Better hope I don’t tell Orlando he should sell you on. I know people who would pay a good price for a girl like you.’ Then he jammed my face into the bricks and held it there, watching.
This book follows three trafficked children: Esra, Miran and Isa. They have done different types of jobs since leaving their families and their home, and they’ve often suffered beatings if their work was not deemed to be of an acceptable standard.
Their job is to take care of opium plans, but then something goes wrong — a fire starts and the police turn up and Miran gets captured. Esra and Isa run away along the river, taking shelter in a cave.
“I move back to the wall and pull Isa over me, my arms wrapping him tight. I look at Skeet again, his face burning into my brain. His toad opens an eye and stares straight back. I won’t tell him, this boy, this Skeet, that when he talked of his circus, filled with toads, it made me remember.”
Zana’s writing is poetic and lyrical, with flowing sentences and brief but realistic dialogue. It’s a short read, despite the topic that the book explores. There’s a bit of magical realism in the book. Esra and Isa meet a young boy – Skeet – who is ignored by his alcoholic mother, and the three of them craft out a Riverman from things they find along the bank. And then the next day, that Riverman is real and he leads them down into the tunnels of the town in an effort to save Miran from their captors.
This is a book about survival and bravery, but also about hope and courage. Esra and Isa are desperate for freedom and Zana shows us that it’s worth fighting for what you want, even if what you’re fighting for is something that is a basic human right. And Skeet is searching for something more. At times, it feels like he’s searching for family. And at other times you feel like all he wants is love and someone looking out for him.
This book is daring because young audiences may struggle to grasp the scope of these experiences in the world, however, Zana has done a wonderful job of taking the issue of child slavery and presenting it to readers in an accessible way. There are some fantasy/magic realism elements to this book, particularly with the Riverman who comes to life. But the book is also very literary and poetic. This book gives voice to the often forgotten victims of child slavery here in Australia.
“I stand up, my hand on Isa’s shoulder and look down at the voice. He’s old. A white beard, knotted and dirty, and a jacket wrapped tight protecting him from the rain. He’s standing with his hands on his hips, staring at us with hard in his eyes."
The Ones That Disappeared does drag a little bit in the middle, with slow pacing and some stagnant conversation that allows the reader’s attention to slow. But Zana is not glamourising anything and her intention is to shine a light on trafficking and how scary and dangerous it is for these children.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ones that Disappeared is the latest YA novel by the Carnegie-shortlisted author Zana Fraillon. It’s a powerful tale about three trafficked Syrian children searching for freedom and hope. Across the world, millions of children are the victims of human trafficking. Zana takes an issue that people no doubt think is ‘far away’ and brings it into our hands. The book is set in Australia.
‘Be careful girl,’ he said, his voice growling like Orlando’s dogs. ‘Most people won’t tolerate a mouth like that. Better hope I don’t tell Orlando he needs to shape you up. Better hope I don’t tell Orlando he should sell you on. I know people who would pay a good price for a girl like you.’ Then he jammed my face into the bricks and held it there, watching.
This book follows three trafficked children: Esra, Miran and Isa. They have done different types of jobs since leaving their families and their home, and they’ve often suffered beatings if their work was not deemed to be of an acceptable standard.
Their job is to take care of opium plans, but then something goes wrong — a fire starts and the police turn up and Miran gets captured. Esra and Isa run away along the river, taking shelter in a cave.
“I move back to the wall and pull Isa over me, my arms wrapping him tight. I look at Skeet again, his face burning into my brain. His toad opens an eye and stares straight back. I won’t tell him, this boy, this Skeet, that when he talked of his circus, filled with toads, it made me remember.”
Zana’s writing is poetic and lyrical, with flowing sentences and brief but realistic dialogue. It’s a short read, despite the topic that the book explores. There’s a bit of magical realism in the book. Esra and Isa meet a young boy – Skeet – who is ignored by his alcoholic mother, and the three of them craft out a Riverman from things they find along the bank. And then the next day, that Riverman is real and he leads them down into the tunnels of the town in an effort to save Miran from their captors.
This is a book about survival and bravery, but also about hope and courage. Esra and Isa are desperate for freedom and Zana shows us that it’s worth fighting for what you want, even if what you’re fighting for is something that is a basic human right. And Skeet is searching for something more. At times, it feels like he’s searching for family. And at other times you feel like all he wants is love and someone looking out for him.
This book is daring because young audiences may struggle to grasp the scope of these experiences in the world, however, Zana has done a wonderful job of taking the issue of child slavery and presenting it to readers in an accessible way. There are some fantasy/magic realism elements to this book, particularly with the Riverman who comes to life. But the book is also very literary and poetic. This book gives voice to the often forgotten victims of child slavery here in Australia.
“I stand up, my hand on Isa’s shoulder and look down at the voice. He’s old. A white beard, knotted and dirty, and a jacket wrapped tight protecting him from the rain. He’s standing with his hands on his hips, staring at us with hard in his eyes."
The Ones That Disappeared does drag a little bit in the middle, with slow pacing and some stagnant conversation that allows the reader’s attention to slow. But Zana is not glamourising anything and her intention is to shine a light on trafficking and how scary and dangerous it is for these children.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
I didn't really think it could be possible for Fraillon to top The Bone Sparrow, one of my favourite reads of 2016. Like her debut, The Ones that Disappeared is a powerfully relevant and important book about real issues in our world, and it makes those issues accessible to children in a profound and distinctly empathetic journey towards hope.
This book centres around three children, Miran, Isa, and Esra who have been taken by ruthless gang members from refugee camps, children's homes, or the beaches after a dangerous dinghy capsizes on a crossing. They are locked in a basement and given the task of looking after 'the plants' until they have paid off their debts, which they know they'll never pay off, no matter how hard they work. When an accident allows them to escape, Isa and Esra are split up from Miran and find themselves hiding by a river where they meet Skeet, a talkative boy who is neglected by his alcoholic mother. Together, the three of them build a man from mud who comes alive and leads them into the underground drains in search of Miran and freedom. In a hospital, Miran is assured he's safe, but the children are the property of the Snakeskins, and the Snakeskins want them back, or their silence.
This book isn't a lighthearted read. It's dark and real, despite the twists of magical realism, and it's haunted by the references to those real children who don't have any hope, who aren't free, and who pay the price for wanting it. The threat of danger is powerfully tangible all the way through this book. I so desperately wanted to keep these children safe. Each of them was explored with depth and sensitivity, all their emotion and trauma and pain intertwined with their love of each other and the ways in which they keep themselves hoping. Found-family is a gentler theme within this book, made stronger by how quickly and absolutely Isa and Esra accept Skeet into their guarded fold.
The magical realism elements don't sully this story with charm and whimsy either, but deepen the darkness of the story. The Riverman himself is an ugly creation, made from misery and loss and desperate need. He in some way represents their lack of voice in the world, having no voice himself, but that doesn't mean he has nothing profound to say. He has no healing to offer, no hugs to give, but his presence in the story is an impactful reminder to the reader and the characters that simply believing in each other, in friendship, can be a powerful magic all its own.
The themes in this book are many and huge to unpack, and were difficult for me, a 25-year-old, to read, let alone a child. I think it could be upsetting for a sensitive child who is unaware of what they're going into when they pick up this book, but nonetheless an important book for classrooms everywhere. It deals with child trafficking and modern-day slavery, the refugee crisis, government failures, justice and law, poverty, responsibility, grief and loss, family, neglect and abuse, friendship, guilt, identity beyond trauma, and bravery. And yet Fraillon's message is so deeply about hope, awareness, empathy, and the fight for human rights. That is what I think Fraillon does best with these stories, so embedded as they are in real-life children's horrors and trauma, is pave a pathway to hope. This is an astounding book written with so much heart and love. I can't recommend this book enough, and nor will I ever forget it.
This book centres around three children, Miran, Isa, and Esra who have been taken by ruthless gang members from refugee camps, children's homes, or the beaches after a dangerous dinghy capsizes on a crossing. They are locked in a basement and given the task of looking after 'the plants' until they have paid off their debts, which they know they'll never pay off, no matter how hard they work. When an accident allows them to escape, Isa and Esra are split up from Miran and find themselves hiding by a river where they meet Skeet, a talkative boy who is neglected by his alcoholic mother. Together, the three of them build a man from mud who comes alive and leads them into the underground drains in search of Miran and freedom. In a hospital, Miran is assured he's safe, but the children are the property of the Snakeskins, and the Snakeskins want them back, or their silence.
This book isn't a lighthearted read. It's dark and real, despite the twists of magical realism, and it's haunted by the references to those real children who don't have any hope, who aren't free, and who pay the price for wanting it. The threat of danger is powerfully tangible all the way through this book. I so desperately wanted to keep these children safe. Each of them was explored with depth and sensitivity, all their emotion and trauma and pain intertwined with their love of each other and the ways in which they keep themselves hoping. Found-family is a gentler theme within this book, made stronger by how quickly and absolutely Isa and Esra accept Skeet into their guarded fold.
The magical realism elements don't sully this story with charm and whimsy either, but deepen the darkness of the story. The Riverman himself is an ugly creation, made from misery and loss and desperate need. He in some way represents their lack of voice in the world, having no voice himself, but that doesn't mean he has nothing profound to say. He has no healing to offer, no hugs to give, but his presence in the story is an impactful reminder to the reader and the characters that simply believing in each other, in friendship, can be a powerful magic all its own.
The themes in this book are many and huge to unpack, and were difficult for me, a 25-year-old, to read, let alone a child. I think it could be upsetting for a sensitive child who is unaware of what they're going into when they pick up this book, but nonetheless an important book for classrooms everywhere. It deals with child trafficking and modern-day slavery, the refugee crisis, government failures, justice and law, poverty, responsibility, grief and loss, family, neglect and abuse, friendship, guilt, identity beyond trauma, and bravery. And yet Fraillon's message is so deeply about hope, awareness, empathy, and the fight for human rights. That is what I think Fraillon does best with these stories, so embedded as they are in real-life children's horrors and trauma, is pave a pathway to hope. This is an astounding book written with so much heart and love. I can't recommend this book enough, and nor will I ever forget it.
postponed-reading
June 17, 2018I'll get back to this
June 21, 2019
I might not have enjoyed this book as much as many others simply because it is a different style than I typically read and write and I may not be the target audience. But that being said I appreciate the author’s courage in bringing to light the reality and horrors of child slavery, which is a larger issue in our world today than many people realize. As devastating as this subject matter is she also managed to weave in a theme of hope for the characters and those who are like them in real life.
November 13, 2023
Wonderlik, so verhelderend!!
March 29, 2020
I began this book cautiously. I have read another book by this author, (Bone Sparrow) and although I liked it, I found it quite sad in many places. This one is no different. The Ones That Disappeared is about 'forgotten' or 'lost' children. Stolen or trafficked into slavery. Any story where children get hurt or killed is usually a book/film I avoid, but as I am on lockdown for coronavirus, and had this unread book on my book shelf, I decided to grow a pair and read it.
The tale begins with three children trapped in a house, Esra, Miran and a very young child, Isa. Having to work for gangsters, they are tattooed with the mark of the gang and put to work on a marijuana farm. It all goes horribly wrong when inevitably, a fire breaks out and destroys the entire crop. Thousands of pounds worth of drugs went up in smoke and the children are held responsible. Their lives are in danger when their owner discovers the charred remains. It is of no consequence to him that the children survive, he is furious at the loss of the crop. However, during the chaos of being caught and violently punished, the children are presented with an opportunity to escape.
Esra and the others struggle with identity and ownership. At an age where Esra is discovering who she is, she has the internal battle of being owned, and being told who and how she is. She sees her handler mapping out her future for her, in captivity. He even claims she is 'just like him,' which she adamantly refuses to believe. One gets the feeling though she is confused and secretly believes he is right. Not only does she have to prove him wrong, thereby challenging his ownership over her, she also needs to prove him wrong to herself so that she can claim ownership over herself. One of the ways she does this is by trying to remember who she is. This is done by grounding herself in her sporadic memories that she whispers to herself (some hers, and some borrowed from Miran) that are laced with love, violence and death as well as grounding herself literally in dirt of the earth. The earth, she is reminded, is her home. Her abbi told her so. 'This is your land. This land, it is in your blood, and in your heart.' (p208) She belongs to the land. All of the land is her home. And it reminds us that we also belong to the Land. This becomes ever more poignant for her as she longs to return 'home,' a place where she can put down roots and grow.
She struggles to develop her voice. A voice that can literally set her mind free from the shackles of ownership but also a voice with which she can use to remember those who have died, and those who have been lost or have disappeared. The novel reminds us that slaves are captives of the mind as well as the body as Esra, Miran and Isa search also for mental freedom once they have physically escaped from confinement. The threat of being recaptured hovers in the peripheral as they struggle to process the trauma of what has happened. Their sad but common tale is told on how they end up in the situation they are in, as well as hinting at how other children are exploited and captured all over the world.
Esra, Miran and Isa are largely kept inside. Only occasionally as a 'treat' when they have worked hard are they allowed outside into an enclosed garden. When outside, they are in plain sight of others and yet no-one does anything about them being in captivity, highlighting the fact that many children are held in slavery right under our very noses, and yet we do not see them. The Author's Note at the back of the book, talks about this fact in more detail.
The writer describes how the children hate their captors yet still yearn for approval from them. This juxtaposition of opposing emotions is again seen when considering the highly emotive content of keeping children in slavery, exposing them to a kind of violence that would make adults crumble yet peppered with light-hearted humour when they were at their lowest. This book demonstrates the fragility of the human spirit, but also its strength. What I couldn't get my head around was weather the magic within the novel was meant to be presented as 'real' magic, or whether it was how the children's minds coped with their horrific situation. This open and interpretative element only added to the enjoyment of the novel, if 'enjoyment' is a word you can use when reading about such horrible situations.
Despite being well written, I found this book difficult to read. I found myself having to take several breaks; my mind wondered, and I even did extra chores as I processed what I was reading. Having said that, I still read it rather swiftly in two days and enjoyed the feeling of hope that pervaded throughout the text. I liked it.
This book mingles the sadness of being in captivity, with fear and magic. The children venture into dirty, muddy, dark and wet settings as they spend time in tunnel-like drains, which being the germophobe that I am, was constantly aware of how these children were dirty and smelly. But, the magic of the filthy river pervaded coating them in a sort of magical layer of mud that protected their inner most beings. This thick skin shielded them from the many horrors of unhygienic places such as stinking drains homes to rats, bats, pigeons and a magical homeless man brought to life by the colourful Skeet. It helped bond them in friendship and love as well as encapsulating the idea that through dirt, soil and mud, new life and love can grow.
I would recommend this book. There is horror violence and sadness reflected from the real world but there is a happy end of sorts, and I like a happy ending. The happy fictional ending suggests that in the real world, we can also find a happy ending to the trafficking and exploitation of children. There is a solution, something can be done if we act. Certainly an emotive book. But emotive books are the best kind.
The tale begins with three children trapped in a house, Esra, Miran and a very young child, Isa. Having to work for gangsters, they are tattooed with the mark of the gang and put to work on a marijuana farm. It all goes horribly wrong when inevitably, a fire breaks out and destroys the entire crop. Thousands of pounds worth of drugs went up in smoke and the children are held responsible. Their lives are in danger when their owner discovers the charred remains. It is of no consequence to him that the children survive, he is furious at the loss of the crop. However, during the chaos of being caught and violently punished, the children are presented with an opportunity to escape.
Esra and the others struggle with identity and ownership. At an age where Esra is discovering who she is, she has the internal battle of being owned, and being told who and how she is. She sees her handler mapping out her future for her, in captivity. He even claims she is 'just like him,' which she adamantly refuses to believe. One gets the feeling though she is confused and secretly believes he is right. Not only does she have to prove him wrong, thereby challenging his ownership over her, she also needs to prove him wrong to herself so that she can claim ownership over herself. One of the ways she does this is by trying to remember who she is. This is done by grounding herself in her sporadic memories that she whispers to herself (some hers, and some borrowed from Miran) that are laced with love, violence and death as well as grounding herself literally in dirt of the earth. The earth, she is reminded, is her home. Her abbi told her so. 'This is your land. This land, it is in your blood, and in your heart.' (p208) She belongs to the land. All of the land is her home. And it reminds us that we also belong to the Land. This becomes ever more poignant for her as she longs to return 'home,' a place where she can put down roots and grow.
She struggles to develop her voice. A voice that can literally set her mind free from the shackles of ownership but also a voice with which she can use to remember those who have died, and those who have been lost or have disappeared. The novel reminds us that slaves are captives of the mind as well as the body as Esra, Miran and Isa search also for mental freedom once they have physically escaped from confinement. The threat of being recaptured hovers in the peripheral as they struggle to process the trauma of what has happened. Their sad but common tale is told on how they end up in the situation they are in, as well as hinting at how other children are exploited and captured all over the world.
Esra, Miran and Isa are largely kept inside. Only occasionally as a 'treat' when they have worked hard are they allowed outside into an enclosed garden. When outside, they are in plain sight of others and yet no-one does anything about them being in captivity, highlighting the fact that many children are held in slavery right under our very noses, and yet we do not see them. The Author's Note at the back of the book, talks about this fact in more detail.
The writer describes how the children hate their captors yet still yearn for approval from them. This juxtaposition of opposing emotions is again seen when considering the highly emotive content of keeping children in slavery, exposing them to a kind of violence that would make adults crumble yet peppered with light-hearted humour when they were at their lowest. This book demonstrates the fragility of the human spirit, but also its strength. What I couldn't get my head around was weather the magic within the novel was meant to be presented as 'real' magic, or whether it was how the children's minds coped with their horrific situation. This open and interpretative element only added to the enjoyment of the novel, if 'enjoyment' is a word you can use when reading about such horrible situations.
Despite being well written, I found this book difficult to read. I found myself having to take several breaks; my mind wondered, and I even did extra chores as I processed what I was reading. Having said that, I still read it rather swiftly in two days and enjoyed the feeling of hope that pervaded throughout the text. I liked it.
This book mingles the sadness of being in captivity, with fear and magic. The children venture into dirty, muddy, dark and wet settings as they spend time in tunnel-like drains, which being the germophobe that I am, was constantly aware of how these children were dirty and smelly. But, the magic of the filthy river pervaded coating them in a sort of magical layer of mud that protected their inner most beings. This thick skin shielded them from the many horrors of unhygienic places such as stinking drains homes to rats, bats, pigeons and a magical homeless man brought to life by the colourful Skeet. It helped bond them in friendship and love as well as encapsulating the idea that through dirt, soil and mud, new life and love can grow.
I would recommend this book. There is horror violence and sadness reflected from the real world but there is a happy end of sorts, and I like a happy ending. The happy fictional ending suggests that in the real world, we can also find a happy ending to the trafficking and exploitation of children. There is a solution, something can be done if we act. Certainly an emotive book. But emotive books are the best kind.
September 23, 2018
The novel addressed the powerful and emotive topic of child trafficking and domestic neglect. It grabbed my attention straight away.
However, I did not enjoy how these abhorrent situations were addressed and resolved through unrealistic spiritual/mystical elements.
Would have preferred the author to stay true to the realities of what happens in these situations. Not invent spirits that save them.
However, I did not enjoy how these abhorrent situations were addressed and resolved through unrealistic spiritual/mystical elements.
Would have preferred the author to stay true to the realities of what happens in these situations. Not invent spirits that save them.
September 3, 2017
I was enjoying the start of this book and the overall theme was new and engaging, but I didn't like the magic realism elements, the poetry, the lyrics or the corny jokes and riddles. I guess it was trying to juxtapose laughter with the horror of the kids situation. I felt it was trying too hard and skipped to the end.
Read
August 9, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Slavery
Child abuse
Death of a sibling recounted
Death of a child
Murder
Slavery
Child abuse
Death of a sibling recounted
Death of a child
Murder
July 25, 2017
“I understand then, more than ever, that free is free from fear and I’ve been running too long. I haven’t let myself remember so my heart wouldn’t burn. But I’m ready now. I am the speaker for the dead, and I will find my home”.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending us this novel to review ❤️
‘The Ones that Disappeared’ is a recent YA novel written by the very powerful and influential author Zana Fraillon. This is actually the first novel we have read by this author. We were actually really surprised with the concept of this novel, we really just loved how well her writing flowed! So we will definitely pick up ‘The Bone Sparrow’ by this author in the near future!
The plot follows three trafficked young and frightened Syrian children who are searching for both freedom and hope whilst finding the means to survive each day. All across the world, you may already know that children trafficking is an issue that continues to rapidly increase in numbers. Zana has done an incredible job in bringing forth an issue into our own personal radars so we can all understand more about this heartbreaking global issue.
With the novel being set in Australia, we just knew we had to read this novel to be part of this powerful and surprising beautiful journey.
The novel portrays three trafficked children: Esra, Miran and Isa. They have all had the roles of different jobs since leaving their families, homes, culture and identities behind.
The three children are instructed with a role to care for a room full of opium plants however, something goes completely wrong, a fire starts from an unknown source. When the chance to escape from beatings, starvation and this job arises, the children jump at the chance to take charge of the situation and break free of the caged room of which they have been kept in. However, just after this happens, the police turn up just in time and Miran is taken into custody, not knowing what to do as Esra and Isa run to find refuge.
We have to say we actually really loved Zana’s writing style throughout this novel. It was just so poetic and it followed and linked beautifully! It was an incredibly short read despite the major topic that was explored. We really loved how the author was able to go above and beyond with this novel whilst including magical realism! Esra and Isa meet a young boy, Skeet who also finds that he is ignored. The three of them design and construct a figure of which they call the Riverman with materials they find along a bank to a flowing river. The following day the children find that the Riverman has come to life and helps lead them to Rescue Miran.
This novel is about stories of survival and courage and what one must do to find and hold onto hope. Zana shows us that human rights and decency are worth fighting for! This novel gives everyone a voice especially those which have personally experienced child slavery.
The novel highlights a heartbreaking and emotional issue that truly needs to be eliminated. With the help of this novel, we caught a brief look at what dangerous situations these children are constantly placed in and let us tell you, it’s definitely not okay!!!
“I’ll soar their souls from my tongue, and build back all they cared for and tell of all they loved”.
Have you had the chance to read ‘The Bone Sparrow’? If so, what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!😊
Book Rating 4/5 Stars ⭐️
Blog Post:
https://pocketfullofpagesblog.wordpre...
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending us this novel to review ❤️
‘The Ones that Disappeared’ is a recent YA novel written by the very powerful and influential author Zana Fraillon. This is actually the first novel we have read by this author. We were actually really surprised with the concept of this novel, we really just loved how well her writing flowed! So we will definitely pick up ‘The Bone Sparrow’ by this author in the near future!
The plot follows three trafficked young and frightened Syrian children who are searching for both freedom and hope whilst finding the means to survive each day. All across the world, you may already know that children trafficking is an issue that continues to rapidly increase in numbers. Zana has done an incredible job in bringing forth an issue into our own personal radars so we can all understand more about this heartbreaking global issue.
With the novel being set in Australia, we just knew we had to read this novel to be part of this powerful and surprising beautiful journey.
The novel portrays three trafficked children: Esra, Miran and Isa. They have all had the roles of different jobs since leaving their families, homes, culture and identities behind.
The three children are instructed with a role to care for a room full of opium plants however, something goes completely wrong, a fire starts from an unknown source. When the chance to escape from beatings, starvation and this job arises, the children jump at the chance to take charge of the situation and break free of the caged room of which they have been kept in. However, just after this happens, the police turn up just in time and Miran is taken into custody, not knowing what to do as Esra and Isa run to find refuge.
We have to say we actually really loved Zana’s writing style throughout this novel. It was just so poetic and it followed and linked beautifully! It was an incredibly short read despite the major topic that was explored. We really loved how the author was able to go above and beyond with this novel whilst including magical realism! Esra and Isa meet a young boy, Skeet who also finds that he is ignored. The three of them design and construct a figure of which they call the Riverman with materials they find along a bank to a flowing river. The following day the children find that the Riverman has come to life and helps lead them to Rescue Miran.
This novel is about stories of survival and courage and what one must do to find and hold onto hope. Zana shows us that human rights and decency are worth fighting for! This novel gives everyone a voice especially those which have personally experienced child slavery.
The novel highlights a heartbreaking and emotional issue that truly needs to be eliminated. With the help of this novel, we caught a brief look at what dangerous situations these children are constantly placed in and let us tell you, it’s definitely not okay!!!
“I’ll soar their souls from my tongue, and build back all they cared for and tell of all they loved”.
Have you had the chance to read ‘The Bone Sparrow’? If so, what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!😊
Book Rating 4/5 Stars ⭐️
Blog Post:
https://pocketfullofpagesblog.wordpre...
December 26, 2017
How much do you know about child trafficking?
Do you think that it doesn’t happen in your country – as how could it be possible?
The trafficking of children happens all over the world to anyone – though children who come from poverty, areas of war or natural disasters are more likely to be trafficked than others.
The Ones That Disappeared
the ones that disappeared by Zana Frailly moved me and taught me so much about this awful and hidden issue that so much more needs to be done about.
the ones that disappeared was heart wrenching yet also filled with laughter. As I read I too became friends with the four children at the centre of this story – 3 victims of child trafficking and one a victim of alcohol abuse and separation.
the ones that disappeared is like an adventure story in a far off land. The reader escapes the bad guys with the children, explores dark drains and conjures magic – but sadly this is all too real.
Around the world, millions of people – including many children – are victims of human trafficking. These modern-day slaves often go unseen even in our own cities and towns, their voices silent and their stories untold.
We need to start to wake up to these atrocities in our own countries and those of others. For this to be happening to millions of people a year is disgraceful – especially when so many of those people are children.
This book – although damming of the current state of the world and saddening – offers hope. There is hope for these children if more people are aware and if more people speak up to make government tighten laws the small people can make a difference – just like Esra does.
Children 11 years and up will enjoy this book – especially if they are debriefed after and encouraged to learn more about this issue.
Do you think that it doesn’t happen in your country – as how could it be possible?
The trafficking of children happens all over the world to anyone – though children who come from poverty, areas of war or natural disasters are more likely to be trafficked than others.
The Ones That Disappeared
the ones that disappeared by Zana Frailly moved me and taught me so much about this awful and hidden issue that so much more needs to be done about.
the ones that disappeared was heart wrenching yet also filled with laughter. As I read I too became friends with the four children at the centre of this story – 3 victims of child trafficking and one a victim of alcohol abuse and separation.
the ones that disappeared is like an adventure story in a far off land. The reader escapes the bad guys with the children, explores dark drains and conjures magic – but sadly this is all too real.
Around the world, millions of people – including many children – are victims of human trafficking. These modern-day slaves often go unseen even in our own cities and towns, their voices silent and their stories untold.
We need to start to wake up to these atrocities in our own countries and those of others. For this to be happening to millions of people a year is disgraceful – especially when so many of those people are children.
This book – although damming of the current state of the world and saddening – offers hope. There is hope for these children if more people are aware and if more people speak up to make government tighten laws the small people can make a difference – just like Esra does.
Children 11 years and up will enjoy this book – especially if they are debriefed after and encouraged to learn more about this issue.
October 6, 2019
Ok. I'm well and truly behind on these reviews, so I'm going to smash a few out quickly.
This Young Adult novel explores complex themes and characters. Trapped in a basement and forced to water suspiciously important plants, Miran, Ezra and Isa are bound to a life of darkness and opression. The victims of human trafficking, one day they find a way to break free from this tiny room and into the world beyond. They are scared, separated, and unsure. Their journey to find one another and seek safety is filled with magical realism. There is a surreal character, difficult to understand and place, which would push most young audiences in their comprehension.
I did not enjoy this as much as her other novel, but it was still an excellent read in its own right. The loss of stars on this book was purely for magical realism, as it is just not my thing. I found it somewhat out of place in a book about such a serious topic and was challenged to see its purpose.
This is an endearing search for hope. Fraillon gives these issues a voice. Her writing style is beautiful. I'm currently reading her other novel to my class and have recommended this one to some of my higher level readers. It is perfect for early to late high school to bring up conversations about worldly topics. Be prepared to cry and sit in turmoil at its completion.
Rating: 3/5 stars
This Young Adult novel explores complex themes and characters. Trapped in a basement and forced to water suspiciously important plants, Miran, Ezra and Isa are bound to a life of darkness and opression. The victims of human trafficking, one day they find a way to break free from this tiny room and into the world beyond. They are scared, separated, and unsure. Their journey to find one another and seek safety is filled with magical realism. There is a surreal character, difficult to understand and place, which would push most young audiences in their comprehension.
I did not enjoy this as much as her other novel, but it was still an excellent read in its own right. The loss of stars on this book was purely for magical realism, as it is just not my thing. I found it somewhat out of place in a book about such a serious topic and was challenged to see its purpose.
This is an endearing search for hope. Fraillon gives these issues a voice. Her writing style is beautiful. I'm currently reading her other novel to my class and have recommended this one to some of my higher level readers. It is perfect for early to late high school to bring up conversations about worldly topics. Be prepared to cry and sit in turmoil at its completion.
Rating: 3/5 stars
March 14, 2022
This one will hit you hard.
It was kinda hard, but necessary, to be in the world of this book. And what makes it more difficult is to know that these things really happen. The location of the events of this book are just vague enough to make you wonder - is this happening where I live? Would I know if it was? Or would I be oblivious?
The characters are beautifully written and I was completely enraptured by this book - I couldn't put it down. I had no idea where it was going and the magical realism adds another level to this book. I didn't question it, just went with it, and I imagine this was how the kids were coping with their traumatic reality.
Skeet in particular stood out to me, I could hear his voice in my head and thought he was a nice balance compared with Esra and Isa. Esra needs to be strong and smart and capable beyond her years and she can't always be - she tries so hard. But she needs her friends, and this is both uplifting and devastating that they need each other so much.
I don't feel like I'm doing this book any justice at all, but I highly recommend you read it. I heard Zana Fraillon speak about her more recent release (The Lost Soul Atlas) and I am bumping it up my TBR after reading this.
It was kinda hard, but necessary, to be in the world of this book. And what makes it more difficult is to know that these things really happen. The location of the events of this book are just vague enough to make you wonder - is this happening where I live? Would I know if it was? Or would I be oblivious?
The characters are beautifully written and I was completely enraptured by this book - I couldn't put it down. I had no idea where it was going and the magical realism adds another level to this book. I didn't question it, just went with it, and I imagine this was how the kids were coping with their traumatic reality.
Skeet in particular stood out to me, I could hear his voice in my head and thought he was a nice balance compared with Esra and Isa. Esra needs to be strong and smart and capable beyond her years and she can't always be - she tries so hard. But she needs her friends, and this is both uplifting and devastating that they need each other so much.
I don't feel like I'm doing this book any justice at all, but I highly recommend you read it. I heard Zana Fraillon speak about her more recent release (The Lost Soul Atlas) and I am bumping it up my TBR after reading this.
July 21, 2017
What is this about?: Esra, Miran and Isa have been kidnapped and are working for a gang, tending to the their drugs. This is the story of their escape.
What else is this about?: Child Trafficking. About finding hope where you can and holding steady until you get through it all.
This was not an easy read for me, though that is a testament to Zana Fraillion’s writing more than anything. I was exhausted by the time I finished this book, but if a book can make your emotions run riot, perhaps that’s a good thing?
This is about child trafficking, about Esra, Miran and Isa who are trapped or kidnapped and kept tending to plants (drugs) for the Snakeskin gang. They grasp hope where they can, encouraging each other to be strong in the face of what they’re forced to do, including the awful beatings used to keep them under control. If Esra is the realist in this story, Miran is the dreamer, the one who finds jokes where he can, while little Isa just isn’t ready yet to face what’s happened to him. Read the rest of my review: http://readingtime.com.au/the-ones-th...
What else is this about?: Child Trafficking. About finding hope where you can and holding steady until you get through it all.
This was not an easy read for me, though that is a testament to Zana Fraillion’s writing more than anything. I was exhausted by the time I finished this book, but if a book can make your emotions run riot, perhaps that’s a good thing?
This is about child trafficking, about Esra, Miran and Isa who are trapped or kidnapped and kept tending to plants (drugs) for the Snakeskin gang. They grasp hope where they can, encouraging each other to be strong in the face of what they’re forced to do, including the awful beatings used to keep them under control. If Esra is the realist in this story, Miran is the dreamer, the one who finds jokes where he can, while little Isa just isn’t ready yet to face what’s happened to him. Read the rest of my review: http://readingtime.com.au/the-ones-th...
August 20, 2017
*4.5 stars*
Zana Fraillon isn't a shy author. This novel and The Bone Sparrow both deal with pressing issues in today's society. Zana Fraillon tells moving stories and gives a voice to those who have been forgotten in this society. I can't wait to read her next books and I hope that these stories pushes people to do something, I hope it does inspire them.
This books is executed beautifully. The Ones that Disappeared is centered about child trafficking and follows the story of 3 children waiting for their Tomorrow.
This is an emotional story and it's really hard to write a review about this novel. Honestly this novel speaks miles for itself. Fraillon highlights the inhumane ways these children are treated and how we all conveniently turn a blind eye towards it. It's a reach to restore humanity's compassion.
So. So. So think on me when you sit to a meal,
When you point to a colour or smile at the
taste of a sweet picked in blood.
Talk to me when you turn from my voice,
Remember me when you say we all have
choices.
Zana Fraillon isn't a shy author. This novel and The Bone Sparrow both deal with pressing issues in today's society. Zana Fraillon tells moving stories and gives a voice to those who have been forgotten in this society. I can't wait to read her next books and I hope that these stories pushes people to do something, I hope it does inspire them.
This books is executed beautifully. The Ones that Disappeared is centered about child trafficking and follows the story of 3 children waiting for their Tomorrow.
This is an emotional story and it's really hard to write a review about this novel. Honestly this novel speaks miles for itself. Fraillon highlights the inhumane ways these children are treated and how we all conveniently turn a blind eye towards it. It's a reach to restore humanity's compassion.
So. So. So think on me when you sit to a meal,
When you point to a colour or smile at the
taste of a sweet picked in blood.
Talk to me when you turn from my voice,
Remember me when you say we all have
choices.
April 6, 2019
I liked the plot generally... until I got about three quarters through, when everything got a bit jumbled and then the kids were miraculously ok (or you presume they’re ok) at the end.
The main reason I’m giving this a 3 and not 4 star review is because, after finishing the book, there was an eye opening reference to the slave trade which, presumably, was the inspiration for this book. So why then does this book have a happy ending? I felt like it needed more substance, needed more emotions - Miran was dying for the whole book then suddenly makes a miraculous recovery. Yeah it’s bringing in the idea of hope, but it completely removes the realism that could be apparent in the book.
I felt like the character of Esra could’ve been explored a little more thoroughly too... she’s an interesting one with a lot of potential.
Overall, I would probably recommend this to a younger reader, it is an exciting story after all. But I have to say I was a little disappointed!
The main reason I’m giving this a 3 and not 4 star review is because, after finishing the book, there was an eye opening reference to the slave trade which, presumably, was the inspiration for this book. So why then does this book have a happy ending? I felt like it needed more substance, needed more emotions - Miran was dying for the whole book then suddenly makes a miraculous recovery. Yeah it’s bringing in the idea of hope, but it completely removes the realism that could be apparent in the book.
I felt like the character of Esra could’ve been explored a little more thoroughly too... she’s an interesting one with a lot of potential.
Overall, I would probably recommend this to a younger reader, it is an exciting story after all. But I have to say I was a little disappointed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2017
I loved this book. Having really enjoyed The Bone Sparrow I wasn't sure that this would be as good, but if anything it was even better. It is a strange combination - both a gritty real life exploration of people trafficking and the threats and dangers of young people who get caught up in it, but placed oddly enough in an almost 'magical realism' setting. A 'river man' made from mud and thrown out clothes, helps the characters - two teenagers and a little boy who make a family for themselves when they have none - face their future and cope with extreme adversity. It definitely has something of 'skellig' about it which is hard to pin down, but really good. It is impossible to not get fully immersed in this book and is a real eye opener about the extent and horrors of human trafficking
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