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Lost
The powerful story of two siblings trying to survive extreme poverty by the multi-award-winning, Waterstones Children's Book Prize-shortlisted author of Boy 87Lola's life is about to become unrecognisable. So is Lola.Everything used to be comfortable. She lived in a big house with her family, where her biggest problems were arguing with her little brother or being told she couldn't have a new phone. But as one disaster follows another, the threads of her home and family begin to unravel.Cut off from everything she has known before, Lola must find a new way to survive.Now, an ordinary girl must become extraordinary.Ele Fountain worked as an editor in children's publishing where she helped launch and nurture the careers of many prize-winning and bestselling authors. Ele's debut novel, Boy 87, won four awards and was nominated for nine more, including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. She lives in Hampshire with her husband and two daughters.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2020
9 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Ele Fountain
11 books38 followersEle Fountain worked as an editor in children’s publishing where she was responsible for launching and nurturing the careers of many prize-winning and bestselling authors.
She lived in Addis Ababa for several years, where she was inspired to write Boy 87, her debut novel. Ele lives in what she describes as a “not quite falling down house” in Hampshire with her husband, two young daughters and lots of spiders.
She lived in Addis Ababa for several years, where she was inspired to write Boy 87, her debut novel. Ele lives in what she describes as a “not quite falling down house” in Hampshire with her husband, two young daughters and lots of spiders.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 44 reviews
June 21, 2021
"I reach for my book and lie back down to read. Bliss."
Except that the characters were really unlikeable to start with. And this book made me feel so bad about the homeless young characters. I wanted to protect them so bad.
This is the first book from the author I am reading. I couldn't help thinking I was making a mistake.
The child characters. They sound like spoiled brats to begin with. Pretentious, disrespectful and acting rich. For no reason whatsoever and the adults seem to be okay with it.
Amit, the youngest and the younger brother of Lola, seems to be the most innocent. However, the older kids sound somehow judgemental and has some kind of hatred for the less fortunate. I understand they are kids but I have read much better representations and better stories that I was actually shocked.
The story escalates fast when their father didn't return for more than four days and being driven out of their apartment.
The rest of the book is about how the brother and the sister tried to survive the worst times in the streets.
Question of hunger and safety throughout the entire time, it made me feel quite anxious. The police brutality. The violence and the suffering. It got too much at times.
The kids are homeless and it was like I was nobody cared. I was anxious the entire time I am saying this again. I felt so helpless. I was wondering where little Amit was. He got lost in the crowd.
There's so many scenes depicting assault which we can assume what happens to a young homeless girl. All the found family vibes under unbelievable circumstances.
The "rats" looking out for each other. I wish I could do something for them.
My most favourite character would be Rafi. You will know why if you read this book. Love this boy as much as you can the moment you start knowing him.
I find the writing good. However, I wanted more connection. Moreover because of the lack of connection between the first half and the second half of the story.
As sad as it is, I would say the story wrapped up pretty well.
And I totally agree with this:
"Nothing I learnt at school feels any use to me now."
"No one teaches you what to do when everything you care about has been taken away."
Except that the characters were really unlikeable to start with. And this book made me feel so bad about the homeless young characters. I wanted to protect them so bad.
This is the first book from the author I am reading. I couldn't help thinking I was making a mistake.
The child characters. They sound like spoiled brats to begin with. Pretentious, disrespectful and acting rich. For no reason whatsoever and the adults seem to be okay with it.
Amit, the youngest and the younger brother of Lola, seems to be the most innocent. However, the older kids sound somehow judgemental and has some kind of hatred for the less fortunate. I understand they are kids but I have read much better representations and better stories that I was actually shocked.
The story escalates fast when their father didn't return for more than four days and being driven out of their apartment.
The rest of the book is about how the brother and the sister tried to survive the worst times in the streets.
Question of hunger and safety throughout the entire time, it made me feel quite anxious. The police brutality. The violence and the suffering. It got too much at times.
The kids are homeless and it was like I was nobody cared. I was anxious the entire time I am saying this again. I felt so helpless. I was wondering where little Amit was. He got lost in the crowd.
There's so many scenes depicting assault which we can assume what happens to a young homeless girl. All the found family vibes under unbelievable circumstances.
The "rats" looking out for each other. I wish I could do something for them.
My most favourite character would be Rafi. You will know why if you read this book. Love this boy as much as you can the moment you start knowing him.
I find the writing good. However, I wanted more connection. Moreover because of the lack of connection between the first half and the second half of the story.
As sad as it is, I would say the story wrapped up pretty well.
And I totally agree with this:
"Nothing I learnt at school feels any use to me now."
"No one teaches you what to do when everything you care about has been taken away."
April 4, 2021
Lost by Ele Fountain is an adventurous yet thrilling story about a brother and a sister named Lola and Amit, who are surviving in a city lonely and all on their own when their father goes on a work trip and doesn't return.
The book definitely will give you goosebumps and make you feel sick of humanity at times in the story, but other times it also will make you feel happy and melt your heart at how these two kids survive in their life as Street rats.
Lola and Amit doesn't know much of their family members except for their dad and their late mother who passed away when Lola was a little girl. She has a best friend named Bella, who will soon be shifting with her in-laws and start her own life.
The book definitely has plotholes in terms of dad's sudden absense and ofcourse the way the book ended was very abrupt. But nonetheless, I loved the way plot was written and smooth writing style made me want to read the book till the end.
Looking for a subtle and adventurous thriller story then this is definitely the one for you. Pick this one up and you wouldn't know where your 2-3 hours went passing by.
The book definitely will give you goosebumps and make you feel sick of humanity at times in the story, but other times it also will make you feel happy and melt your heart at how these two kids survive in their life as Street rats.
Lola and Amit doesn't know much of their family members except for their dad and their late mother who passed away when Lola was a little girl. She has a best friend named Bella, who will soon be shifting with her in-laws and start her own life.
The book definitely has plotholes in terms of dad's sudden absense and ofcourse the way the book ended was very abrupt. But nonetheless, I loved the way plot was written and smooth writing style made me want to read the book till the end.
Looking for a subtle and adventurous thriller story then this is definitely the one for you. Pick this one up and you wouldn't know where your 2-3 hours went passing by.
March 17, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Thirteen-year-old Lola lives in a nice house with her younger brother Amit and her father who owns a factory. One day their father heads out of town to see a supplier. When he doesn’t return the children believe he has gotten cut off by the monsoons as everywhere is flooded and that he will be back the next day.
Day after day their father doesn’t come back and their landlord now wants them out of their house. With no other relatives to help them the children head to the streets with just a backpack each and a little money.
One afternoon Lola loses Amit in a crowd and now she is all alone and in desperate need to find her brother and her father. How is Lola going to cope in this vast city where she was once one of the rich kids and now she has nothing and is fast becoming a street rat?
Lost is one of the most beautiful children’s books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Once I began I just couldn’t put it down and read late into the night to finish it.
This is the story of a young girl who had her whole life in front of her. She had a loving family, rich friends, a great education and all of it gone in a matter of days. Now she is having to think about how to survive on the streets, where she can sleep, where to get money so she can eat, as well, as trying to locate her brother and find out what happened to her father.
The book is rich in detail and whilst we are never actually told which country the book is set in, we know the continent, I believe that enough clues are leading it to be India.
This is a book about compassion, loyalty, family, love, and courage. Lola is a young girl who found herself in an extreme situation through no fault of her own. she has gone from wanting a new phone to just wanting to eat and survive. The bond between the siblings is so pure and you will find yourself silently praying that Lola is reunited with her family.
As well as Lola’s predicament we also learn more about the street kids or street rats as the locals call them. Why some of them are on the street, how they survive and what lengths they will go to so that they don’t starve. It is heartbreaking hearing some of the kid’s stories. These are children, some as young as four years old roaming and sleeping on the streets and trying to stay safe.
Ms. Fountains’ writing is so perfect that it gets right to your heart and has the words playing out like a movie scene. This is a book that every school should have and children should definitely read. It might just make them understand how hard life can be for others and give them empathy for those less fortunate than themselves.
Thirteen-year-old Lola lives in a nice house with her younger brother Amit and her father who owns a factory. One day their father heads out of town to see a supplier. When he doesn’t return the children believe he has gotten cut off by the monsoons as everywhere is flooded and that he will be back the next day.
Day after day their father doesn’t come back and their landlord now wants them out of their house. With no other relatives to help them the children head to the streets with just a backpack each and a little money.
One afternoon Lola loses Amit in a crowd and now she is all alone and in desperate need to find her brother and her father. How is Lola going to cope in this vast city where she was once one of the rich kids and now she has nothing and is fast becoming a street rat?
Lost is one of the most beautiful children’s books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Once I began I just couldn’t put it down and read late into the night to finish it.
This is the story of a young girl who had her whole life in front of her. She had a loving family, rich friends, a great education and all of it gone in a matter of days. Now she is having to think about how to survive on the streets, where she can sleep, where to get money so she can eat, as well, as trying to locate her brother and find out what happened to her father.
The book is rich in detail and whilst we are never actually told which country the book is set in, we know the continent, I believe that enough clues are leading it to be India.
This is a book about compassion, loyalty, family, love, and courage. Lola is a young girl who found herself in an extreme situation through no fault of her own. she has gone from wanting a new phone to just wanting to eat and survive. The bond between the siblings is so pure and you will find yourself silently praying that Lola is reunited with her family.
As well as Lola’s predicament we also learn more about the street kids or street rats as the locals call them. Why some of them are on the street, how they survive and what lengths they will go to so that they don’t starve. It is heartbreaking hearing some of the kid’s stories. These are children, some as young as four years old roaming and sleeping on the streets and trying to stay safe.
Ms. Fountains’ writing is so perfect that it gets right to your heart and has the words playing out like a movie scene. This is a book that every school should have and children should definitely read. It might just make them understand how hard life can be for others and give them empathy for those less fortunate than themselves.
September 23, 2022
This is one of my favourite books I’ve read in a long time, kept me hooked from the very first page!! And short chapters 🫶🫶
April 1, 2021
This book tugged on my heart strings on so many levels. This is a story about Lola and her brother Amit, who live a comfortable life until one day their father does not return home. We follow the children's tough journey and watch them as they gradually become 'street rats'. The story is told from Lola's perspective which makes all the emotions that she feels on her journey all the more real for the reader. The location is not explictly mentioned but it can be inferred that the story takes place in a busy Indian city. The writing does a beautiful job of making the reader feel a whirl of emotions including fear, hope, guilt and happiness. This book definitely made me reflect on my own unconscious judgements and made me feel a great amount of empathy for those who are not as fortunate. If you are looking for an emotional, moving book which has themes of social issues I would definitely recommend this.
April 3, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I'm glad that she didn't disappoint me. Adversity and loss make a man wise... this book has been written on these lines. Its a story of siblings Lola and Amit are happy in the the comforts of the luxury their father has given them. Everything goes well until fate plays a cruel game to turn their life Topsy Turvy all of a sudden. The journey to survival beating all odds is what the book is all about.
The descriptive narration in the perspective of a 12 year old is compelling and keeps the reader hooked. The author has expressed the life of a street kid and lets the reader taste the reality of the life they live in. And some parts of the book seems relatable as each one of us would have experienced it. The transformation of the character Lola from a carefree girl to a responsible one is worth reading. The message that the underprivileged deserve to be treated in a better manner has been conveyed well.
Overall an impactful read for me. ..
The descriptive narration in the perspective of a 12 year old is compelling and keeps the reader hooked. The author has expressed the life of a street kid and lets the reader taste the reality of the life they live in. And some parts of the book seems relatable as each one of us would have experienced it. The transformation of the character Lola from a carefree girl to a responsible one is worth reading. The message that the underprivileged deserve to be treated in a better manner has been conveyed well.
Overall an impactful read for me. ..
December 24, 2022
Jeg har ikke mere at sige end voila
February 17, 2021
We often, consciously or unconsciously, judge people around us. We ignore or even worse, make fun of underprivileged people like ragpickers/street rats, without even knowing their story. No one chooses a bad life for themselves, the situation makes them do that.
After reading "Lost", I do feel more empathetic towards those kids we see on railway stations, red lights, market areas, etc. Do we ever take a moment to think, how did they get there, were they born into the world of hopelessness, do they have a family or were they lost?
"Lost" is a very well written story. The author has done great work at presenting the location. The location and description of people around are such that the story could have taken place anywhere in the world. This way a wider range of audience is able to connect with the story of Lola.
The simplicity of the story as heard from the perspective of a 10-12 years old girl is able to capture the interest of the audience aged 10+. There is a thrill and being-on-the-edge-of-the-seat excitement to see how Lola and survives on the streets, which is unlike her, given the fact that she has lived a pretty comfortable life, and her struggle to find her brother before it is too late.
The characters Lola, Amit, and Rafi are very lovable. We don't see much of Amit, but enough to know that he a typical younger brother, teasing his elder sister and intruding on her girls' hangouts.
Lola, like any other girl her age, loves to do fashion and chat with her friends on the internet. Her character transformation, from a girl looking for social validation to someone realising the importance of making choices herself rather than letting her friends or society make it for her, is something worth learning from.
Rafi is a street kid, who Lola finds while looking for a hideout. He is almost Lola's age and initially appears to be mean like the other street kids. Rafi and Lola's friendship grow over time, as they help each other in difficult situations, and so does the reader's love for his character.
By the end of the story, I was going through mixed emotions. The feelings were the same as were being felt by the characters—happiness, sadness, guilt, hope, love, and void.
Definitely recommended for those who are looking for something emotional, simple, moving, about social issues, etc.
After reading "Lost", I do feel more empathetic towards those kids we see on railway stations, red lights, market areas, etc. Do we ever take a moment to think, how did they get there, were they born into the world of hopelessness, do they have a family or were they lost?
"Lost" is a very well written story. The author has done great work at presenting the location. The location and description of people around are such that the story could have taken place anywhere in the world. This way a wider range of audience is able to connect with the story of Lola.
The simplicity of the story as heard from the perspective of a 10-12 years old girl is able to capture the interest of the audience aged 10+. There is a thrill and being-on-the-edge-of-the-seat excitement to see how Lola and survives on the streets, which is unlike her, given the fact that she has lived a pretty comfortable life, and her struggle to find her brother before it is too late.
The characters Lola, Amit, and Rafi are very lovable. We don't see much of Amit, but enough to know that he a typical younger brother, teasing his elder sister and intruding on her girls' hangouts.
Lola, like any other girl her age, loves to do fashion and chat with her friends on the internet. Her character transformation, from a girl looking for social validation to someone realising the importance of making choices herself rather than letting her friends or society make it for her, is something worth learning from.
Rafi is a street kid, who Lola finds while looking for a hideout. He is almost Lola's age and initially appears to be mean like the other street kids. Rafi and Lola's friendship grow over time, as they help each other in difficult situations, and so does the reader's love for his character.
By the end of the story, I was going through mixed emotions. The feelings were the same as were being felt by the characters—happiness, sadness, guilt, hope, love, and void.
Definitely recommended for those who are looking for something emotional, simple, moving, about social issues, etc.
May 4, 2020
I really really want to rate this 5 stars. But I feel like something at the end of the book is missing. There should be another chapter. And that chapter should be about finding Rafi and making sure he is ok.
But other than that: IT. IS. AN. ABSOLUTE. FAVORITE. As a young girl and her brother lose contact from their dad and get kicked out of their house, they become street rats. After losing her brother in a crowd, she finds a new spot to stay... however, the spot is already taken. As she makes friends, she learns how to make money and survive. Then after spotting her brother in a crowd, herself and her friend go and try to rescue him. I will not say anymore. You must read the book to find out 😏.
Enjoy!
But other than that: IT. IS. AN. ABSOLUTE. FAVORITE. As a young girl and her brother lose contact from their dad and get kicked out of their house, they become street rats. After losing her brother in a crowd, she finds a new spot to stay... however, the spot is already taken. As she makes friends, she learns how to make money and survive. Then after spotting her brother in a crowd, herself and her friend go and try to rescue him. I will not say anymore. You must read the book to find out 😏.
Enjoy!
March 9, 2021
I am far older than the target audience for this book, but I found this a well-written and emotionally engaging story regardless. Like many books aimed at younger readers, the writing was relatively simple but I think the author did well to retain much of the underlying emotion and instead made for a quick read for an adult like me. When I finish a book, I often read a couple of reviews (choosing several high-starred and several low-starred ones at random) as I like to see what came to other readers' minds that did not occurred to me, and I wasn't that surprised to find that there were no one- or two-star reviews on here (at least just yet, I am aware this book is still quite new).
I read this in a single sitting of over an hour, and was properly absorbed into the story during this time. The place setting is not explicitly mentioned, but I will assume it is one of the busier Indian cities, one where there is little geographic segregation between the haves and the have nots. The premise is relatively simple: Lola and Amit's dad failing to come home from a business trip one day, . I liked how the author left what happened to dad as an open question almost throughout, and .
There are relatively few characters here, as is typical of a children's book, and I thought this was used well to give each of the street kids a bit of an identity of their own, instead of being lumped together like these frequently are. Each have troubles of their own, and each have a backstory of their own. Nearing the end of the book, I found myself really wishing .
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this one, the blurb is remarkably devoid of a lot of the detail that made this story what it was, but somehow I thought it was brilliant. This style can sometimes backfire, but it worked well at least for me. It meant that I was essentially discovering the premise as I went along (the blurb only mentions the children having a good life until one day everything unravels), which blended well with getting into the atmosphere of living as a street rat in India (which I am aware there are many of) and how Lola coped with having to essentially learn survival skills on the spot. A similar vein, but more realistic I felt, than the blockbuster book/film Lion - slightly ironic as the latter is supposed to be a memoir. Being a children's book this will not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it and will be seeking out other books by the author. I have generally had good experiences with Pushkin's adult range, and am glad to see their children's range appeals to me in a similar fashion. 5 stars.
I read this in a single sitting of over an hour, and was properly absorbed into the story during this time. The place setting is not explicitly mentioned, but I will assume it is one of the busier Indian cities, one where there is little geographic segregation between the haves and the have nots. The premise is relatively simple: Lola and Amit's dad failing to come home from a business trip one day, . I liked how the author left what happened to dad as an open question almost throughout, and .
There are relatively few characters here, as is typical of a children's book, and I thought this was used well to give each of the street kids a bit of an identity of their own, instead of being lumped together like these frequently are. Each have troubles of their own, and each have a backstory of their own. Nearing the end of the book, I found myself really wishing .
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this one, the blurb is remarkably devoid of a lot of the detail that made this story what it was, but somehow I thought it was brilliant. This style can sometimes backfire, but it worked well at least for me. It meant that I was essentially discovering the premise as I went along (the blurb only mentions the children having a good life until one day everything unravels), which blended well with getting into the atmosphere of living as a street rat in India (which I am aware there are many of) and how Lola coped with having to essentially learn survival skills on the spot. A similar vein, but more realistic I felt, than the blockbuster book/film Lion - slightly ironic as the latter is supposed to be a memoir. Being a children's book this will not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it and will be seeking out other books by the author. I have generally had good experiences with Pushkin's adult range, and am glad to see their children's range appeals to me in a similar fashion. 5 stars.
July 20, 2023
Lola is a pampered teen who lives in a big city in India with her father and brother. Lola and her younger brother Amit are leading a good life in a city surrounded by street kids or rats as they are called who live in abject poverty.
Their father owns a factory, and his two children benefit nicely from the money he earns. Lola attends a good school and Amit, a talented vocalist, is scheduled to audition for a part in a movie.
One day life as it has life has a habit of doing, drastically changes for the small family of three who have lost their wife and mother.
After taking a business trip outside of the city, Lola’s father doesn’t return home. Lola and Amit wait alone in the apartment, and eventually go to the police to report their missing father. The authorities are unconcerned. There are news stories of tragic flooding. Was father a victim? Soon Lola and Amit are evicted from their flat, for lack of payment and forced to live on the streets with the “street rats”. Here I wondered why the landlord would be so uncaring for putting young children on the streets, but this is India and the streets are full of orphans. Amit is only eight years old and Lola a few older with no street smarts. Lola has to grow up quickly and take charge of their desperate situation, which takes a frightening turn when she gets separated from her brother in the busy streets. At this point the story becomes very tense due to street smarts needed for basic living and the wiles needed to escape those who prey on young vulnerable children.
Lola is a clever girl and develops coping skills just to survive amongst the “street rats” all the while searching for Amit and dodging the adults who use children for their own needs.
Lost is both a mystery and adventure story immersed in class divisions, social problems and the strength of friendship and family.
The ending wrapped everything up a bit abruptly for this reader. Fountain left us with a cliffhanger making me wonder if a sequel to Lost is planned. I hope so as I liked the window into a world totally foreign to me,
Lost is a page-turner that mystery fans will not won’t to put down until the very end
October 15, 2023
A book that wants to instil in the reader a sympathy for "street rats" – the homeless kids who have nothing else to do to earn a pittance but act as porters in the railway station, that seems to go against instinct and start with the heroine being a touch unlikeable. Lola might have lost her mother giving birth to her baby brother, but the way her world is made to fall apart under her feet begins with the maid having a baby early, and moving back to the slums. For yes, we're in India, it would appear – in a lovely gated, guarded apartment, albeit one with a long chauffeur-driven ride to school. Anyway, the maid is gone, leaving little in the way of domestic nous, so when Dad drives off into the monsoon season and is never seen again, presumably because of flooding en route, the kids barely know one end of the kitchen from the other. They certainly can't work out how to wash clothes. The temporary fund gets frittered away as only kids can fritter, after that they find their lot is even worse, and they end up on the streets…
What this has is the narrative drive given by the unusual situation Lola is in, where we really join her in not knowing from one moment to the other what misfortune will happen next. The first person and present tense certainly help with this. But I still found the way she and her schoolfriends thought of street rats as target practice, only to become one, a bit too arch. No you don't want her to be completely savvy, but surely she should have known how to deal with this, what to say then, how to put the laundry on. Just because the very horrid and snooty Bella has six maids does not make Lola sympathetic with her mere one.
But this is not perhaps as bad as that all may seem – and veers away from being too pro- this, that or the other, and ends up with the minimum of wokeness about it. It doesn't really preach, and it certainly doesn't pretend to have any answers. It knows it is here for entertainment purposes, and it delivers on that, making this a decent sophomore book for this author.
What this has is the narrative drive given by the unusual situation Lola is in, where we really join her in not knowing from one moment to the other what misfortune will happen next. The first person and present tense certainly help with this. But I still found the way she and her schoolfriends thought of street rats as target practice, only to become one, a bit too arch. No you don't want her to be completely savvy, but surely she should have known how to deal with this, what to say then, how to put the laundry on. Just because the very horrid and snooty Bella has six maids does not make Lola sympathetic with her mere one.
But this is not perhaps as bad as that all may seem – and veers away from being too pro- this, that or the other, and ends up with the minimum of wokeness about it. It doesn't really preach, and it certainly doesn't pretend to have any answers. It knows it is here for entertainment purposes, and it delivers on that, making this a decent sophomore book for this author.
June 11, 2021
"Everyone needs one person looking out for them." ❤️
Lost is a heart touching story about struggle and hope. ❤️
Lola and Amit lived a comfortable life in a big house with their father where their biggest problem was to either fight with each other or being told that they cannot have a certain thing. They had a regular routine of getting up, having a tasty breakfast, their father driving them to school and then coming back home. ❤️
Summer vacations are about to start and Amit, who has a lovely voice, have a very important audition which can really change their life and make Lola , sister to a superstar, but maybe that's not what fate has to offer. Lola's father have to go out of town for a business trip and promises to be back by the evening, leaving some money for the kids in case of emergency. ❤️
No one knew that once their father left he won't be coming back any time soon. With no money left and unpaid appartment rent both of them are out on the street, fighting for ever single meal and a place to sleep.❤️
Will they be able to survive the hardships?
Will their life ever get back to the way it was?
Will they ever find their father?
Lost is a beautiful penned story, written from the perspective on a 12 year old, which can make your heart pain and eyes watery. Lost is a one of a kind story not just about Lola and Amit but millions of kid on the streets, their story and their struggle. All the characters were well built with a perfect background story. The easy going writing style makes it a perfect fit for all the age group. The only thing that disturbed me a little about the story was the slow pace but that ending honestly made me forget all of it. ❤️
I was happy, suprised, sad and even cried a little reading this one. If you're looking for a book which can touch your heart then this one is for you. ❤️
Lost is a heart touching story about struggle and hope. ❤️
Lola and Amit lived a comfortable life in a big house with their father where their biggest problem was to either fight with each other or being told that they cannot have a certain thing. They had a regular routine of getting up, having a tasty breakfast, their father driving them to school and then coming back home. ❤️
Summer vacations are about to start and Amit, who has a lovely voice, have a very important audition which can really change their life and make Lola , sister to a superstar, but maybe that's not what fate has to offer. Lola's father have to go out of town for a business trip and promises to be back by the evening, leaving some money for the kids in case of emergency. ❤️
No one knew that once their father left he won't be coming back any time soon. With no money left and unpaid appartment rent both of them are out on the street, fighting for ever single meal and a place to sleep.❤️
Will they be able to survive the hardships?
Will their life ever get back to the way it was?
Will they ever find their father?
Lost is a beautiful penned story, written from the perspective on a 12 year old, which can make your heart pain and eyes watery. Lost is a one of a kind story not just about Lola and Amit but millions of kid on the streets, their story and their struggle. All the characters were well built with a perfect background story. The easy going writing style makes it a perfect fit for all the age group. The only thing that disturbed me a little about the story was the slow pace but that ending honestly made me forget all of it. ❤️
I was happy, suprised, sad and even cried a little reading this one. If you're looking for a book which can touch your heart then this one is for you. ❤️
June 4, 2021
Lost is the story of Lola and Amit who belong to a privileged class. They study in a well known school, they have a roof over their heads, a father to fulfill their wishes and above all they have each other.
One day, a thing they had been dreading knocks at their door and they no longer have access to the amenities they never valued.
The sudden bubble of privilege and protection is lifted and they now wander in the streets like urchins.
They have no father and they have no place they can call home.
Lola being the elder sister is worried about Amit not having enough to eat or wear. They are clueless, hopeless and alone.
Narrated through the perspective of a twelve year old, the plot touches your heart deeply.
It touches the strings of our hearts which we keep hidden - fear. Fear of losing what we love dearly and things we take for granted.
While they are struggling to look for their father and live through these troubled times, what Lola doens't lose is hope and courage. She tries to adjust to the surroundings, look for means to make sure they don't sleep empty stomach at night.
It's a beautifully heart-wrenching story of not just Lola and Amit, but of millions of other kids who are left to beg and steal on the streets.
It's a story of love, courage, friendship, sacrifice and family.
It's the story of being LOST.
The character development was the best part of the novel, plot being the second best.
There were still instances were the narration fell flat and monotonous but in front of a beautiful storyline and characters it is bearable.
One day, a thing they had been dreading knocks at their door and they no longer have access to the amenities they never valued.
The sudden bubble of privilege and protection is lifted and they now wander in the streets like urchins.
They have no father and they have no place they can call home.
Lola being the elder sister is worried about Amit not having enough to eat or wear. They are clueless, hopeless and alone.
Narrated through the perspective of a twelve year old, the plot touches your heart deeply.
It touches the strings of our hearts which we keep hidden - fear. Fear of losing what we love dearly and things we take for granted.
While they are struggling to look for their father and live through these troubled times, what Lola doens't lose is hope and courage. She tries to adjust to the surroundings, look for means to make sure they don't sleep empty stomach at night.
It's a beautifully heart-wrenching story of not just Lola and Amit, but of millions of other kids who are left to beg and steal on the streets.
It's a story of love, courage, friendship, sacrifice and family.
It's the story of being LOST.
The character development was the best part of the novel, plot being the second best.
There were still instances were the narration fell flat and monotonous but in front of a beautiful storyline and characters it is bearable.
October 25, 2023
Lola and her brother, Amit, live with their dad. When he goes away on a business trip and does not return, the two are faced with figuring out what to do. Things go from bad to worse when they get separated.
Opinion
I read this book in one evening. I simply could not put the book down. I had to know what happened to the siblings.
This is the first book I have read by Fountain and I was quite impressed with the plot. The experience that these two characters went through is definitely unique. As an adult, I appreciate the lessons learned as well. I could see this book being used as a One Book One School book for an elementary school.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Pushkin Children's Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
I read this book in one evening. I simply could not put the book down. I had to know what happened to the siblings.
This is the first book I have read by Fountain and I was quite impressed with the plot. The experience that these two characters went through is definitely unique. As an adult, I appreciate the lessons learned as well. I could see this book being used as a One Book One School book for an elementary school.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Pushkin Children's Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.
May 15, 2020
This book put my heart rate up. One day Lola and Amit's dad doesn't come home. At first they're not too worried, but as days go by without contact they begin to worry more and more...then the landlord begins demanding rent, the electricity switches off and they have no choice but to leave and try to survive on the streets. School is on holiday, their nanny has gone on maternity leave and when Lola tries to visit her wealthy friends, the staff refuse to let her in. Who can she go to for help and how can she keep her younger brother safe?
This book is nail-bitingly tense and I really felt for Lola, Amit and all of the other children they meet on the street.
This book is nail-bitingly tense and I really felt for Lola, Amit and all of the other children they meet on the street.
July 4, 2023
I was blown away by this book! It had so much heart in it. I loved Lola's kindness to those around her even after all she went through. I loved Rafi's story arc and how he grew over the course of the book. I felt like the book gave an accurate and age appropriate account of natural disaster aftermath and poverty. I loved the ending. The story was interesting and engaging. Amit is the sweetest little brother. This is definitely something I would let my children read and recommend to friends. This book would be a really great tool for discussion of poverty and natural disasters in a classroom or homeschool setting!
August 30, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Lola and Amit two kids that are at home while their father takes a drive for a meeting for his factory. It is monsoon season, and while the kids are a bit worried, they go about their days. When he fails to come home after multiple days, and the landlord wants the apartment back for failure to pay rent, the kids have to face a new reality. They are on their own. They have very little money and no survival skills, they end up on the streets.
Their worlds shatter even more when they become separated. The story follows Lola and her search to find her brother and her father. She ends up befriending, against his will, Rafi, another kid who is living on the streets. Will Lola find her family again?
This book definitely made me think about homelessness and the people that are out there trying to survive.
Lola and Amit two kids that are at home while their father takes a drive for a meeting for his factory. It is monsoon season, and while the kids are a bit worried, they go about their days. When he fails to come home after multiple days, and the landlord wants the apartment back for failure to pay rent, the kids have to face a new reality. They are on their own. They have very little money and no survival skills, they end up on the streets.
Their worlds shatter even more when they become separated. The story follows Lola and her search to find her brother and her father. She ends up befriending, against his will, Rafi, another kid who is living on the streets. Will Lola find her family again?
This book definitely made me think about homelessness and the people that are out there trying to survive.
May 21, 2020
Boy 87 was an incredible book which I recommended to numerous teachers so I was curious to see what would be next ...Lost does not disappoint in anyway.. I was hooked from the start and was desperate to know the outcome. An important book that explores the huge disparity between childhoods and how those more fortunate can take things for granted and in some cases lose everything and reflect upon their past life. I’m not giving any of the plot away but this would be an excellent book for year six children and teachers
February 25, 2024
It was a gripping story which the children in my class thoroughly enjoyed listening to, and all were concerned about the events and excited to hear their revelations. However as an adult reader, I felt that the ending was rushed and seemed as if the author had ran out of ideas or fed up with keeping the plot going so just randomly made up a way for dad to be found. That just didn't sit right with me and felt to forced. Also I want to know if she found Rafi! But yes as a teacher it is a great read. It has given children great examples of sentence structure, punctuation use and vocabulary too.
November 9, 2020
Dan: This was a captivating and heartbreaking story that was entirely breathless from start to finish. Lola was an excellent voice throughout and her journey across the book and her changing attitudes was skillfully portrayed. There were certainly some dark themes alluded to throughout, and the book might need some careful supportive discussions with 10/11 year olds. Rafi is also a great character and I liked how everything was not magically 'fixed' at the end.
June 22, 2022
A confusing start, set in an unnamed city somewhere in South Asia with the main character and her mate having European names, the rest of the characters have southern Asian names. I felt a bit let down by the ending too, something was left hanging so a sequel could be written if need be. The middle bit in the middle was great and the portrait of “street rats” painted by the book is a vivid one that will stick with me for a long while.
July 6, 2023
Lola’s life is comfortable and well off. Suddenly her dad goes for a day work trip and doesn’t return. What will Lola and her brother Amit do. Lola and her brother are forced to live on the streets. Then Amit goes missing. Lola realizes how strong she can be! This was a quite a page turner. I couldn’t put it down! I have never read anything from Ele Fountain, but can’t wait to read some of her other books! Highly recommend this book!
April 11, 2020
Written for an 11+ aged audience in mind yet engaged this adult in such a way I read it in two sittings. Another highly topical work from Ele Fountain stressing the importance of home, community, and gratitude. Strikes a chord even more so right now when many are bound to their homes and/or experiencing the fragility of their living situations.
June 28, 2023
Wow. What just happened?! I picked up this book earlier today and ending up spending the whole day reading it cover to cover because I couldn't put it down.
Fast paced. Compelling plot. Deep, thoroughly developed characters. And a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I'm nearly speechless—gutted, but invigorated. This is a powerful story that will leave a lasting impression.
Fast paced. Compelling plot. Deep, thoroughly developed characters. And a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I'm nearly speechless—gutted, but invigorated. This is a powerful story that will leave a lasting impression.
January 1, 2025
I really loved it, I think it might be one of the best books ever I really really like the theme and like I I thought I could tell how it was gonna end but I didn’t. I really like the relationship between Raffi and Lola. I feel like that was quite nice. I didn’t like the ending though it was very just like abrupt and I didn’t like that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
A great book exploring the life of ‘street rats’ and the importance of friendship when getting through tough times. Some very good points about true friends and making the right decision, even if it means pushing against peer pressure.
July 9, 2023
What a powerful beautifully written book. The characters are engaging and you feel for them so much. I read it alone first and it made me cry. I will read it to the children again as I think that it is a book they would appreciate and learn from.
August 29, 2023
As a parent, this one was stressful to read and having kids the ages of the characters made it even harder. I think it's an important topic that needs light. I don't feel that it ended the way it needed to, but it was more real that way.
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