The Lost Girl

by Judith C. Deane-Freeman

Twin babies separated at birth who grow up on opposite sides of the country, are unaware of the other's existence, until one of them, Joe, goes searching for answers. A divorced academic and parent of a feisty teenage daughter, Joe discovers at his father's funeral the reason behind his miserable, unloving childhood, when a family secret is revealed. He sets out on a journey to discover his true identity, and along the way, he comes to a better understanding of himself. Joe's long-lost twin, Pammie, has had a happy childhood in Bethesda, a closed religious community in rural South Australia, but like Joe, is confronted by startling news about her identity. Joe’s search takes him from Melbourne, to the Outback and to Lismore in NSW, before finally arriving at Bethesda. Constrained by obligations to his newly-found sister, and his needy daughter, Joe is conflicted by his feelings. As he unravels the mystery surrounding his birth, and the separation of the twins, Joe makes peace with himself. But can he find a way to unite all the threads of his life to find true happiness?
Finding each other is as liberating for Joe and Pammie, as it is for the people they love. Cheese-making, troublesome teenagers, dick pics and cult life, combine with midwives, family life, love and belonging, to create a heart-warming story celebrating the complexity of modern life in Australia.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

Judith Deane-Freeman – bio.

I live and work in rural South Australia where I was born and raised. After completing an arts degree at uni and while contemplating career options, true love intervened. Four children and fifteen years passed and I once again considered my career options. This time I had added qualifications, which determined my decision. Now I could multi-task, undertake complex problem solving, function on little sleep and wipe up assorted bodily fluids without flinching. Nursing seemed the perfect choice! I have subsequently found it to be a satisfying career, affording me the privilege of sharing in the lives of a variety of people when at their most vulnerable.
My husband and I live in a straw bale house we built ourselves on our rural property where we grow our own organic fruit and vegetables. We both enjoy camping and exploring Australia by four-wheel-drive, where my more timid nature is constantly challenged by his more adventurous spirit.
Although I have always lived in the country and grew up in some remote areas, I have also worked in a busy metro hospital in Adelaide in a wide range of areas including oncology, trauma, surgical, emergency, Aboriginal health and renal dialysis. Having four grown-up children, I have survived the many challenges of raising a creative bunch of individuals. Over the years I have read avidly and scribbled intermittently, but it is only since the family have left home that I have finally taken the time to write seriously. My nursing career has fed my curiosity about people, the complexity of their lives and the secrets hidden within so many families. It is their stories that inspire me to write.

Reviews

[Clara Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Girl drew me in much more deeply than I expected. Judith C. Deane-Freeman has a quiet, gentle way of storytelling that makes the characters feel incredibly real, as if you’re standing right beside them on the farm, watching their lives unfold.

I loved the rural Australian setting, there’s something comforting yet emotional about the way she paints the landscape. It becomes part of the story in a really meaningful way. The themes of loss, identity, and belonging are handled with so much care, and even though parts of the story are heartbreaking, there’s a tenderness to it that kept me completely absorbed.

What stood out most was how honest and human the main character felt. Her journey isn’t rushed or overly dramatic; it’s subtle, believable, and quietly powerful. By the end, I cared for her in a way I don’t often feel with books this short.

If you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with strong sense of place, this one is absolutely worth reading. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you finish it.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable read! The story of separated twins finding each other is compelling, layered with humor, heartache, and redemption. The author’s portrayal of family, cult life, and personal discovery is both original and touching. Can’t recommend it enough!