Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Featured, Sci fi | 9 Comments
The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release date: August 28, 2012
Pages: 432
Summary: Eva is an echo: a copy made to replace someone, should that person die. Eva has been raised to be exactly like Amarra, her “other”, but has always pushed against her restraints. When the time comes for Eva to take Amarra’s place, the difference between the two girls is noticeable. Eva fights to belong in a life that isn’t hers, but she can only take so much abuse.
My thoughts: Sangu Mandanna gives a nod to Frankenstein in her stellar debut novel. The Lost Girl explores the relationship between creator and creation, as well as the dynamic between a copy and the people who loved her original. All this is done in an engaging, modern way—readers will sympathize with Eva, a girl trying to find herself despite being told who she will be. She’s a fierce protagonist without being overly so; Eva is brazen, but she knows when to exert self-control—a quality that makes reading The Lost Girl an even better experience. Eva’s journey is a long one, but Sangu Mandanna’s prose makes it fly by.
As in Frankenstein, the mechanics behind the creation of echoes is left up to the reader’s imagination. Like Mary Shelley, Mandanna still manages to make her concept believable and interesting. The world in which echoes exist is one that is quite unnerving, and it causes the reader to put themselves in the place of both Eva and Amarra. Would you want an echo for your loved ones? Is the creation of echoes selfish? It’s clear Mandanna has an opinion, but readers are given the opportunity to form their own position.
The Lost Girl, amongst its intriguing themes and engaging journey, boasts a heart-meltingly sweet romance. Mandanna never lets the love story upstage Eva’s personal growth, but it’s there and notable because of how naturally it develops. Readers fond of the “slow burn” will be delighted with the romance in The Lost Girl. Although Eva’s love is forbidden, it never becomes overdramatic.
Science fiction fans, as well as fans of Frankenstein, should give The Lost Girl a read. Sangu Mandanna’s debut is remarkably clever and constantly heartbreaking. I enjoyed it immensely, and I think you will, too.
4.5/5 stars
For those who like: sci-fi, issues of morality
I really enjoyed this book too. I completely felt for both Amarra and Eva. I loved Sean. I thought that this was a really fantastic book! Great review.
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I’ve never read Frankenstein but I have heard this one sounds really great! Glad you liked it too!
Kailia Sage recently posted..Review: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
i havent read frankenstein either but the lost girl sounds amazing!!
Wonderful review! I’ve been seeing a lot of positive reviews of this one lately, so I’m determined to check it out! Unfortunately, I’ve also heard that it’s quite similar to What’s Left of Me, so it ruins the experience of that novel and vice versa. Since you’re reading What’s Left of Me right now, I wanted to ask if you feel that way too! What’s Left of Me is one of my most anticipated reads of the year, so I was planning on reading that one first since I didn’t want my experience with it to be ruined in any way, but if it won’t be, then I might as well check this one out while I’m waiting! :) Thanks!
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I found The Lost Girl and What’s Left of Me to be completely different books. Reading them within the same month didn’t affect my opinion of either! *shrug* Both books are excellent. =)
“A nod towards Frankenstein” hmm, that’s very intriguing, Lauren. :) Your review of this is lovely, and ever so convincing! I love sci-fic and books that explore moral issues, so I’m certainly going to adding it to my TBR list, ASAP. :)
I love the cover as well. Exotic and slightly atmospheric. :)
Yay! I just reviewed this book, too, and completely fell in love with it. Eva was such a fabulous protagonist and the romance between her Sean was incredible. I’m such a fan of this book and I’m happy to hear you are, too! Amazing review, Lauren. :)
Sophia recently posted..The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
Awesome review, Lauren! I haven’t heard much of this one, but I love your insights into the book. I don’t know if I’ll be to appreciate this as much since I haven’t read Frankenstein. I do like the sound of a slow-burning romance. I’ll keep an eye out for this one next time I’m in the mood for a sci-fi.
Great review! I look forward to reading this one, that’s for sure! :D
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