Title: “The Lost Story” – A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups Who Still Believe in Magic
Meg Shaffer’s captivating novel, “The Lost Story,” is a wild and wondrous tale inspired by C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. This enchanting story is a fairy tale for adults who still knock on the back of wardrobes, hoping to find a magical world beyond. Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo as “the book you’ve been waiting for,” Shaffer’s novel is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of imagination and the enduring allure of fantasy.
At the heart of the story are Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell, best friends who, as boys, mysteriously disappeared into a vast West Virginia state forest, only to reappear six months later with no explanation for their survival or whereabouts. Fifteen years after their miraculous return, Rafe has become a reclusive artist, scarred both physically and emotionally, with no memory of the events that transpired during those lost months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has made a name for himself as a renowned missing persons’ investigator, using his uncanny abilities to help those in need.
When vet tech Emilie Wendell’s sister vanishes in the same forest where Rafe and Jeremy once disappeared, she turns to Jeremy for help. Unbeknownst to Rafe, Jeremy holds the fantastical truth about their own disappearance, a secret he has kept hidden for inscrutable reasons. As the search for Emilie’s sister begins, the former lost boys must confront their shared past and the traumatic memories that have haunted them for years.
Together, Rafe, Jeremy, and the determined Emilie must return to the enchanted world they called home for six months—a magical realm filled with breathtaking beauty and terrifying dangers. Only by facing their past and unraveling the mysteries of this otherworldly place can they hope to recover everything and everyone they have lost.
Meg Shaffer’s writing is both imaginative and emotionally resonant, creating a story that seamlessly blends the wonder of fairy tales with the complexities of the human experience. “The Lost Story” explores themes of friendship, trauma, and the transformative power of facing one’s fears head-on. Shaffer’s vivid and immersive world-building transports readers to a realm where anything is possible, and where the lines between reality and fantasy blur.
The characters in “The Lost Story” are richly drawn and multi-faceted, each grappling with their own personal struggles and desires. Rafe’s journey of self-discovery and healing is particularly poignant, as he confronts the scars of his past and learns to embrace the magic within himself. Jeremy’s role as a reluctant guide and keeper of secrets adds an element of intrigue and tension to the story, while Emilie’s unwavering determination to find her sister serves as a driving force behind the narrative.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the magic of childhood, while simultaneously exploring the complexities of adulthood. Shaffer’s tale reminds readers that the wonder and enchantment of fairy tales need not be confined to our younger years, and that the power of imagination can help us navigate even the darkest of times.
The audiobook edition of “The Lost Story” includes a downloadable PDF containing a map and recipes from the book, adding an extra layer of immersion for listeners. These bonus materials allow readers to further engage with the world Shaffer has created and to experience the story in a more tactile and sensory way.
In conclusion, “The Lost Story” is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that celebrates the enduring magic of fairy tales and the resilience of the human spirit. Meg Shaffer’s imaginative and beautifully crafted story is a must-read for anyone who still believes in the power of imagination and the transformative potential of facing one’s past. With its enchanting world-building, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking themes, “The Lost Story” is a tale that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after the final page is turned.
