Lost by Hans-Ulrich Treichei (Hardcover)

With echoes of The Reader, “Lost” is a debut novel that masterfully delves into the guilt and shame that lingers in postwar Germany. The story takes us on a haunting journey with a family tormented by the loss of their firstborn son as they flee from the advancing Russian Army in 1945. Fast forward to the present day, and while the family has settled comfortably in Westphalen, the memory of this loss continues to haunt them and tear them apart.

Told through the eyes of the narrator, who was born after the event but is still profoundly affected by its aftermath, we witness the family’s unrelenting anguish and desperate attempts to fill the void left by Arnold’s absence. When they stumble upon a foundling resembling their lost child, they embark on a horrifying quest to claim him as their own. However, their journey leads to disturbing twists that culminate in a shocking conclusion.

“Lost” is a gripping novel that is both unsettling and strangely compelling. The story is filled with dark, unexpected moments that are as uncanny as they are profound, and the author’s ability to balance humour and tragedy is a testament to their skill and talent. With remarkable originality, “Lost” is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, the impact of loss, and the ties that bind us together.