Review: The Lost Girl

Author: Sangu Mandanna

Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination – an echo. Made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, she is expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her ‘other’, if she ever died. Eva studies what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.But fifteen years of studying never prepared her for this.Now she must abandon everything she’s ever known – the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love – to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive ...

REVIEW

I have read many books but only some have managed to find a place in my heart. This is one such book.  I had a hard time writing a review for this book. I kept writing then deleting it because nothing seems right. Nothing seems good enough. I am still going to try. Sorry if it sucks!

"He told me how ordinary people, who can't bear the idea of losing somebody they love, ask the weavers to make a living, breathing copy, an 'echo'. And one day, if the person dies, the echo will replace them....."

Eva is an echo. She has learned all her life to act like her other Amarra. To talk like her, to smile like her, to love the people she loves. But Eva is not Amarra. She is different. She has feelings, dreams of her own. She wants to fly, to learn art, to love who she wants. But the weavers who make echo have rules that need to be followed or the echo will face death. 

Eva is lovable. It's not difficult to like her, to feel for her. I have cried so much reading this book. I was so involved in the story that I was shouting at the characters who betrayed Eva or caused her pain. My mom now thinks that if my books are not locked away I will lose my mind. She is genuinely worried. If I quote her, "First crying, now shouting, I swear to God I will lock away all your books in the basement" Well.....

Amarra doesn't like Eva and even though in the beginning that made me dislike Amarra. I can see her reasons. How would you feel if you had to share everything about yourself with some stranger in another country so that after you die they can take your place. Yeah! It's a little weird.

All the characters in the book have so much depth. The authors picks no side. She explains every character's intention and reasons so well that even if you don't agree with them, you understand them..huh! Did that make sense? Sorry, it's late and I need to sleep.

'What do you dream about, Sean?'He's staring at me, but he takes a step back as a whistle blows. I raise my hand to wave as the compartment door stars to slide shut.'You,' he says, before the door closes all the way. 'I often dream of you.'

Sean is one of Eva's guardian. He is swoon worthy, caring, brave and sweet. I loved the moments between Eva and Sean. The romance is slow, sweet and realistic. Sean is good guy and frankly they are underrated in YA for some unknown reasons. I want him out of this book and in my life. I want my Sean!! I loved that he took Eva to the zoo, I loved that he came back for her. The station scene was heart wrenching. The time they spent in theater were beautiful and dreamy.

I can't stop raving about this book but I think the review is already too long. There are so many characters that I want to talk about. Mina ma, Erik, Nikhil, Shasha, Lekha. I loved all of them. I loved the relationship Nikhil and Sasha (Amarra's siblings) shared with Eva. How they accepted her for who she was. 

I am confused about Matthew but I never hated him. He is a complex character and I think he cares for Eva in his own way.

Adrian is cruel and pathetic. Neil, Alisha and Ray betrayed Eva in some way. They loved Amarra and I understand that they were in pain and were coping from a great loss but I haven't forgiven them yet. 

I cannot believe that this is a debut novel. And I can't believe that there are no plans for a sequel. I mean you can't end it like that. I want to know more. I don't like open endings. My over active imaginations makes elaborate stories and it's not good.

The plot is simple yet brilliant. The authors excels in character development. There was nothing I didn't like in the book. It made me cry, made me smile, sigh and it made me think which few novels can do.

It's a beautiful book and if you haven't read it yet. Do it NOW! Go! BUY!!

'He touches my face with his thumb. I'd rather spend the rest of my life without ever seeing you again,' he says, 'than watch them destroy you because of me.'

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**This book was provided by Random House India for review purpose.**