Book Review: The Lost Daughter


 




Book Review



Title: The Lost Daughter

Author: Elena Ferrante

Genre: Fiction/Translation (Italian)

 

The Lost Daughter traces the story of Leda, a divorced woman, long separated from her grown up daughters who takes up a summer rental at a beach. On the beach, she observes a family that catches her fancy. There is Nina, her daughter Elena, and a doll they both play with. When Elena goes missing, Leda helps in finding her but later steals her doll. This triggers a series of questions about Leda’s reasons for doing something so inexplicable. Was it her way of clinging on to memories, or an unresolved childhood problem?

 

Written in first person from the point of view of Leda, the readers are taken deep into her interiority. Through her eyes, we observe intricate details about people and the place around her. What makes it interesting is the several layers in her characterization and plot. As we delve deeper, we hear about Leda’s confession to a group of strangers about her past, abandoning her two daughters, and an affair with a professor. Strangely Leda feels a sense of security and peace, as opposed to the bouts of loneliness as expected out of her. 

 

But then, Leda isn’t your usual run on the mill character. Having been traumatized in her childhood, Leda carries the scars from the past. The story explores the dynamics of relationships and the element of freedom vs responsibilities. While motherhood is a largely explored theme, the book also aims to explore the consequences of abandonment, and poor parenting.  The author also touches upon the importance of forgiveness and damage. When Leda ultimately returns the doll, it becomes too late to make amends as the damage is irreparable. This is drawn parallels with the relationship with her two daughters. 

 

Deep and impactful. The Lost Daughter is a complex read. With its multitude in layers, it feels like peeling several slices of an onion. 

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