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  • Title: Book of Lost Friends: A Novel
  • Author: Lisa Wingate
  • Narrator: Bahni Turpin, Dominic Hoffman, Lisa Flanagan, Lisa Wingate, Robin Miles, Sophie Amoss, Sullivan Jones
  • Length: 0.630752315
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 07-Apr
  • Publisher: Random House (Audio)
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Dear story seekers and lovers of lost histories,

Listening to Lisa Wingate’s *Book of Lost Friends: A Novel* as an audiobook was like embarking on a cross-century journey that tugged at my heart and curiosity alike. As someone who has spent years tracing cultural narratives in far-flung corners of the globe, Wingate’s layered story felt like an excavation of identity, both personal and collective. The audiobook, brought to life by a stellar cast of narrators, is more than just a listening experience—it’s an immersion into history, humanity, and hope.

The novel unfolds in two parallel timelines: Louisiana in 1875 and 1987. The historical thread follows Hannie, a freed slave searching for her lost family, alongside Lavinia and Juneau Jane, two women grappling with their own fractured inheritances. Their journey westward toward Texas is fraught with danger and discovery. Meanwhile, the modern-day narrative centers on Benedetta Silva, a young teacher navigating the challenges of a struggling school in Augustine, Louisiana. These two strands, separated by more than a century, weave together themes of family, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wingate’s ability to connect these timelines reminded me of a moment from my travels in Oaxaca. Every evening, the family I stayed with would gather around their grandmother as she recounted stories from their village’s past—tales of hardship, triumph, and connection. Her voice held a rhythm and weight that made the stories feel alive, as if history itself was leaning in to be heard. The narrators in this audiobook capture that same magic. Bahni Turpin’s portrayal of Hannie is breathtaking; her voice carries the ache of longing and the fierce determination of hope. Dominic Hoffman, Lisa Flanagan, Robin Miles, Sophie Amoss, and Sullivan Jones each bring their unique talents to the table, enriching the story with nuanced performances that make every character distinct and unforgettable.

The audiobook is impeccably produced, with seamless transitions between narrators and timelines. You can almost hear the Louisiana swamps in the background or feel the dusty roads beneath Hannie’s feet. It reminded me of the time I drove through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Just as García Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the surreal landscape outside my window, Wingate’s prose feels perfectly paired with the rich, immersive audio experience.

The use of actual “Lost Friends” advertisements—historical notices posted by freed slaves searching for loved ones—is a poignant touch that grounds the novel in reality. These ads serve as a reminder of the enduring human need to belong, to find those we love, and to piece together fragmented histories. Wingate’s decision to incorporate these artifacts elevates the novel into something more profound: a tribute to stories that were almost lost to time.

However, the audiobook is not without minor flaws. The modern-day storyline, while compelling, occasionally feels less urgent compared to Hannie’s narrative. Benedetta’s journey as a teacher is heartfelt, but it doesn’t quite match the raw emotional gravity of the Reconstruction-era tale. That said, the interplay between past and present creates a rich tapestry that keeps listeners engaged.

If you’ve enjoyed historical fiction like *The Nightingale* by Kristin Hannah or *Before We Were Strangers* by Renée Carlino, this audiobook will undoubtedly resonate with you. It’s a story for those who cherish the intersection of personal and historical narratives, for listeners who appreciate a beautifully told tale that both educates and moves.

For me, *Book of Lost Friends* is a reminder that stories—whether passed down by a grandmother in Oaxaca or brought to life by narrators in an audiobook—are the threads that connect us across time and space. It’s a celebration of the voices that refuse to be forgotten and the journeys that define us.

So, grab your headphones, close your eyes, and let Wingate and her cast of narrators guide you through the swamps of Louisiana and the corridors of history. You won’t just be listening; you’ll be feeling, remembering, and discovering.

With heartfelt appreciation for stories that endure, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera