The Luster of Lost Things

by Sophie Chen Keller

In this story for readers of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and A Man Called Ove, when all seems lost, he finds what matters most.

Walter Lavender Jr. is a master of finding. A wearer of high-tops. A maker of croissants. A son keeping vigil, twelve years counting.
 
But he wouldn’t be able to tell you. Silenced by his motor speech disorder, Walter’s life gets lonely. Fortunately, he has The Lavenders—his mother’s enchanted dessert shop, where marzipan dragons breathe actual fire. He also has a knack for tracking down any missing thing—except for his lost father.
 
So when the Book at the root of the bakery’s magic vanishes, Walter, accompanied by his overweight golden retriever, journeys through New York City to find it—along the way encountering an unforgettable cast of lost souls.
 
Steeped in nostalgic wonder, The Luster of Lost Things explores the depths of our capacity for kindness and our ability to heal. A lyrical meditation on why we become lost and how we are found, from the bright, broken heart of a boy who knows where to look for everyone but himself.

• ISBN10: 0735210780
• ISBN13: 9780735210783
• Publish Date: 8 August 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
• Imprint: G P Putnam's Sons
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 336
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780735210783

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

This was a beautiful tale of lost things and found things, being lost and being found. I greatly enjoyed tagging along with Walter and his dog, Milton, on their journey.

"I was trapped in my role as an observer, separated from everyone else and unable to be part of the story."

Walter is mostly non-verbal, due to a motor speech disorder. This turned Walter into a very keen observer, and he had been using his skills to help people find lost things. He had solved 84 cases, when he had to embark on his most important recovery mission yet. He had to find the book, which kept his mother's bakery alive, because without "the magic", the bakery would fail.

The first part of the book, which largely takes place in the bakery is so fun and whimsical. I loved all the magical touches in the bakery, and the food! I often wished this bakery was a real place, because everything sounded so amazing, and everything was described in such detail as to the feel, smell, and taste, that my mouth watered on occasion.

The second half of the book focused on the search for the magical book. It was quite a fun journey through NYC, which was filled with many delightful and heartwarming encounters. Not only could Walter find lost things, but he could also help lost people be found. Whether it be helping someone recover their dignity and get back on their feet, easing someone's loneliness, or helping someone grieve a little easier. Walter was able to find small pieces of himself to help others.

"I, like them, have chosen to give up and be alone, and to be content in a world of my own. This was not how I was meant to be; it was how I decided to be."

As Walter was searching for the book, he sort of found himself. It was as if the book was shedding some of its magic on him, forcing Walter to connect to other people, and while seeking one thing, he found the things he had always longed for. I cannot argue with this beautiful message of human interaction and how a little kindness goes a long way.

"It is the beginning of my second chance."

And don't be fooled. This story may star a pre-teen kid, but this is not a children's story. The people Walter encounters as he searches for the book are left with large gaping wounds. They had all lost something major. Karl's story moved me to tears. But my sad tears turned to happy tears when Walter was able to find a way to ease their suffering a little. Like I said, a little kindness goes a long way.

Overall: A magical adventure through the streets of NYC, which made me warm and fuzzy and very happy.

[Quirky Cat]

Review to follow