"Lost Boy" is a poignant and beautifully written novel that tells the story of Matthew Lanchester,

a teenage boy who moves to Wales to live with his aunt and uncle after his mother becomes
seriously ill. As Matthew tries to adjust to his new life in a small Welsh village, he grapples with
the complex emotions of loss, grief, and identity, as well as his strained relationship with his
father.

Linda Newberry's writing is evocative and immersive, and she does an excellent job of capturing
the sights, sounds, and smells of the Welsh countryside. The novel is also filled with memorable
and relatable characters, including Matthew's kind and caring aunt, his gruff and
uncommunicative uncle, and his new friend Dai who helps him navigate the unfamiliar terrain of
his new home.

One of the most striking aspects of "Lost Boy" is the depth and complexity of its characters.
Matthew is a nuanced and multifaceted protagonist, grappling with his own insecurities and
fears as he tries to make sense of his past and present. His aunt and uncle, too, are fully
realized characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses that make them feel like real
people rather than mere caricatures.

Newberry's exploration of the themes of loss and grief is particularly powerful, and she does an
excellent job of depicting the ways in which these emotions can shape and transform us.
Throughout the novel, Matthew grapples with the weight of his own grief, as well as the
emotional burdens carried by those around him. However, he is also able to find moments of
hope and beauty amid the darkness, discovering new friendships and a renewed sense of
purpose as he learns to navigate his new life.

Overall, "Lost Boy" is a deeply moving and empathetic novel that explores the complexities of
family, identity, and the importance of belonging. Newberry's writing is lyrical and poetic, and her
portrayal of Matthew's journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. I would highly recommend
this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction