Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engrossing story of an "echo" designed to replace dead girl.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Eva, a teen living in England, has human-like qualities and feelings but isn't quite human. She's an \"echo\" of Amarra, who lives in India. If Amarra were to die, Eva, by design, would take her place. When Amarra does die suddenly, Eva must travel to Bangalore and replace her -- even though, in India, echoes are outlawed. Eva has been preparing, studying, and training to be Amarra, but she doesn't want to leave her life behind -- or her personality. She wants to be Eva. Amarra's family members welcome Eva into their lives with mixed feelings. And Eva has to pretend to be Amarra around everyone else, including Amarra's sexy boyfriend, Ray. Can she pretend to be someone she's not and keep a secret, all while holding on to who she is without endangering everyone she knows?
Is It Any Good?
Sangu Mandanna's debut novel is inspired by Frankenstein and does a fantastic job re-creating a classic novel with a unique, modern spin and entertaining characters. Mandanna, who grew up in Bangalore, brings the city vividly to life and creates an exciting, imaginative, fast-paced read that's very emotional and leaves room for a sequel. Despite seeming a bit rushed toward the end, THE LOST GIRL would make Mary Shelley proud.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about losing a child, sibling, or friend. What do you think about how Amarra's family and friends dealt with her death? What steps can people take to cope with loss in real life?
Have you read Frankenstein? How does The Lost Girl compare to that classic novel?
Why do you think Frankenstein was outlawed in Eva/Amarra's world?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : August 28, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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