Frances Creighton: Found and Lost

The novel "Found and Lost" by Frances Creighton explores the pain of late adolescence in a community where school and religion add layers of cruelty to the underlying instability of daily life and Northern Irish politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: EnvelopeBooks

Michael Roberts, grappling with the untimely passing of his English girlfriend, finds himself reminiscing about a distant past, a time when he experienced the profound sensation of love for the very first time. However, this cherished memory unfolds in a vastly different context, during his formative years in Belfast, at the dawn of The Troubles in the late 1960s. What sets this period apart is not merely the sectarian divides that permeated society but a broader cultural landscape characterized by profound divisions. To his astonishment and mounting anguish, the memories that had long been buried resurface, evading his grasp and becoming an insatiable obsession.

In the depths of his sorrow, Michael delves into the intricate web of his memories, seeking to unravel the mysteries that have haunted him for years. However, as he delves deeper into his past, he discovers that the memories he thought were firmly etched in his mind are elusive, like ghosts that refuse to be captured. The more he tries to remember what happened and why he suppressed those memories, the more he feels trapped in a never-ending cycle of confusion and despair.

"Frances Creighton: Found and Lost" is a poignant and emotionally resonant debut novel that vividly captures the anguish of late adolescence in a community where school and religion serve as additional layers of cruelty atop the underlying instability of daily life and Northern Irish politics. Through the eyes of Michael, the reader is transported to a world where the line between reality and illusion is blurred, where the weight of societal expectations and personal desires threatens to crush the fragile spirit of youth.

The novel explores the complexities of teenage love, the struggles of identity formation, and the impact of societal pressures on young individuals. Michael, a young man caught between the expectations of his family and the allure of a rebellious world, navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence, trying to find his place in a society that is torn apart by conflict.

The story is filled with vivid descriptions of the social and political climate of the time, providing a backdrop for Michael's journey of self-discovery. The Troubles, a period of intense violence and political unrest, loom large over the narrative, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over the lives of the characters. The political tensions and the social divisions that characterized Belfast during this period are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, adding depth and complexity to the characters' experiences.

Through Michael's struggles, the novel explores the themes of loss, resilience, and the power of memory. Michael's inability to remember the details of his past creates a void within him, leaving him feeling lost and disconnected from his own identity. However, as he confronts his memories and the truth about his past, he begins to piece together his fragmented identity, finding strength and courage in the process.

"Frances Creighton: Found and Lost" is a remarkable debut that offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of adolescence and the impact of societal pressures on young individuals. The novel's vivid prose and evocative descriptions transport the reader to a time and place that is both familiar and unfamiliar, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's heart and mind.

In conclusion, "Frances Creighton: Found and Lost" is a deeply felt first novel that conveys the pain of late adolescence in a community where school and religion add more layers of cruelty to the underlying instability of daily life and Northern Irish politics. Through the struggles of Michael Roberts, the reader is invited to explore the complexities of teenage love, identity formation, and the impact of societal pressures on young individuals. The novel's vivid prose and evocative descriptions transport the reader to a time and place that is both familiar and unfamiliar, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's heart and mind.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 203 x 126 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838172077