Lost
Among The Living
by Simone St. James is a haunting story. As with her previous
books the plot takes place in England during the 1920s and
examines the challenges brought upon to those living in the
post World War I era. The novel is a great combination of
many genres, a riveting historical fiction intertwined with
a murder mystery and a touch of the paranormal.
St. James classifies her novels as "part of the gothics
genre, which for the most part has disappeared. I liked reading
these types of stories so I decided to write them. Although
my story is creepy and chilling, it does not cross over into
horror with a lot of blood and guts. I like the 'what if'
feeling. I have never seen a ghost personally, but my books
are all about the possibility. The paranormal aspect is done
to create a feeling and a mood as people read the book."
Both fans of gothic stories and non-fans can enjoy this book.
The plot has several factors that the gothic genre is known
for, including a haunted house, a ghost with something to
say, an independent, isolated heroine, and family secrets.
Yet, the gothic portion does not dominate, allowing the reader
to delve into the mystery and characters without being hit
over the head by the ghostly presence. From the very first
chapter people will be engaged with the characters and storyline.
The plot begins with Jo and Alex knowing from their first
date it was love at first sight. They had a blissful marriage
until the outbreak of World War I. Jo is notified that Alex
is missing in action, leaving her status in limbo. She is
neither a married woman nor a widow and is not entitled to
any benefits. Her grief is compounded by having to put her
insane mother in a private mental institution. In need of
money she accepts Alex aunt's proposal to be a traveling companion
and later a secretary at Dottie's Wych Elm House. It is there
that Jo feels the presence of Dotti's daughter Fran who supposedly
committed suicide. Jo starts to believe that Fran might have
been murdered as she unravels clues provided by an unknown
force.
Because World War I had such an impact, even with its aftermath,
St. James commented, "We have the image of the 1920s
as everything being fun and everyone was partying, yet World
War I was devastating to that generation. I touch on the concept
of mental illness in most of my books as a recurring theme.
This ties back to the gothic novel. Back then there were harsh
reactions with no understanding of what people have gone through.
There was no desire to help them. In my third book I wrote
about an insane asylum where men who fought in World War I
and had PTSD were put away."
She also wants the reader to feel for those who have someone
missing in action, noting, "I liked the quote, 'trapped
in amber,' because she was not a widow or a married woman.
I also put in the quote, 'Women don't have a great many choices
in such a situation.' In those days a woman had very limited
options."
The characters are well developed. Jo's situation as the wife
of an MIA is explored brilliantly, reminding the reader how
the family is affected by having someone disappear during
combat. Although living a hard life Jo never gives up. She
is courageous, brave, intelligent, and resourceful. Aunt Dottie,
although grim, demanding and materialistic, is also practical,
compassionate, and helpful. Through flashbacks and memories
Alex is seen as caring, smart, and heroic.
Readers will not only enjoy the suspense of the story but
will learn some facts of the times including how women were
treated, the creation of MI5, and society's view of those
who have gone "mad."
She also wants "the modern woman to explore the reality
of a woman's life back then and how she navigates her way
through it. Jo and Dottie were trapped at the beginning of
the story, but as it progresses both gain in strength and
autonomy."
Lost Among The Living is a very interesting read that
has the reader glued to the pages. The blending of different
genres makes the story even more interesting.
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