The Lost Man by Jane Harper
Three brothers, Nathan, Bub, and Cameron (Cam), their sizable cattle ranches, and their families are all central to the plot. Nathan and Bub, are standing at the Stockman’s Grave at the edge of both of their sizable cattle holdings in the outback of Queensland, Australia. Cameron, their middle brother, is found dead after succumbing to the relentless sun. It seems like Cameron abandoned his fully functional, well-stocked automobile and strolled off. But did he?
The Lost Man by Jane Harper
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- The Lost Man Hardcover
Nathan, who we see the majority of the events in the story though, is the only one of the brothers who is a fully realized individual. He, like the others, has suffered significant harm in the past, and he is an outsider even among the extended families, whose lives and interrelationships are gradually made clear. Through Nathan’s perspective, Jane Harper masterfully captures the fortitude, perseverance, and flexibility needed to survive and thrive in such a difficult yet stunning environment. Nature always has the potential to kill if you are unprepared. Nathan is not really sure why he doesn’t believe this was Cam’s method of suicide. As Nathan and his visiting teenage son, Xander, are virtually stranded at their family home until the funeral, elements of what might have happened begin to slowly come together.
Unspoken occurrences and family secrets are gradually made public.
Each scene in this extremely compelling narrative serves a specific purpose. Jane Harper is a skilled storyteller who demonstrates an extraordinary talent for handling dialogue; it is believable, natural, and subtly character-revealing. Never is it overly explicit. And I eagerly await what she will write next.
