For Those Who Are Lost Audiobook By Julia Bryan Thomas cover art

For Those Who Are Lost

A Novel

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For Those Who Are Lost

By: Julia Bryan Thomas
Narrated by: Marisa Calin
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Buy for $19.07

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Inspired by true events, For Those Who Are Lost begins on the eve of the Nazi invasion of the island of Guernsey, when terrified parents have a choice to make: send their children alone to England, or keep the family together and risk whatever may come to their villages.

Ava and Joseph Simon reluctantly put their nine-year-old son, Henry, and four-year-old daughter, Catherine, in the care of their son’s teacher, who will escort them on a boat to mainland England. Just as the ferry is about to leave, the teacher’s sister Lily appears. The two trade places: Helen doesn’t want to leave Guernsey, and Lily is desperate for a fresh start.

Lily is the one who accompanies the children to England, and Lily is the one who lets Henry get on a train by himself, deciding in a split second to take Catherine with her and walk the other way. That split-second decision lingers long after the war ends, impacting the rest of their lives.

Perfect for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, For Those Who Are Lost is at once heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and uplifting.

©2022 Julia Bryan Thomas (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing Historical Fiction 20th Century Heartfelt Fiction Feel-Good
Historical Authenticity • Emotional Depth • Superb Narration • Compelling Storyline • Unique Perspective

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I enjoyed this historical fiction book about the evacuation of children from an English island during WWII and a young woman escaping her violent husband.

Compelling Story Line

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Another war story but with more heartache and personal strength to save their children than many could do…couldn’t put it down. The narrative was very good

Loved this book

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I've listened to dozens of WWII books, this was different than most and very enjoyable. Zero bad language too was another plus!

Excellent listen!

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WOW! I loved this absolutely brilliant heart felt story of Lily a determined young lady to be happy in an unfortunate war! My heart was beating so hard while listening to the story and wanted to harry to the next chapter to see what it held. Totally impressed with the all the characters. A mom Ava willing to give up her children to give them safely and another lady determined to have a family of her own no matter the cost. Lily felt happy and cared for Ava's little girl and even had a baby of her own which died and she did too.

Heart Stopping Story!! Highly recommended the book!! LOVE LOVE LOVE

Absolutely A Heart Felt Story, Brilliant!!! LOVED!

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Those Who Are Lost is a beautifully written, emotionally layered historical novel that lingers long after the final page. Told largely through a child’s perspective, the story captures the confusion, fear, and fragile hope of children forced to leave everything they know and board a train to England in the midst of war.

What makes this book so powerful is its intimacy. Instead of focusing on grand political movements or battlefield drama, it narrows in on the quiet heartbreak of separation—siblings clinging to one another, parents masking terror with forced bravery, and the haunting uncertainty of not knowing if “goodbye” means forever. The young girl’s voice feels authentic and tender; her innocence softens the brutality of the circumstances while making the emotional blows hit even harder.

The pacing is steady and immersive, allowing readers to truly sit with the characters’ grief and resilience. Themes of displacement, identity, and survival are handled with care, and the author does a remarkable job portraying both the cruelty of war and the unexpected kindness of strangers.

This isn’t a fast, action-driven read—it’s reflective, character-centered, and deeply human. If you enjoy historical fiction that explores the emotional cost of war through the eyes of children, Those Who Are Lost is a moving and worthwhile read. It reminds us that history isn’t just dates and battles—it’s families, memories, and the enduring hope of finding your way home.

Small Suitcases, Heavy Hearts

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