I finished Lost Lambs with that strange mix of delight and bewilderment that only a truly odd book can deliver. Madeline Cash’s debut is punchy, fast and completely unbothered by the idea of being tidy. I could not put it down. Every character is flawed, hilarious and strangely endearing, even when they are making choices that would send most people running for the hills.
The story follows the Flynn family and the small coastal town orbiting them. Bud and Catherine’s marriage is cracking at the seams, their daughters are each spiralling in their own peculiar ways and the wider community is full of people who feel like they have stepped out of a fever dream. Abigail is dating a man called War Crimes Wes, Louise is writing to an online terrorist and Harper is convinced the town is being watched. I adored Harper and kept wishing we had even more of her voice. She is the beating heart of the book, even when she is off on her own strange path.
The plot is flimsy in the best possible way. It is not here to be neat. It is here to be fun, chaotic and full of sharp little observations about faith, loneliness, corruption and the need to be seen. Cash writes with a dry, absurd humour that made me laugh out loud more than once. The tone is laid back even when the events are completely unhinged, which somehow makes everything land even harder. It reminded me of falling down a deep internet rabbit hole and emerging slightly dazed but entertained.
What worked most for me was the multi perspective structure. Each character feels distinct and slightly deranged, yet full of life. Their inner thoughts are what make them loveable. The book is messy and raw but also surprisingly tender. There are moments of real introspection tucked between the chaos and the final stretch pulls at the heart in a way I did not expect.
There are a few missteps. Some of the language choices made me wince and the pacing wobbles in places. I also worried for a moment that the loose ends would never come together, but then I remembered that this is a deeply unserious book and the ending fits that spirit perfectly.
Readers who enjoy offbeat, character driven fiction with a strange sense of humour will have a brilliant time with this. It is weird, warm, clever and full of life. A debut that leaves you wanting more from this author.
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book Lost Lambs – Penguin Random House South Africa
