The Night We Lost Him
New Family Bonds
Laura Dave explores the complexities of families in The Night We Lost Him. Liam Samuel Noone is only alive during the prologue. But his life is the impetus of the story. Three wives and three children. Yet the love of his life for over fifty years refused to marry him. His sudden death brings two of his children together.
Nora and Sam are half-siblings. Sam’s twin Tommy plays only a minor role in the novel. Most of The Night We Lost Him focuses on the lack of closeness among the three growing up. And the bond created between Nora and Sam as they investigate the unusual death of their father.
Point of View in The Night We Lost Him
Most of the story is told through the eyes of Nora. Yet there is also a thread of flashbacks focusing on Liam and Cory. The flashbacks give insight into the couple and why they never married.
Nora is used as a parallel to her father. She is torn between the love of her life and a former romantic interest-a man close to her father. Her determination to discover her father’s cause of death and his secrets separates her from her fiancé.
Her strengthening relationship with her brother Sam brings stability into her life at a time when both need someone to trust. Nora, having previously lost her mother, is a loner due to the unusual compartmentalization of Liam Noone’s multiple families.
Following Dreams
A major thread in the novel is that of children following their own dreams. Nora achieved this by refusing to take part of the ownership in her father’s company. Sam took the opposite path and after an injury turned away from his dreams. Both have regrets.
In the flashbacks of The Night We Lost Him the reader sees how Liam Noone had his cake and ate it too. The moral ramifications lend both a twist and an explanation of his death.
Recommendation
The Night We Lost Him is an engaging story and a quick read. While it does not have the emotional tug of The Last Thing He Told Me, the novel entertains. Furthermore, the ending is much more satisfying. This would be a great book for holiday giving.
Laura Dave is quite the storyteller! Click here for a review of her novel The Last Thing He Told Me.
Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me is a thrilling, moving novel of love in the face of lies. The need for family and the sacrifices one makes for that family is the heart and soul of the book. The outcome will move you to tears.