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Lost Boys
I woke up several hours later, wondering how I’d been asleep at all when it was so incredibly cold. Then I realized I’d woken because the key was turning in the lock. I didn’t think it was possible to get colder, but a chill shook my already-frozen skin. The dim light coming through the high window shone on the door creeping open. Should I wake the others? I thought of the stories we’d heard of boys taken away and never seen again.
It’s 1982, and twelve-year-old Reza has no interest in joining Iran’s war effort. But in the wake of a tragedy and at his mother’s urging, he decides to enlist, assured by the authorities that he will achieve paradise should he die in service to his country.
War does not bring the glory the boys of Iran have been promised, and Reza soon finds himself held in a prisoner-of-war camp in Iraq, where the guards not only threaten violence—they act upon it.
Will Reza make it out alive? And if he does, will he even have a home to return to?
It’s 1982, and twelve-year-old Reza has no interest in joining Iran’s war effort. But in the wake of a tragedy and at his mother’s urging, he decides to enlist, assured by the authorities that he will achieve paradise should he die in service to his country.
War does not bring the glory the boys of Iran have been promised, and Reza soon finds himself held in a prisoner-of-war camp in Iraq, where the guards not only threaten violence—they act upon it.
Will Reza make it out alive? And if he does, will he even have a home to return to?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2017
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1,340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 7, 2017
There are some parts of this that are compelling (not least the cover that got me to pick this up), but I don't think I'd recommend it unless it was for a very specific request. The author's note talks about the research she conducted and her passion for the history that inspired her to write the story, and I believe that it's accurate for the most part. However, the overall impression the book leaves is of a war with "good" and "bad" Muslims, and I feel like that sort of simplifies and flattens all the complexities of the political and cultural time/situation the story is depicting. Particularly when the bad guys play into so many very specific stereotypes about Muslims. There's also an aid worker whose role really seemed to fall into white savior tropes. Which isn't to say that aid workers (who were probably often white) didn't play crucial roles in situations like Reza's, but I just don't know that this is the best or most authentic depiction of such a complex historical event. These reservations aren't enough for me to label this DO NOT RECOMMEND EVER or anything, but it's not one I'm interested in bringing on school visits.
August 12, 2018
While I found the story of compelling, I also found some aspects to be troubling. Our protagonist Reza is living with his mother in Iran during the war with Iraq in 1982. His father died in the war and his uncle is recently killed. His mother thinks he should become a martyr fighting in the war so he and his best friend Ebi sign up. Unfortunately he is seriously injured and taken into a prisoner of war camp as one of the "Lost Boy Soldiers". Life there is hard, but not as bad as other camps. Reza is befriended by a Red Crescent worker who helps him discover his talent as a musician. It's a glimpse into a history I didn't know much about. However, it troubles me that many stereotypes about good and bad Muslims run strong through the text. I am also increasingly aware that stories are best told by people who live them or have ties to them. Rosenblatt is not Muslim. She is not Iranian. She is not a boy. Her perception of a young Iranian Muslim boy is filtered through her life experiences that are far removed from that life-raising concerns about its accurate portrayal and implicit or unconscious bias. While I think Rosenblatt is good storyteller, I question whether it's her story to tell. I would rather read the story told by someone with authentic ties and connection. A 2018-19 MSBA nominee for grades
March 5, 2019
I enjoyed the later chapters when Reza had met Miles, his teacher, while in the enemies camp. Miles reminded Reza of his uncle, someone who gave him hope to pursue his love for music.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2017
Darcey Rosenblatt’s luminous MG novel, LOST BOYS, centers on 12-year-old Reza, a musically gifted Iranian boy who is expected to join the Iran-Iraq War. The problem is, Reza has zero interest in following in his deceased father’s footsteps, despite the urging of his devout mother and his best friend, Ebi. But then tragedy strike and Reza decides to enlist. What awaits Reza is not the “paradise” the mullah who recruited him promised, but a brutal foray into battle followed by an assignment to Camp Six, an Iraqi POW camp. Camp Six is supposed to be the “best” of all the iraqi prison camps, but the conditions are squalid and Reza encounters physical and emotional abuse, the majority of which is meted out by Abass, a particularly sadistic guard. Reza finds solace by befriending fellow inmates Salar, Omid, and Jaafer, and he soon forms a close bond with Miles, an Irish aid worker. All the while, Reza never stops searching for his BFF, Ebi—or gives up hope of finding him one day. A magnificent debut. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2021
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on November 29, 2021.
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3.5 Stars
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Lost Boys is based off the real-life Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The specific year is 1982 and Reza is 12 years old and Iran sends their young boys off to war. If they die, then they will be considered a martyr and Reza’s mother is more than happy to see him off. Reza is conflicted to go but his best friend Ebi is very excited. In Iran they have no freedoms, they can’t even sing or let alone listen to music without punishment.
Reza finds out the grim reality of war and finds himself separated from Ebi and in a POW camp. The boys there are treated in a range of ways from friendly with a teacher whom Reza bonds with over their love of music to being treated terribly by some of the guards.
I liked Reza and was rooting for him the whole novel. I was hoping that he and Ebi would be reunited. Lost Boys gives you an idea of what life was like in an Iraq POW camp without being graphic. I enjoyed this quick and easy read as I saw Reza’s growth over his time at the camp, but the end of the novel left too many unanswered questions. The novel needed at least an epilogue or a follow up novel for the reader to get the whole story: When you become invested in characters, you need the whole story!
Despite the lack of conclusion, I would recommend the novel as it gives a US reader an experience of unfamiliar events at a time in the past with an unfamiliar country. And that has been the point of #Diverseathon2021: Diversifiying your reading this year by reading books with a certain type of character or places you might not normally read. And I would not have normally read Lost Boys.
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This review will appear on my site on November 29, 2021.
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3.5 Stars
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Lost Boys is based off the real-life Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The specific year is 1982 and Reza is 12 years old and Iran sends their young boys off to war. If they die, then they will be considered a martyr and Reza’s mother is more than happy to see him off. Reza is conflicted to go but his best friend Ebi is very excited. In Iran they have no freedoms, they can’t even sing or let alone listen to music without punishment.
Reza finds out the grim reality of war and finds himself separated from Ebi and in a POW camp. The boys there are treated in a range of ways from friendly with a teacher whom Reza bonds with over their love of music to being treated terribly by some of the guards.
I liked Reza and was rooting for him the whole novel. I was hoping that he and Ebi would be reunited. Lost Boys gives you an idea of what life was like in an Iraq POW camp without being graphic. I enjoyed this quick and easy read as I saw Reza’s growth over his time at the camp, but the end of the novel left too many unanswered questions. The novel needed at least an epilogue or a follow up novel for the reader to get the whole story: When you become invested in characters, you need the whole story!
Despite the lack of conclusion, I would recommend the novel as it gives a US reader an experience of unfamiliar events at a time in the past with an unfamiliar country. And that has been the point of #Diverseathon2021: Diversifiying your reading this year by reading books with a certain type of character or places you might not normally read. And I would not have normally read Lost Boys.
March 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this read, it was fast paced and easy to follow. I really like the connection that Reza had with music. And how he used that to get through his days. I don't know how accurate the book is or the events that took place. But I enjoyed the story. I think Miles was my favorite character, and I hope that there was one of these types of people in those camps.
November 17, 2023
This book mostly made me sad but it had a happy ending. It was the first time I’d read about the war between Iran and Iraq and there was just a lot I was unaware of.
August 10, 2017
This was a gripping, powerful debut I could not put down.
January 24, 2018
Darcey Rosenblatt bravely charts the interior longings and material terrors confronting twelve-year-old, Reza, as he is coerced into becoming a boy soldier during Iran's early-'80s war with Iraq. Spiritual doubts and a love of Western music gnaw at Reza as he becomes increasingly indifferent to his mother's orthodoxy. When he becomes a prisoner of war after a disastrous charade of an attack (boys are cannon fodder rather than fighters to the leaders urging them onward), and finds himself both encouraged by a kindly camp instructor and mortally threatened by a bullying guard, Reza's aspirations restlessly seek outlet. Rosenblatt understands the delicate path she walks in presenting the world of a Muslim boy from Iran--she delivers something heartfelt and heartening.
April 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoy historical fiction books that give perspective on a different culture or experience. This book is appropriate for an old elementary school reader or Young Adult reader who want to understand the way war affects youth. This particular conflict was between Iraq and Iran in 1982, but it has a wider application. It gives a taste of the atrocities of war without being overly graphic for its intended audience. This story follows a 12 year old boy named Reza who signs up, under pressure, to fight as a boy soldier with his friend Ebi. War is not as glamourous as expected, and the realities of a prisoner of war camp are stark. It is hopeful, and it has great themes about friendship and the power of music.
I love that the author directed those interested to learn more with the non-fiction book: Khomeini's Forgotten Sons: The Story of Iran's Boy Soldiers, which is told by an aid worker who worked at POW camps.
I love that the author directed those interested to learn more with the non-fiction book: Khomeini's Forgotten Sons: The Story of Iran's Boy Soldiers, which is told by an aid worker who worked at POW camps.
May 31, 2017
Wow-oh-Wow. I love when an author can take me to a place I've never been, connect me to a character so unlike myself, and make me feel (and learn) so much. This is an amazing and heartbreaking story, based in a reality that no child should ever have to face. Beautifully written. Kept me up late reading, and I am very protective of my sleep. Not to be missed!! (Out Aug 2017; go ahead and pre-order!)
September 23, 2017
Rosenblatt, Darcey Lost Boys, 288 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2017. $17. Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (piles of bodies, beatings)
Reza’s mother has been pressuring the twelve year old to join Iran’s army in the fight against Iraq in 1982. His favorite uncle, however, is an Iranian rebel, who has nurtured Reza’s love for Western music, so he has been resistant. When his best friend, Ebi, joins up, though, Reza feels obligated to stay by his side. The boys are shattered, however, when they find out that their final purpose for the Iranian army is to act as human minesweepers. When Reza finally wakes up, he has been sent to a detention camp and Ebi is missing, perhaps dead. Life in the detention camp is harsh, made harsher by a guard with a cruel streak who seems to have it out for Reza.
Rosenblatt has chosen a little known (for Americans) war as the background for a book about hope and courage. The descriptions of life in the detention camp would be excellent to read aloud in any modern history class to help students connect to the harshness of life in a war zone. In elementary schools, I would only suggest this for sixth graders. For middle schools, hand this to your boys who read books about war – its an easy sell and a very good look at another aspect of war.
EL (6th grade only) – ADVISABLE; MS – ESSENTIAL Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Reza’s mother has been pressuring the twelve year old to join Iran’s army in the fight against Iraq in 1982. His favorite uncle, however, is an Iranian rebel, who has nurtured Reza’s love for Western music, so he has been resistant. When his best friend, Ebi, joins up, though, Reza feels obligated to stay by his side. The boys are shattered, however, when they find out that their final purpose for the Iranian army is to act as human minesweepers. When Reza finally wakes up, he has been sent to a detention camp and Ebi is missing, perhaps dead. Life in the detention camp is harsh, made harsher by a guard with a cruel streak who seems to have it out for Reza.
Rosenblatt has chosen a little known (for Americans) war as the background for a book about hope and courage. The descriptions of life in the detention camp would be excellent to read aloud in any modern history class to help students connect to the harshness of life in a war zone. In elementary schools, I would only suggest this for sixth graders. For middle schools, hand this to your boys who read books about war – its an easy sell and a very good look at another aspect of war.
EL (6th grade only) – ADVISABLE; MS – ESSENTIAL Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
October 16, 2017
What is an almost 13-year-old boy with a soul full of music doing marching into battle for God and country?
April 24, 2017
This book was so eye-opening and beautiful as it details horrifying truths of the Iran-Iraq War. It still seems extremely timely in our current political climate. This is a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction and for fans of "Persepolis."
October 6, 2020
2.5ish-3
I have mixed feelings.
I loved the main character. I really was rooting for him. I also enjoyed a lot of the plot.
I thought the end of the book definitely had some white saviorism feels which when I later read that the author had never been to these countries made me wonder even a little more.
Parts dragged on where the end seemed to rush.
I have mixed feelings.
I loved the main character. I really was rooting for him. I also enjoyed a lot of the plot.
I thought the end of the book definitely had some white saviorism feels which when I later read that the author had never been to these countries made me wonder even a little more.
Parts dragged on where the end seemed to rush.
June 29, 2017
Wow! I couldn't put it down. Action, suspense, and immersion in a very different moment in history, one most American kids don't know enough about. I greatly enjoyed Reza's story.
December 4, 2017
A captivating tale that shines light on the experiences of a child soldier without patronizing nor overwhelming middle grade readers. Heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting, this story is a celebration of the resiliency of human spirit over human atrocity.
February 10, 2018
The ending was bad.
October 11, 2024
Lost Boys Book Review
Lost Boys by Darcey Rosenblatt is a story about a 12 year old boy named Reza who lives in Iran during the war against Iraq. In Iran they were very religious, and it was considered wrong to even sing or listen to music, but that was Reza's favorite thing, and he wasn’t allowed to enjoy it. Rezas mom felt that if they died in the war it would all be fine because it was for God. It was said that if you enlisted, and died in the war you would go to a paradise with gorgeous women and lots of money. Reza was hesitant to go in the war, but his best friend Ebi felt the opposite way, and he was very excited. Once Reza and Ebi got to the training camp, all they had to do was wait until it was their turn to go. After a couple weeks, the day came, and it was their turn; there was tension the whole ride there. Finally they got there, and they weren’t there for long as they were walking, all of a sudden bombs went off, and Reza didn’t know that was the last time he was going to see Ebi for a while. Reza and Ebi then get separated, and put in different hospitals and camps. Reza was in the hospital for two months, and finally he gets sent to the camp, but he doesnt’ think that's any better. Once he got there he realized Ebi was not there, he asked everyone around and nobody knew who he was talking about. At the camp he meets one of the teachers, Miles, he worked at many camps so Reza was hoping he could help him find Ebi. Miles and Reza ended up getting very close, and bonding over their love for music. Miles was one of the only people Reza could trust in that camp. Reza spent his whole time in that camp wondering where Ebi was, and everytime new boys would come to the camp Reza would always look for Ebi, and he wasn’t going to stop until he found him.
I enjoyed this book because there is always something going on, and so many emotions. The author did a great job with describing how Reza felt, and how empty it would feel to be in that situation. I also like how she told the story, and described everything so well. The only part I disliked was the ending because we don’t know what happened to Ebi and his other friends, or where they went, and if they ever saw their family again. I think Ebi was more important than Miles, and the ending should’ve been Reza and Ebi.
“But I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone care for a friend the way you care for Ebi. You weren’t going to let that friendship go, and for someone like you, someone who’s seen so much - well, that was impressive. When I saw I could honor that, it just made sense,” Miles said to Reza on page 214 after he thanked Miles for helping Ebi get there. This passage stood out to me because Reza and Ebi’s friendship was so strong, and Rezas care for Ebi was the thing that stayed most consistent in the story.
I give this book four out of five stars because I enjoyed the story, and the way it was told, but I didn’t like how the story ended. I would definitely recommend this book to others because it's very interesting and there are many different ways you will feel throughout the book.
Lost Boys by Darcey Rosenblatt is a story about a 12 year old boy named Reza who lives in Iran during the war against Iraq. In Iran they were very religious, and it was considered wrong to even sing or listen to music, but that was Reza's favorite thing, and he wasn’t allowed to enjoy it. Rezas mom felt that if they died in the war it would all be fine because it was for God. It was said that if you enlisted, and died in the war you would go to a paradise with gorgeous women and lots of money. Reza was hesitant to go in the war, but his best friend Ebi felt the opposite way, and he was very excited. Once Reza and Ebi got to the training camp, all they had to do was wait until it was their turn to go. After a couple weeks, the day came, and it was their turn; there was tension the whole ride there. Finally they got there, and they weren’t there for long as they were walking, all of a sudden bombs went off, and Reza didn’t know that was the last time he was going to see Ebi for a while. Reza and Ebi then get separated, and put in different hospitals and camps. Reza was in the hospital for two months, and finally he gets sent to the camp, but he doesnt’ think that's any better. Once he got there he realized Ebi was not there, he asked everyone around and nobody knew who he was talking about. At the camp he meets one of the teachers, Miles, he worked at many camps so Reza was hoping he could help him find Ebi. Miles and Reza ended up getting very close, and bonding over their love for music. Miles was one of the only people Reza could trust in that camp. Reza spent his whole time in that camp wondering where Ebi was, and everytime new boys would come to the camp Reza would always look for Ebi, and he wasn’t going to stop until he found him.
I enjoyed this book because there is always something going on, and so many emotions. The author did a great job with describing how Reza felt, and how empty it would feel to be in that situation. I also like how she told the story, and described everything so well. The only part I disliked was the ending because we don’t know what happened to Ebi and his other friends, or where they went, and if they ever saw their family again. I think Ebi was more important than Miles, and the ending should’ve been Reza and Ebi.
“But I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone care for a friend the way you care for Ebi. You weren’t going to let that friendship go, and for someone like you, someone who’s seen so much - well, that was impressive. When I saw I could honor that, it just made sense,” Miles said to Reza on page 214 after he thanked Miles for helping Ebi get there. This passage stood out to me because Reza and Ebi’s friendship was so strong, and Rezas care for Ebi was the thing that stayed most consistent in the story.
I give this book four out of five stars because I enjoyed the story, and the way it was told, but I didn’t like how the story ended. I would definitely recommend this book to others because it's very interesting and there are many different ways you will feel throughout the book.
November 5, 2024
A dark at times book that includes war. Lost Boys, Darcey Rosenblatt, The setting in the book is mostly in the Prisoner of war camp and Reza’s house in the introduction of the book but mostly the camp. The main Characters include: Reza, Ebi, Mom, Uncle, Miles, all the other boys at the camp including Majid ect. And the guards like Abass. I found this book while searching through a library. I was mostly looking for a shorter war like book and this suited it perfectly.
Reza lived in a town where many boys above the age of 12 years old were drafted as soldiers to the front. Some were, some weren't, but Reza and Ebi both enlisted and were both deployed. They both went to the same camp and after a little while of spending time there, they were first brought into a battle by the higher up officers making them charge into a minefield. Reza point blankly at the steps on a mine and gets knocked out. When he wakes up to a man talking to him, it reveals he has been captured by the enemy and he is now a prisoner of war. Reza, not fond of the news, is forced to suffer in bed with a broken arm and other injuries. Reza has asked multiple times where his Friend Ebi is but to no avail, nobody finds him. They say he was probably brought to another camp and is most likely up north. Reza is forced to stay here in this camp throughout the remainder of the book; he then meets all of the other prisoners who eventually become friends and a teacher called Miles helps put together a play. A play that would go throughout all the camps, this is big news for Reza. This means he possibly links up with Ebi at another camp and brings him back to his camp then they can go home together. They go back to the camp but it turns out that many of the boys have escaped and apparently Ebi is with them. A man then helps Reza by telling a bus comes through here and he can sneak onto it. Reza then does what he does and makes it to the city.
I liked this book very much and I find it pleasing that he does end up finding people again in the city. Like miles, miles was very crucial in this book and it’s very good to see him again. “He’s taught me to read music, and he has a tar that he lets me play.” This was talking about Miles, and it showed that Miles helped out Reza by teaching him the art of music Even though Only religious music is allowed. Reza still has a special love and talent for it.
I would rate this book a solid ⅘ it has some funny scenes some dark scenes, it has a lot. It was a good read, one of the best I've read in a while and I would most definitely recommend it to people who are into war or religious books maybe, but overall pretty good.
Reza lived in a town where many boys above the age of 12 years old were drafted as soldiers to the front. Some were, some weren't, but Reza and Ebi both enlisted and were both deployed. They both went to the same camp and after a little while of spending time there, they were first brought into a battle by the higher up officers making them charge into a minefield. Reza point blankly at the steps on a mine and gets knocked out. When he wakes up to a man talking to him, it reveals he has been captured by the enemy and he is now a prisoner of war. Reza, not fond of the news, is forced to suffer in bed with a broken arm and other injuries. Reza has asked multiple times where his Friend Ebi is but to no avail, nobody finds him. They say he was probably brought to another camp and is most likely up north. Reza is forced to stay here in this camp throughout the remainder of the book; he then meets all of the other prisoners who eventually become friends and a teacher called Miles helps put together a play. A play that would go throughout all the camps, this is big news for Reza. This means he possibly links up with Ebi at another camp and brings him back to his camp then they can go home together. They go back to the camp but it turns out that many of the boys have escaped and apparently Ebi is with them. A man then helps Reza by telling a bus comes through here and he can sneak onto it. Reza then does what he does and makes it to the city.
I liked this book very much and I find it pleasing that he does end up finding people again in the city. Like miles, miles was very crucial in this book and it’s very good to see him again. “He’s taught me to read music, and he has a tar that he lets me play.” This was talking about Miles, and it showed that Miles helped out Reza by teaching him the art of music Even though Only religious music is allowed. Reza still has a special love and talent for it.
I would rate this book a solid ⅘ it has some funny scenes some dark scenes, it has a lot. It was a good read, one of the best I've read in a while and I would most definitely recommend it to people who are into war or religious books maybe, but overall pretty good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2017
Huge thank you to Raincoast for this ARC!
Lost Boys is both a beautiful people of historical fiction. While this book is classified as middle grade fiction, it actually reads much older in some aspects of the story, but regardless of that it's a very heartbreaking and beautiful story about friendship in Iran during 1982. According to the author's note, parts of the story where based on an account by her neighbour who had been growing up in Iran.
Reza is a wonderful protagonist who is both kind as he is curious. You learn about Reza's love of Western music which he got from his Uncle. You learn his love of modern music and the kinds of songs that were present in the 1980s. In some regards this makes Reza seem a little older than he actually is, but I found him to constantly be endearing throughout the story. His friendship with Ebi and Miles are both unique aspects in the story as Ebi at the tender age of twelve believes young boys need to die for their nation, while Miles an Irish aid worker tries to instill a different perspective...
...And it works well in this story. In this story you see Reza feeling torn between the love of his family and country, but also struggling with his feelings towards the political environment in Iran. Characters like Ebi break your heart because they are the product of propaganda, the belief that every man must die for his nation. There's an idealism in this notion, but the story shows how many of the children are completely robbed of childhoods.
Lost Boys is a very thoughtful read, and Rosenblatt is a beautiful writer. I appreciated much of the leg work that went into this novel, and if you haven't read the Author's Note it is worth checking out just to get some extra context to where the author was coming from with the story. This book will leave you sad yet very hopeful in the end.
Lost Boys is both a beautiful people of historical fiction. While this book is classified as middle grade fiction, it actually reads much older in some aspects of the story, but regardless of that it's a very heartbreaking and beautiful story about friendship in Iran during 1982. According to the author's note, parts of the story where based on an account by her neighbour who had been growing up in Iran.
Reza is a wonderful protagonist who is both kind as he is curious. You learn about Reza's love of Western music which he got from his Uncle. You learn his love of modern music and the kinds of songs that were present in the 1980s. In some regards this makes Reza seem a little older than he actually is, but I found him to constantly be endearing throughout the story. His friendship with Ebi and Miles are both unique aspects in the story as Ebi at the tender age of twelve believes young boys need to die for their nation, while Miles an Irish aid worker tries to instill a different perspective...
...And it works well in this story. In this story you see Reza feeling torn between the love of his family and country, but also struggling with his feelings towards the political environment in Iran. Characters like Ebi break your heart because they are the product of propaganda, the belief that every man must die for his nation. There's an idealism in this notion, but the story shows how many of the children are completely robbed of childhoods.
Lost Boys is a very thoughtful read, and Rosenblatt is a beautiful writer. I appreciated much of the leg work that went into this novel, and if you haven't read the Author's Note it is worth checking out just to get some extra context to where the author was coming from with the story. This book will leave you sad yet very hopeful in the end.
April 15, 2018
Twelve-year-old Reza is a gifted musician who loves Western music even though it is forbidden in 1982 Iran. His Uncle Habib supports his interests and even gives him a Thelonious Monk tape while his mother does not. While Reza's mother is a traditionalist and considers that soldiers are martyrs, destined for glory and a place in Heaven when they die, Habib is involved in the resistance movement. But after a tragic event, Reza feels that he has no choice other than to join the military forces along with his best friend, Ebi. The boys are somewhat swept up by patriotism, but their ardor quickly chills once they are thrown in battle with no training. Both boys are wounded, and from the prisoner of war camp to which he's been taken, Reza worries about his friend and uncertain whether Ebi has even survived. Reza is singled out for bullying by Pasha, another prisoner, and by torture by Abass, one of the guards. Thanks to the kindness of Miles, a British citizen who works for an organization that provides aid to prisoners, and who recognizes Reza as a musical prodigy, and the help of some of the other POWs, Reza somehow manages to escape and flee to freedom. Much of the story is heartbreaking, and the last third will have readers' hearts racing as they note the lengths Reza takes to leave this horrible place far behind. How likely it is that he could have managed an escape in that way might be debatable, but it surely left me impressed. I had no idea about this part of the war and what happened to so many young boys during that time, and would like to learn more. While the author is not a cultural insider, she seems to have done her best to understand Muslim culture and the events depicted here. An Author's Note explains her inspiration and sources for telling this important story.
May 20, 2018
My favorite historical fiction stories are ones that teach me about a time period I knew little about. This one was given to me by a favorite reader who is very picky about his book choices. It did not disappoint and drew me in from the first few pages.
Lost Boys, set in Iran in 1982, tells the heartbreaking, painful, and hopeful story of twelve-year-old Reza and a generation of Iranian teens who were either forced into or willingly, but blindly and without training or equipment went to fight a hopeless and deadly holy war against Iraq. Sadly the war did not bring the promised glory and innumerable boys find themselves prisoners of war in cruel, hateful Iraqi prisons. In sometimes appalling conditions, the boys find camaraderie, friendship, and immense bravery. With the help of a kind, wise teacher, and surprising allies, the boys discover hope. Though their future is bleak - some will not be welcomed home as they "failed" to fulfill the promise of eternal martyrdom, and most are forever scarred and changed by their years of imprisonment.
Reza's voice is honest and compelling. His story is at once traumatic and full of survival against insurmountable odds. I couldn't put this book down and hope a new generation of young men and women read it and learn about the capacity for kindness and love in the human heart even when hatred feels stronger. A voice and story that will linger and teach.
Lost Boys, set in Iran in 1982, tells the heartbreaking, painful, and hopeful story of twelve-year-old Reza and a generation of Iranian teens who were either forced into or willingly, but blindly and without training or equipment went to fight a hopeless and deadly holy war against Iraq. Sadly the war did not bring the promised glory and innumerable boys find themselves prisoners of war in cruel, hateful Iraqi prisons. In sometimes appalling conditions, the boys find camaraderie, friendship, and immense bravery. With the help of a kind, wise teacher, and surprising allies, the boys discover hope. Though their future is bleak - some will not be welcomed home as they "failed" to fulfill the promise of eternal martyrdom, and most are forever scarred and changed by their years of imprisonment.
Reza's voice is honest and compelling. His story is at once traumatic and full of survival against insurmountable odds. I couldn't put this book down and hope a new generation of young men and women read it and learn about the capacity for kindness and love in the human heart even when hatred feels stronger. A voice and story that will linger and teach.
December 12, 2017
Set in Iran in 1982, this is the story of Reza. He's 12-years-old and lives with his mother. His favorite uncle is killed because of his part in the resistance. Young people, like Reza, are being encouraged to join the army in the fight against Iraq. Despite his mothers objections, Reza and his best friend enlist. They are taken almost immediately to the front lines where the young people are tied together to form a line and are sent out in front of the troops as human mine sweepers. Reza is injured but not killed and is taken to a POW camp. Conditions are harsh, but he is told that conditions are much worse in the other camps. He is seeking any information about his friend and also hoping desperately to escape the camp and return home.
It helps to have a little knowledge about the conflict in Iran/Iraq, but the author does a good job of filling in information for the reader. This is a shocking but realistic look at what young men in the Middle East are facing, even this much later in time than when the story is set. This is a well-written debut novel. The author explains in the afterword where she got the idea for the story as well as the research involved in making it as authentic as possible. Grades 6-10.
It helps to have a little knowledge about the conflict in Iran/Iraq, but the author does a good job of filling in information for the reader. This is a shocking but realistic look at what young men in the Middle East are facing, even this much later in time than when the story is set. This is a well-written debut novel. The author explains in the afterword where she got the idea for the story as well as the research involved in making it as authentic as possible. Grades 6-10.
October 7, 2019
The book that I read was lost boys by:Darcy Rosenblatt. I would recommend this book to people who like reading about wars. I would give this book a five star rating. The reason why is because it has suspense action and life lessons references. Things that went well for me where it wasn't too hard to keep track what was going on. The book starts out as a family of 7. There's a mom,dad,2,brothers 2 sisters and an uncle .the main character is a 12 year old boy named Reza. the time period it takes place in is 1982. Reza was a young boy and was treated like a slave after all his family and extended family died due to execution. After they died Reza went on to help in war by making things mining. As the war goes on Reza finds a friend that was like a uncle to him. And because they never got to eat the friend that is like an uncle to him died of hunger. They only got 1 slice of bread a day and soup every three days. Towards the end of the book the war finally ended and Reza was bone and skin. (you could see his bone he was so skinny) he has never been so skinny in his life. But after the war he was taken by a family and raised by them for the rest of his life.
-Hunter B5
Goodrich
-Hunter B5
Goodrich
August 16, 2020
Lost Boys by Darcey Rosenblatt – Rosenblatt brings life to the little known boy soldiers of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. During the war Iran pressured boys and their families as young as 10 and 12 to join the military falsely filling their heads with dreams of being a soldier. What they actually became were human guinea pigs set out to locate land mines before the actual soldiers advanced. This is the fictional story of one of those boys. Twelve year old Reza is pressured by his mother to join the holy war. He finally agrees after his beloved uncle is killed, his best friend, Ebi, joins up and he realizes there is nothing left for him at home. Reza and Ebi quickly realize they were lied to and eventually end up at the front getting separated by exploding land mines. Luckily some boys are rescued by the Iraqis and when they are healthy enough put in child camps until a deal can be worked out for their return. In true Iranian fashion, all the boy soldiers are denounced by their leader and the hope of ever returning home dwindles. Great for middle grades and up, this novel looks at these boys and the circumstances they had to live through while readers of any race will be able to draw parallels with themes such as friendship, corrupt authority figures, distant parents and more.
August 28, 2018
This historical novel nominated for the 2018-2019 Maine Student Book Award for grades 6-8 tells the story of Iranian boys forced to serve in the Iran-Iraq War during the 1980s. Reza lives with his widowed mother during a time of strict religious rule. Music is frowned upon except for hymns and boys and men are encouraged to enlist and become martyrs for their country and religion. Reza’s mother is devout and has banned music in the house and encourages him to enlist. When Reza and his friend finally succumb to the pressure to enlist -- at age 12 -- they soon discover why Iran needs young boys to serve. Soon after enlisting, Reza is injured and then captured. As a prisoner-of-war, Reza learns to survive the brutality with the help of friends, and an aide worker/teacher who encourages Reza to explore his musical talent. This book is haunting and readers will have a new image in their mind when they hear the horrible phrase “child soldiers.” I wish the author had included a bibliography because this is a topic readers will want to learn more about. This book would be 5 stars if it had a bibliography!
February 19, 2018
12 year old Reza has recently lost his father in the war in Iran - a war that has been going on for centuries, but in 1982, the rise to power of the Ayatollah has changed things. His mother is very devout and feels it is God’s will. Rez’s uncle supplies him with music, even though it is forbidden - everything from Stevie Wonder to Duke Ellington to Mozart. Rez wants to be a musician more than anything, but since even singing is forbidden, just listening to the secret American music is risky. When his mother discovers, she breaks his tape recorder. Then, Uncle Habib is killed in a bombing. When Rez’s best friend Ebi joins the fight - with a promise of paradise and virgins if he is killed - Rez realizes his mother will never be happy until Rez has also enlisted. But the military’s use of these young boys is not what Rez expected, and he soon finds himself badly injured and in a POW camp.
This war story is an exciting and heartbreaking read. It was gripping from the very beginning - Rez is in peril more than he is safe. The depictions of the battlefield and the camps are from the perspective of a teenager, so much of the horror is tempered. He is a devoted friend, a gifted musician and frightened (yet brave) little boy. This is an essential read for the middle school - although the story took place 30+ years ago, the issues are timely and themes are relevant.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
This war story is an exciting and heartbreaking read. It was gripping from the very beginning - Rez is in peril more than he is safe. The depictions of the battlefield and the camps are from the perspective of a teenager, so much of the horror is tempered. He is a devoted friend, a gifted musician and frightened (yet brave) little boy. This is an essential read for the middle school - although the story took place 30+ years ago, the issues are timely and themes are relevant.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
April 30, 2023
The only reason am hesitant to give the book 5 stars is because the author has no first hand knowledge of the Iraq-Iran conflict. That's why her Persian and Arabic characters lack nuance. Since the story is based on an aid worker's memoirs(!), their depiction of Miles was better.
The book reminded me again and again how I hated organized religions. Nothing good ever came out of it. Just look at Iran and Afghanistan's treatment of women and lgbt and then you would know. More and more fascist governments are on the rise . They too are using religion to control people. I really felt an intense hatred for Reza's mother. She symbolized everything that was wrong with that Khomeini regime. Still is. With the taliban again in power in Afghanistan, there is no end to fundamentalism and stupidity.
Am so pissed am rambling.
I liked the friendships in the book and I was traumatized by the scenes of war and death. I guess that was the point ? I wish there were more nuance in the book. Hence 4 stars.
The book reminded me again and again how I hated organized religions. Nothing good ever came out of it. Just look at Iran and Afghanistan's treatment of women and lgbt and then you would know. More and more fascist governments are on the rise . They too are using religion to control people. I really felt an intense hatred for Reza's mother. She symbolized everything that was wrong with that Khomeini regime. Still is. With the taliban again in power in Afghanistan, there is no end to fundamentalism and stupidity.
Am so pissed am rambling.
I liked the friendships in the book and I was traumatized by the scenes of war and death. I guess that was the point ? I wish there were more nuance in the book. Hence 4 stars.
January 17, 2018
This book wasn't as compelling as it would seem to be. The book itself isn't bad, it just doesn't really portray the emotion of the blurb. Going into this book, you expect drama, you expect a tense story full of struggle.
I just didn't get that with this book. There isn't a lot of drama, nor is there much of an explanation of what's going on in regards to the war, but that may symbolize that the boys in the camp are also clueless. Reza says multiple times that he does not understand the war itself. The book also ends happily but it's an ending that is seemingly incomplete. We are not given an epilogue, and we are left to wonder what happened to the boys in the camp.
The ending is not as complete as it could be, but that could also symbolize that people who escape never know what happens to the other people they have met in the camps. All in all, the book just doesn't portray a story that makes your heart ache.
I just didn't get that with this book. There isn't a lot of drama, nor is there much of an explanation of what's going on in regards to the war, but that may symbolize that the boys in the camp are also clueless. Reza says multiple times that he does not understand the war itself. The book also ends happily but it's an ending that is seemingly incomplete. We are not given an epilogue, and we are left to wonder what happened to the boys in the camp.
The ending is not as complete as it could be, but that could also symbolize that people who escape never know what happens to the other people they have met in the camps. All in all, the book just doesn't portray a story that makes your heart ache.
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