If reading this book without having read the first two it may appear Ms Robinson is very naïve, even neurotic, but that is partly the purpose of the book; to describe the impact of life’s events and experiences. In addition, she is no longer a young woman and suffers from a hygiene hypochondria. All this can have a huge impact on how a person deals with what life throws at them. In fact, the author herself states “You may wonder at my historic naivety.”
It is not necessary to read her first two books. (Tears of Innocence and Negative Beauty) but I recommend you do. The author gives enough information in this book about her past abuse for the reader to get a complete picture but without going over too much “old ground” included in the first two.
The author yearns to go back to her homeland where, as a child, she felt loved and secure prior to the events related in her first book Tears of Innocence; somewhere that brings her closer to her beloved mother.
Her memories of her homeland were of kind people who supported each other; where there was no abuse and where people don’t take advantage of others. But time and events change places and people.
When she returns, she finds her family home has illegally been taken over by a family who are intimidating but to fight them through the legal system would be futile.
She comes to an agreement to allow her to build a small house on a pocket of the property but the greedy builders do a shoddy job leaving it unfinished. Determined as always she gets to work finishing off the house and restoring the overgrown garden.
Her story describes a country with legal system procedures that delay results and an unsatisfactory medical system serviced by greedy and unfeeling professionals.
But the story is not just about Ms Robinson’s experiences. It also tells of how the government authorities let many people down and how families and friends neglect and take advantage of their loved ones.
Ms Robinson’s descriptions of the scenery in her homeland are beautifully clear and’ even though she doesn’t say what country it is’ you are drawn to it with a yearning to visit.
The story also isn’t limited to her return to her homeland. Following her marriage many years earlier, England became her home and that of her son. Even here she feels insecure especially after young hooligans torment her and burglars break into her house; leaving a feeling of having been violated. She also needs to travel back to England to ensure she receives sound medical attention and advice.
Describing her life experiences through this book, and her previous two, gives the reader an insight into how a person’s life can result in living in constant fear and dread. It also reminds us that unless we know and understand a person’s history we shouldn’t judge how they react to the challenges life throws at them.
I highly recommend Lost Dreams, and the first two books of the trilogy Tear of Innocence and Negative Beauty, for insight into one woman’s battle with the setbacks in her life.
My rating for Lost Dreams is 4*
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