The Journey of the Lost Boys
By Joan Hecht
Allswell Press (2005)
Reviewed by Geri Edens for Reader Views (2/06)
In 1983 the Islamic Muslim government of Northern Sudan slaughtered the Christian and Animist people of Southern Sudan. The survivors of this carnage were thousands of minor children who came to be known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” Joan Hecht paints a poignant picture of these war crimes. Chased from their homes by government troops determined to kill them and their families for their religious beliefs, they are lost and
struggle to survive. She tells readers of their flight to Ethiopia, Kenya and eventually the United States where she meets them as adults and hears incredible stories about their
horrific childhood.
Through one-on-one interviews with these survivors, Joan brings their experiences to the reader in a profound and unflinching format. She gives a comprehensive and unbiased historical review of the events leading to the civil war and its aftermath. She reveals what the Lost Boys lives were like before the war including their customs and ways of
life. The inclusion of pictures and drawings the boys have made allows the reader to clearly imagine what life was like.
After devoting much of her time to uncovering these stories, she reveals that despite all the trials and tribulations they have endured, their spirit soars and they continue to possess an unwavering belief in God. This book will touch everyone who reads it and serve as an inspiration for anyone who thinks that they have had a rough life. There is so much to be learned from the Lost Boys. They are an industrious group and long to live
the American Dream. Their efforts to work hard and better themselves are remarkable. They long to return home and help the tens of thousands who remain behind.
Despite much of the sadness and suffering told in their stories, Joan also shares humor with the reader and recounts many funny situations as the Lost Boys settle in to America
and try desperately to understand our culture. In Part 8 titled “Welcome to America” the reader truly comes to know many of these individuals in a more personal way. This section is my favorite and serves to lighten the heavier chapters about their escape and refugee life. Joan tells humorous stories of the cultural differences they face and their desire to be part of our society. These stories about teeth, nail polish, 9-1-1, jewelry making and more will have you laughing away previous tears.
She closes with an epilogue that tells the reader what and how the individual boys, now men, are doing now. One thing is for sure, the faith and determination of these young children turned adults is unyielding and through Joan’s voice their souls are revealed and the Lost Boys are found.
