Released: August 27, 2013 (I had a digital ARC via NetGalley)
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Quick Recap: There are many people who are going to read this highly anticipated Twilight Zone/Lost style drama and be disgusted. It's one of those books that just ends in a way to provoke heated discussion. I am not one of the inevitable haters - I appreciated this tale of people who inexplicably come back from the dead and reunite with their families. That being said, The Returned wasn't perfect - but in many scenes, it was downright moving.
The Plot: While there are more characters than the author can successfully juggle, the primary family at the heart of this novel are the Hargraves. Harold and Lucille lost a son in a tragic drowning in 1966, and one day, present day, he shows up just as he was before he died - a young and seemingly carefree eight year-old. All over the world this is happening - people returning from the grave, and quickly panic and worry set in. What should nations do with this influx in people? What are these people? Are they even people? The author Jason Mott asks a ton of questions in The Returned but ultimately offers very few answers. It's up to readers to decide whether or not that ambiguity is a good or a bad thing.
Favorite Scene: Lucille Hargrave is a great character, and there is a scene near the end of the novel where she takes things into her own feeble hands. I won't spoil anything, but I was both on edge and laughing at the same time. I cannot wait to see who ABC casts to portray her as this book as already been optioned for a television show scheduled to begin next January (the show is currently titled Resurrection). I would suggest Kathy Bates!
If I Could Change Something: The author has a great vocabulary. I get that. But some of the characters use words that were just unrealistic and pretentious for who we are led to believe they are. In addition to that, there were a number of very repetitive scenes. In one instance, almost the same conversation is had between the same two characters in the span of two pages. One other criticism that I hinted at above - there were way too many small characters. Some of them were grossly undeveloped. I think this premise would have been better served as a bunch of short stories, taking the time to tell one story without starting another on the side.
Reluctant Reader Approved: Not really. Due to the repetitive nature mentioned above, and the all together slow pace, the fantastic plot won't sustain those that aren't patient.
Overall Score: I would give this book 6 out of 10. I found much of this book fascinating and I really did love the central family. A couple of the small stories also had great potential. It's not for everyone, but it will definitely find an audience.
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