A review by purcellibrarian
Lost and Wanted by Nell Freudenberger

5.0

Helen is known for the theory she and her Harvard classmate developed explaining fifth dimensional physics in black holes, and has explained physics in best-selling books. She now works as a physics prof at MIT, raising her son Jack as a single mom. Helen’s bonds with Jack are a delight to read, and though Helen thinks doing math is easier than relationships, both are rich in the novel that is now in my top ten. The story begins when her college roommate and best friend dies after a long-term illness. The two women lived on opposite coasts. Charlie, a creative and impulsive African American, studied literature and theater, succeeding as a screenwriter and producer in L.A. Charlie’s husband and daughter move to Boston temporarily, and Helen gets unexplainable texts from her dead friend’s phone. This books is well-written, intelligent, and emotional in a way that resonates deeply.