Lost: A Memoir

by Cathy Ostlere

In September of 1995, Cathy Ostlere visited her family in Calgary to celebrate her younger brother David’s birthday. It had been a family tradition that no matter where globe-trotting David might be, he would call on his birthday to reconnect and reminisce. But Cathy knows something she hasn’t admitted ? David had begged her not to tell their fretting parents about his latest adventure, sailing 1,200 miles from Ireland to the island of Madeira. The trip should have taken two weeks, but two months have passed with no word. Cathy decides to break her silence. Thus begins Lost, a remarkable journey in search of closure and emotional redemption. Looking for answers Cathy finds instead only new and sometimes more troubling questions ? questions that will come to have profound repercussions in her own life. How do we know our true passions? In a life defined by obligations, what are the risks? And what are the consequences for following our passion?

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

239 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2008

About the author

Cathy Ostlere’s second book, KARMA, a novel-in-verse, grew from her travels through India in 1984, the year Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. KARMA's story of two teenagers who fall in love while fighting to stay alive is a moving and turbulent narrative based on real historical events. Cathy's first book, LOST: A MEMOIR, began as a series of poems and essays. In 2010, Cathy co-wrote with Dennis Garnhum, a 90 minute one-woman play based on LOST and performed in the U.S. and Canada. Cathy's work has received many accolades including shortlists for National Magazine, Western Magazine, and CBC Literary awards.
Awards for KARMA:
-Alberta Literary Awards Winner – R. Ross Annett Children’s Award, 2012
-South Asia Book Award (SABA), Highly Commended Book, 2012
-Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award, Honour Book, 2012
-W.O. Mitchell Award City of Calgary, shortlist, 2012
-Ontario Library Association Best Bets List,Honourable Mention, 2012
-YALSA, Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2012
-Booklist, Editor’s Choice, Best Books for Young Adults, 2012
Awards for LOST: A MEMOIR (the book):
-2009 Edna Staebler Creative Non-fiction Award - shortlist
Awards for LOST: A MEMOIR, (the play):
-Nominated for Outstanding New Play, 2011 Betty Mitchell Awards, Calgary
-Top Ten Theatre Shows for 2011 — Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis
-Best 11 plays of 2011 — The Chronicle Herald, Halifax

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read Karma, I had to read more by Cathy Ostlere, so read this next (2013). Stunning, heartbreaking. So different from Karma yet superb in its own way. Searingly honest. One of those books that stays with you for a very long time.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ostlere writes about the year following the disappearance of her brother and his girlfriend during what was supposed to be a routine, ten-day sailing trip from Ireland to Madeira. It's not so much about any rescue attempt, although she does visit both their destination and the starting point, but about coming to terms with the grief and the strain David's near-certain death places on the remaining family relationships.

[Mr C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written account of the author's loss of her brother at sea. It is at once an account of what it means to lose a loved one under unclear circumstances. (How did her brother and his girlfriend die? Where? Why?) More than that, it is a journey inside herself, her family, her memories and her very identity. It is clear that the loss is life changing. This is not my usual read but it is exceptional, lyrical writing.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read a description of the play theater Calgary was performing and added this book to my to-read list. So glad I did.

[Adam Cormier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a great deal. Terrific account of a sister trying to come to terms with the unexplained loss of her brother. Retracing the steps he took with his sailing journey. She hopes to track down some answers around his disappearance.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written account of one woman's struggle to come to terms with her grief and sense of loss when her brother and his girlfriend are lost at sea.

[The Bookish Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the read.

[Ella Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting. Evocative. A testimony to the bonds between sister and brother; loss and grief; following one's dreams.

[Heather Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling take on the loss of a loved one. I enjoy this one - especially by a local. ;)

[Joanna Korasadowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was like reading poetry, I enjoyed it but it dragged on a little bit. Would love to read some more of her books tho!

[Kurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A haunting meditation on life and what it means to live.

[Ryan Murdock · Rating 3 out of 5]

In September 1995 the Cathy Ostlere' brother David sets out with his girlfriend in a twenty-eight foot sailboat to cross the 1,200 empty ocean miles between Ireland and Madeira, telling only Cathy in order to protect their parents from worry. More than two months pass with no contact. When a family tradition is missed, David’s sister suddenly realizes that they are lost.

The narrative begins with those first few days of waiting for a phone call that never came. It tracks back and forth through time, exploring childhood events and later happenings as Ostlere’s search for her brother takes her from prairie Canada to Madeira, Ireland and Scotland. In this movement between present and past, the order of events is not chronological. Rather, they ebb and flow as memory does, with each reminiscence sparked by a smell, the sight of a piece of clothing, or a phrase overheard by chance. The author’s search drives the book forward, but it is that exploration of where past and present, memory and future, meet which drives the book deeper.

As she reaches the end of her narrative, the search for a missing brother has rippled out to have broader and unexpected implications for Ostlere herself, her marriage, and her family. The reader is left with a compelling exploration of what it means to be lost – both literally and as a state of mind. In a book which blurs the lines of temporality, it’s fitting that by the conclusion we’re never sure which is which.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has lost a loved sibling, this book will resonate with the story of a brother and sister who change each other’s lives. LOST will also appeal to the reader whose interest in true adventure stories includes the examination of what it means to be passionate, alive, and committed to one’s dreams.

I am the author Cathy Ostlere. For information on the book or to contact me please visit cathy-ostlere.com.

[Jane Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can pick this book up on any page and be inspired by its poetic style. A human journey, beautifully written. Best savoured and sipped in small bits, I prefer it to Elizabeth Gilbert's books.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting. Evocative. A testimony to the bonds between sister and brother; loss and grief; following one's dreams.

[Jaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written.

It makes one think of the fact that there will be mysteries that may never be solved-no matter the importance.

[Jael Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the structure and approach to the story.

[Kathryn Burwash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting and deeply moving. A kaleidoscopic account of the meaning of loss, family, and freedom. Each memory and new discovery is lovingly and bravely deliberated. A fitting tribute to a beloved brother.