The Disappeared

My first 5 star read of 2024. I went into reading this book with high expectations, knowing that the inspiration for the story was based on real-life events, and the heartache and pain that came after them. Rebecca Sanford does a beautiful job bringing these events to light. The history was written with the respect and knowledge it deserved.

Following the military coup and subsequent Dirty War of Argentina (1974-1983) the life of Esma is turned upside down when her daughter Lorena and son-in-law José are taken in the middle of the night by junta officers. She and other mothers like her risk their lives to find their missing children and grandchildren.

Covering themes of social justice, activism, family hardship and the power of identity, I adored every page of this book. Sandford has a beautiful way of writing characters that are compelling and strong, it had me weeping and cheering for the characters all on the same bus ride home.

Sanford has created characters that you can truly root for, and knowing that the people on the page are based on women in real life makes the book all the more invigorating to read. I couldn't recommend it enough!

Does anyone else find writing reviews for 5 star reads so difficult? The Disappeared by @rebeccajsanford is my first 5 star read for 2024, and I want to be able to do the book justice.

Inspired by the real mothers and grandmothers who protested against Argentina’s military dictatorship, I adored this book. When Esme daughter Lorena goes missing, the grandmother puts her life in danger searching for her daughter and her stolen granddaughter. Thirty years later, American adoptee Rachel starts to learn about her past – and discover some secrets that have bene lurking in her family.

Sanford’s writing is beautiful, and I felt like I had travelled to Argentina. Esme and the other grandmothers were amazing to read about – the fact this is based on real people is wild to me. Definitely make sure you have tissues nearby.

I would love to get my hands on a physical copy and re-read this. Thank you @netgalley and @blackstonepublishing for the ARC. This book comes out 30th July, but never fear I will remind you closer to the date.

"The Disappeared" is a poignant and gripping narrative that unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of Argentina's military dictatorship. Inspired by the real stories of the Plaza de Mayo mothers and grandmothers, the novel delves into the heart-wrenching experiences of Lorena Ledesma and her mother Esme, who courageously confront the regime's brutality in their quest for truth.

Set in 1976 Buenos Aires, the story follows Lorena, a housewife with dangerous secrets, and her husband as they are violently separated from their home by the paramilitary forces. The absence of any record of their arrest sets the stage for a riveting exploration of the harrowing disappearances during this dark period in Argentina's history.

Esme's journey, as she joins an underground group of mothers seeking their missing children, adds a compelling layer to the narrative. The discovery that some of the kidnapped daughters have given birth in prison propels the story into a new pursuit—the search for stolen grandchildren.

The novel seamlessly weaves together the threads of Lorena's past and the present-day revelation for American adoptee Rachel Sprague. As Rachel uncovers her origins, the narrative skillfully exposes painful family secrets that could jeopardize her loved ones.

The strength of "The Disappeared" lies in its ability to blend personal stories with the broader historical context. The three-decade-spanning drama provides a comprehensive exploration of the characters' lives, making it a profoundly moving read. The risk of exposing painful family secrets adds an element of suspense, ensuring the narrative remains gripping throughout.

With an award-winning debut, the author captures the resilience and determination of those who endured decades of hardship to expose the truth. "The Disappeared" is a powerful testament to the human spirit, offering an emotional and enlightening journey that lingers in the reader's heart.

I thought this was a great read on a topic that I knew very little about before reading the book. While the story is fiction, I did feel like I learned a great deal.