The Journey of the Lost Boys

Joan Hecht's "Journey" is in this reviewer's opinion the most interesting and accurate book available on the topic of the Lost Boys. As a former foster father to one of the lost boys and a fellow author and researcher, I recommend the book without hesitation. It presents an extraordinarily complicated situation in a manner that is comprehensible, fascinating and accurate. It gives the reader a true sense of the horror, courage and hope that has gripped a generation of young Sudanese men. For its rare photos, clear and organized presentation and sincere prose, I highly recommend this informative and inspiring book and thank the author for her outstanding efforts.

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 more 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.

I have come to know a "Lost Boy of Sudan" during his years living here in Massachusetts. He arrived here at about age fifteen with three or four other boys and lived with a local family. After graduating from our local, very good, high school, he has completed his first year at an excellent college. I have been following the story of these boys for several years and realized that he was probably very young when he lost his family and that he probably has very little knowledge of the big picture of what had happened to him. This book was written by a volunteer who had also come to know and love these remarkable boys. She went further than most volunteers and researched the background of the situation in Sudan. She included many photographs of different boys, both in the refugee camps in Africa and in their new lives in America. I purchased this book as a gift for this kind, sweet natured, intelligent and thoughtful boy who helped me in my garden last summer. I read it before I gave it to him and it was exactly what I was looking for. I hope it will be a book he will share with his friends from Sudan and others now that he has returned to college. I am sure he will be a fine adult and a success in all he does. He has worked so hard and been through so much that it is a joy for all who know him to watch his progress. I recommend this book very highly for anyone who is interested in these boys.

"Joan Hecht has surely finished a labor of love. The Journey of the Lost Boys of Sudan is a meticulously detailed history of the Southern Sudanese children's flight from place to place, running from the government forces of Northern Sudan. Ms. Hecht also pulls together the history of the long running conflict in Sudan, which sets the stage for this incredible saga. Her love for the people of Southern Sudan shines through these pages and her commitment to telling their story is one that you cannot deny. She has captured an inspirational story of survival and strength." Judy Walgren, author of "The Lost Boys of Natinga : A School for Southern Sudan's Young Refugees"

Joan Hecht writes about the Lost Boys in a unique personal way. In each chapter, a different Lost Boy tells of his own experience during a certain period of time- i.e. life before the war, walking to Ethiopia, and life in the refugee camp. The history was also well researched. The book not only brought tears of sadness but also tears of hope for the Lost Boys who have made it to the US. Her love and caring for the boys is evident throughout the book.