The Ones That Disappeared

by Zana Fraillon
The Ones That Disappeared cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £7.99
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  • ID: 3038
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780734417169
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2017-06-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Ones That Disappeared,' Zana Fraillon weaves a powerful narrative around the harrowing reality of human trafficking, bringing to light the stories of those often forgotten. The book follows Esra, Miran, and Isa, three children forced into labor by the Snakeskin gang, as they navigate the dark and airless basement of a house they are not allowed to leave. Esra's determination to find freedom drives the story, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. Fraillon's incredible talent for combining global issues with extraordinary storytelling makes this a must-read for those seeking both emotional depth and social awareness. This book has been acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and important themes, earning numerous accolades and comparisons to other significant works like 'Skellig.' It is a poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit, perfect for readers who appreciate stories that challenge and inspire.

Reviews
Scholastic · 2017-09-12
exciting 4.00

The book is described as exciting and well-crafted, making it a compelling read that is hard to put down. It is seen as a story of hope and survival.

This review emphasizes the book's exciting and well-crafted narrative, which makes it a compelling read. The reviewer finds the story to be hard to put down, highlighting its engaging and suspenseful nature. They also note the themes of hope and survival, which are woven throughout the story. The reviewer appreciates how the book balances these heavy themes with a sense of excitement and adventure, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    This book is worth reading because of how exciting and how well put together it is.

    It is the type of book that you will find hard to stop reading.

    A story of hope and survival.

Queensland Reviewers Collective · 2017-08-11
moving 4.50

The story highlights the resilience of childhood and the power of hope, even in the darkest situations. The magical realism elements add a layer of depth to the narrative.

This review emphasizes the book's exploration of resilience and hope, particularly through the lens of childhood. The reviewer appreciates how the story tackles difficult subjects with a touch of magical realism, making it both poignant and imaginative. They highlight the unwavering belief in a better future that keeps the characters going, despite their harsh circumstances. The reviewer finds the story to be a powerful and moving account of human strength and the enduring spirit of hope.

Quick quotes

    This is a story about the resilience of childhood and that unwavering belief in an imagined Someday that keeps hope alive.

    The story is a gripping account of the children's attempt to find their freedom.

    Fraillon has written an excellent story delving into issues that other authors would fear to tread.

LoveReading4Kids · 2017-07-13
poignant 4.50

The book is praised for its poignant and poetic narrative that sheds light on the often-forgotten issue of child trafficking and slavery. It is considered a powerful and necessary read.

This review highlights the book's poignant and poetic narrative, which effectively brings attention to the critical issue of child trafficking and slavery. The reviewer appreciates how the story gives voice to the often-forgotten victims of these crimes. They find the book to be a powerful and necessary read, one that sheds light on a dark but important topic. The reviewer also notes the emotional impact of the story, which lingers long after the last page is turned.

Quick quotes

    A poignant and poetic novel that gives voice to the oft-forgotten children imperiled to trafficking and slavery.

    It is a powerful and necessary read.

    The story sheds light on a dark but important topic.

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