The missing among us by Erin Stewart

People go missing all the time, and while some cases have a happy ending with the lost person(s) being located, the majority of missing are never found. This book explores the nature of these missing cases, ranging from personal issues, kidnappings, accidental cases, war, natural disasters, murder, refugees, Stolen Generations and any other kind of disappearance. Stewart has researched cases that are widely known, including Madeleine McCann, cases that originate from wars, cases that are unknown to the wider public but still have a deep impact on those who knew the person and dozens of cases in between. Stewart explores the pain and ambiguity of loss for those left behind, as well as the systems that have been put in place to prevent missing persons cases, or to assist with searching.

Thoroughly researched, this book is incredibly descriptive and detailed, as well as disturbing and depressing. This is simply due to the staggering numbers of those who go missing, as well as the rate at which this can occur, and the issues that those involved face. The author has researched using a variety of methods, including face to face interviews with people who have lost loved ones, never knowing where they went, as well as people who have been lost themselves. Travelling across Europe as well as Australia, Stewart has dedicated time and effort to ensuring the stories are accurately recorded and the complexities are reflected. A really well written book that would be beneficial to those researching missing persons, and for those interested in the topics covered in the book.

Themes: Missing, Loss, Real Life, True Crime, Cults, Stolen Generation, War, Australia, Europe, New Zealand.

Melanie Pages