I have had to think long and hard before reviewing "The Disappeared" because reading it has been a powerful experience. The first half of the novel is quite complex, as the storylines are developed. The main characters are so varied and so well developed that really careful reading is justified.

The author draws the plot together in quite a subtle and satisfying manner, allowing for significant development of his characters, their relationships and their understanding of the complex central themes.

The exploration of the teacher/student relationship, with all of the challenges and potent pitfalls is richly described, well placed in the context of the relatively challenging school as well as nicely contrasted with the teacher's own educational experiences.

The added dimension of the 'sink' estate of towerblocks, occupied by the more deprived part of the school population, including a more criminal element and those eager to rise above their current circumstances, is equally realistic and compelling.

This all works together to allow the author to explore some modern demons; multiculturalism, child protection, child abuse and human trafficking are all elements of story. How we respond to them, stand up to the challenges of terrible experiences and emerge triumphant, or at least intact, are all parts of this satisfying and highly modern novel.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I chose this book --not knowing anyone who had read it before me --unfamiliar with this author -- but I was NOT expecting extremely intelligent writing which explores Afghan migrants living in Britain, and a multicultural sensitive story....with vivid characters that will make you FEEL! (nails-on-the chalk board FEEL).

To be honest --this book is so powerful --I wish a 'real' writer was writing this review --as I just don't know where to begin to describe all that goes on in this novel.

I took pages of notes --(so that's not the problem) --I could answer any question anyone asks of me --but I'm just not sure what I most want to say--other than its DEEPLY FELT!!!
This novel would also make a POWERFUL DISCUSSION BOOK!

When looking at the 'context' of this story --
We have two different characters (two men) --each obsessed with protecting a vulnerable female ---

Both of these 'men' (*Stephen* and *Justin Fellowers*) -- are 'extremely' obsessed about 'a woman' they feel they must protect --yet both of these men know very little about each female.
*Stephen Haycraft* is a teacher in a private school. *Justin* works for "Copley Solutions" --working on projects for carbon-neutral houses.
*Stephen*, age 30, wants to save a 16 year old *Sharon*, who is living in the Angel Towers --(low cost housing for refugee families and their children who attend the private school) ---who is one of his literature students.
*Justin* wants to save *Muhibba Shahin*, a young woman 20 years younger than him, whom he has hired to be his accountant. *Muhibba* was from a migrant Afghan family.

*Muhibba* was no ordinary refugee --she was intelligent --ambitious --and would use every opportunity to her own advantage....A free thinker --modern person.

*Sharon*, has pale pretty features, with strange feelings of sadness, her clothes threadbare --- (her safety living conditions are 'in questions').

*Stephen*, as her teacher and friend, is worried that *Sharon* might be being in danger --(abuse, etc.)
He goes to speak to social worker, *Inona Ferguson*, and says:
"So that when the girl has been gang-raped, sold into slavery and finally done to death somewhere in Saudi Arabia and social workers can say they did what they could, and in any case they are overworked and underfunded and it is all the government's fault. That kind of thing. When were you born for Chrissake?"

SEVERAL other themes and stories --(much to discuss)
SEVERAL more memorable characters!!!

This author PACKED in around 600 pages of 'worth-reading' material into a book LESS than 300 pages! Masterful Talent!
This is a 'different' type of mystery storytelling --Political --Personal -- Pivotal!

Thank You Netgalley!!

Thank you to the author! I'd like to read more books by you!