The Lost Songs

The Lost Songs by Caroline B. Cooney shares the emotional story of 16 year old Lutie Painter and the difficult decision she must make- should she share her deep, musical roots with Professor Durham or stay true to MeeMaw’s commandment and keep them secret? Lutie has been given a gift, the Laundry List of gospel songs sung by her great-great-grandmother, Mabel Painter. These songs are about the labor of Mabel’s day working as a laundress, more or less a slave. Mabel did not write them down either which is an enticing element for Professor Durham as he wants Lutie to sing so he can document and display the songs in his music museum. Lutie does not want to let her family down but feels obligated to share her intricate piece of American history. The whole book was a rollercoaster of emotion that was interspersed with hope, rich in Southern community and comfort, as well as intimately touching with the power and glory of music in family.

I was drawn in as soon as I finished the first chapter. Surprisingly, I didn’t want to put it down. (And I’m not just saying that to make it sound interesting, that’s coming from a girl who despises reading.)  I connected with Lutie’s situation and formed of a relationship with friends in this novel; Kelvin, Doria, and Train. These four lives are intertwined and are forced to accept and support each other at desperate times of need. True friendship was revealed in Cooney’s immaculate choice of characters. We ALL have friends like these. I didn’t realize I had friends like this until I read the book. Oh my gosh! - reading actually applies to real life, who would have thought?

Miss Veola, Lutie’s pastor, really got me thinking about faith and the trust we put into God without even realizing it. Mabel had given everything to Him. Her world was in shambles and yet, she never gave up. The Laundry List was her way out, her connection to the One who held all of her cards.

                “Like me, O Lord.

                Where’s my place to rest?

                You holding it for me?

                There a manger for my head?

                O Lord, I need some rest.”

This book made me reflect on my faith and the ties it has within my own family, just like Lutie. Hats off to you, Cooney, this was a heartfelt read and I’m glad I found a way to relate to the story.

Lutie’s decision was a hard one, at that. She had her ups and downs; there were twists and turns, the typical checklist for an emotional novel. But of course, I can’t tell you how it ends, that’d be no fun.