Snackz logo
The Last Child

John Hart

557 Pages
2009

The Last Child

Minotaur Books

Below is just an AI summary! If you really want to learn something:

โšก Free 3min Summary

The Last Child - Summary

Thirteen-year-old Johnny Merrimon's life is shattered when his twin sister, Alyssa, vanishes. A year later, haunted by her absence and fueled by an unshakeable belief in her survival, Johnny embarks on a perilous quest to find her. John Hart's 'The Last Child' is a captivating thriller that delves into the darkest corners of a seemingly idyllic town, exploring themes of loss, hope, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.

Key Themes

1

Loss and its lingering impact

The disappearance of Alyssa is not just a plot device; it's a pervasive presence that permeates every aspect of the story. Johnny's journey is driven by the gaping hole left by his sister's absence, shaping his actions, relationships, and outlook on the world. The narrative masterfully portrays the raw, visceral emotions of grief, guilt, and the desperate yearning for closure.

2

The blurred lines between innocence and experience

As Johnny delves deeper into his search for Alyssa, he's forced to confront the harsh realities of the adult world. His innocence is steadily chipped away as he encounters violence, corruption, and the limitations of trust. The novel poignantly illustrates the loss of innocence that often accompanies trauma, forcing Johnny to mature beyond his years.

3

Resilience and the power of hope

Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds and grappling with unimaginable loss, Johnny never relinquishes hope. His unwavering belief in Alyssa's survival fuels his determination, driving him to overcome fear and adversity. The novel serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart, highlighting the extraordinary lengths we'll go to for those we love.

FAQ's

While the novel explores universal themes of loss and resilience, it's a work of fiction and not based on a specific true story.

No, 'The Last Child' is a standalone novel. However, John Hart has written other acclaimed books, such as 'The King of Lies' and 'The Hush,' which explore similar themes.

If you appreciate suspenseful thrillers with well-developed characters and a focus on psychological tension, you'd likely enjoy 'The Last Child.'

Enjoyed the sneak peak? Get the full summary!

Explore Books

The Midnight Feast

The Midnight Feast

Lucy Foley

0 Pages
2024
Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Pete the Cat Stories

Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Pete the Cat Stories

Includes 12 Groovy Stories!

James Dean

0 Pages
2017
The Lorax

The Lorax

Dr. Seuss

72 Pages
2013
The Human Stain

The Human Stain

Philip Roth

405 Pages
2010
The Echo of Old Books

The Echo of Old Books

A Novel

Barbara Davis

0 Pages
2023
The Pleasures of Philosophy

The Pleasures of Philosophy

A Survey of Human Life and Destiny

Will Durant

446 Pages
1967
The Five Love Languages

The Five Love Languages

Gary Chapman

312 Pages
2016
The Enlightened Sex Manual

The Enlightened Sex Manual

Sexual Skills for the Superior Lover

David Deida

117 Pages
2007
Find Your Unicorn Space

Find Your Unicorn Space

Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World

Eve Rodsky

353 Pages
2022
Starling House

Starling House

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick that is the perfect dark Gothic fairytale for autumn!

Alix E. Harrow

392 Pages
2023
Machine Learning For Dummies

Machine Learning For Dummies

John Paul Mueller, Luca Massaron

464 Pages
2021
We Do Not Part

We Do Not Part

A Novel

Han Kang

0 Pages
2025
The Plot Against America

The Plot Against America

Philip Roth

52 Pages
2010
All of Me

All of Me

How I Learned to Live with the Many Personalities Sharing My Body

Kim Noble

394 Pages
2012
The 5 AM Club

The 5 AM Club

Sharma, Robin Shilp Sharma

356 Pages
2018
Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property Law

Commercial, Creative and Industrial Property

Jay Dratler, Jr., Stephen M. McJohn

1386 Pages
2023
Ali Cross

Ali Cross

James Patterson

201 Pages
2019
A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain

A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain

Sara Manning Peskin

218 Pages
2022
In Patagonia

In Patagonia

Bruce Chatwin

241 Pages
2003
Summary of Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass

Summary of Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass

Milkyway Media

0 Pages
2021
The Biz

The Biz

The Basic Business, Legal, and Financial Aspects of the Film Industry in a Digital World

Schuyler M. Moore

0 Pages
2018
Good Omens

Good Omens

The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett

434 Pages
2011
Age as Disease

Age as Disease

Anti-Aging Technologies, Sites and Practices

David-Jack Fletcher

349 Pages
2021
Auf Den Spuren Des Gรถtz Von Berlichingen

Auf Den Spuren Des Gรถtz Von Berlichingen

Karl SCHUMM

28 Pages
1968
Crocodile on the Sandbank

Crocodile on the Sandbank

Miss Marple crossed with Indiana Jones!

Elizabeth Peters

289 Pages
2011
Liquid Love

Liquid Love

On the Frailty of Human Bonds

Zygmunt Bauman

178 Pages
2013
Moonwalking with Einstein

Moonwalking with Einstein

The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

Joshua Foer

341 Pages
2011
The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed

The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed

The Definitive Book on Value Investing

Benjamin Graham

642 Pages
2009
Unbroken

Unbroken

A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Laura Hillenbrand

497 Pages
2010
Summer Love

Summer Love

Subina Bhaแนญแนญarฤฤซ

256 Pages
2015

Let's find the best book for you!

Get book summaries directly into your inbox!

Join more than 10,000 readers in our newsletter

Snackz book
Snackz logo

The right book at the right time will change your life.

Get the books directly into your inbox!

โœ… New Release

โœ… Book Recommendation

โœ… Book Summaries

Copyright 2023-2025. All rights reserved.