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"Last Seen" is a novel by Canadian author Matt Cohen that explores themes of memory, identity, loss, and family dynamics. The book is told from the perspectives of various characters and takes place over a period of time that spans several decades, from the 1960s to the present day.At the heart of the novel is the central character, Rachel Debenham, who is searching for her missing brother, David. Rachel is a successful lawyer and mother of two who has always felt the weight of the guilt and responsibility she bears for her brother's disappearance. The story is narrated by a series of characters, including Rachel, David, and Rachel's father, Samuel, and weaves together past and present in a rich tapestry of memory, speculation, and reflection.As Rachel embarks on her quest to uncover the truth about David's disappearance, she is forced to confront her own troubled relationship with her father and her past. The relationship between Rachel and Samuel is complex and fraught with tension, and serves as an exploration of the themes of family dynamics and the emotional toll of long-held family secrets. Samuel is a proud and stubborn man who has always kept his children at a distance, and his relationship with Rachel is strained by his inability to open up and be vulnerable with his children. Through their interactions, we see the emotional toll that this type of relationship can have on a family and the ways in which it can be passed down through generations.Another theme that is explored in "Last Seen" is the power of memory and its ability to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. The novel examines the different ways in which people remember events and experiences and the impact that these memories can have on our lives. The characters in the book are haunted by their own personal memories, both good and bad, and the story delves into the ways in which these memories can shape our perceptions of the world around us.The theme of loss is also a central aspect of the novel, and it is explored through the lens of the missing brother, David. David's disappearance is a mystery that has always hung over the family, and the search for him serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of loss on those left behind. The characters in the book must grapple with the many different types of loss that they have experienced, including the loss of a loved one, the loss of innocence, and the loss of the security of their childhoods.In conclusion, "Last Seen" is a powerful novel that explores themes of memory, identity, loss, and family dynamics in a rich and deeply moving way. Through the voices of its many narrators, the novel offers a nuanced and compassionate examination of the ways in which these themes play out in our lives and the impact that they can have on our relationships and our sense of self. The book is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, and it will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.