As the novel progresses Josh learns the value of a relationship which Josh comes to understand and realize that people have complex reasons for their actions, and not to be contradictory by past experiences. Josh does begin to understand that through Michael getting exiled from the house, it has allowed his brother to acknowledge and achieve a lot more. When Josh heads of and visits his brother at Mackay it allows Josh to understand the factors that lead to Michael’s decision to break away himself from his family. Before Josh decides to visit Michael, he shows hatred towards his brother because Josh thinks Michael has abandoned his family, and has left Josh in the middle between his parents and Michael. When Josh arrives at Mackay he realizes that his brother has matured and taken responsibility on his actions and is happy. Through the knowledge of knowing that his brother is safe and achieving this allows Josh to simmer down knowing his brother has achieved a great deal, and Josh concludes his father may not have done such a bad thing in kicking out Michael. As Michael states, it “Made me grow up, you know, become my own man. I can see that” (Moloney, 2005, p. 54) Josh acknowledges his brothers choices decisions and doesn’t want to ruin anything for Michael. Josh gains an understanding for the reasons he might have had this bitterness towards Michael. Josh only realizes through going to Mackay and finding Michael, why his brother did what he did. Michael needed to leave because he did not want to be a duplicate of his father Phil and the expectations that came with it.
While working at Lost Property Josh is accompanied by Clive who helps Josh in discovering the true rewards that come from helping people, and not to judge a character by looks. Josh gains understanding of the relationships individuals may have with their particular objects sentimental value. When Josh is working with Clive, he doesn’t see Clive as anything special but a work colleague. As Josh is working at Lost Property he encounters a women that has lost her brooch that was attached to her cardigan, once Clive discovers were the brooch is he offer to allow the young lady to rest a bit, Josh doesn’t understand why Clive cares so much. Josh tries to understand the relationship Clive has with particular customers such as the man and his lost diary. When Josh witnesses Clive hiding some of the items, he immediately suspects Clive of being a thief, but as he finds out in the auction that Clive bought back the items that were sold, he realized he was mistaken. As Josh realizes why Clive kept some items that were sold, Josh comes to understand the relationship between him and the customers and Josh tries to do the same. Josh tries to find items that might be of value to people but is disappointed that he can’t “None of it is worthy of Clive’s suitcase” (Moloney, 2005, p. 153). This shows how Josh has evolved into thinking deeper about others and become less self-centered in doing so.
As Josh continues his relationship with Alicia he develops and understanding that for relationship to exist the individuals involved need to be connected. As the novel progresses Josh is wondering whether his relationship with Alicia is based on her appearance, Josh views his relationship is disconnected with Alicia. As Josh is at Alicia’s house he is relaxing near the swimming pool under the stars, he talks to Alicia about the stars in great depth, Alicia comments. “I’ll tell you why there are so many stars. So that lovers can lie back and stare up at them, that’s why” (Moloney, 2005, p.26). When Josh meets Gemma at band practice he notices the way she criticizes the music the band play. This makes Josh want to continue his thoughts in order to extend the conversation with Gemma. As Josh lies on the grass and talks to Gemma about the stars, Josh develops a deeper conversation with her, and he talks about more personal matters such as religion due to Josh feeling more acknowledged by Gemma. Josh begins to comprehend through his relationship with Alicia is based on appearance it will stray apart from a successful relationship, and determines that for a relationship to be successful the individuals need to be connected.
As Josh continues to play music he begins to discover music is like a relationship it can be a source of genuine self-expressions leading to a strengthening of identity. When Josh plays in the band he uses the music as an outlet for his angers, and describes the music as being about war and anger. When Neven criticizes Josh about not having enough enthusiasm towards his singing, Josh considers maybe Gemma was right about complimenting on the type of music he plays, he doesn’t like the yelling. As Josh’s father Phil is driving, Josh inserts the cd he was given from Alicia when it starts playing both Josh and his dad relate to the song, the music brings Josh and his Father closer. As Phil gives Josh the cd by Don Jennings, Josh is immediately stunned by the way the lyrics of the song are played, at first Josh describes it as a really sad song but then realizes that there is more to it than that. As Josh is singing on stage he describes how the relationship with the song relates to him “As I sang, the words cut through me like shattered glass, describing the weeks since my return” (Moloney, 2005, p. 246).
Overall the novel Lost Property by James Moloney has dealt with many representations of Josh learning different examples of relationships, through the people he meets and the personal objects which in some cases determine the individual. The thesis does answer the questions because Josh does in fact evolve a more complex view on relationships leaving Josh less self-centered and open to more influences within his social boundaries.
