My Own Lightning

Annabelle is struck by lightning and has a strange and beautiful gift: an uncanny connection with the animals around her and an ability to understand their deepest fears and feelings. When several newcomers arrive in her life, she must use her heightened senses to discover the truth about them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Harper Lee has found a worthy successor in Wolk, a remarkable new talent. The Times praises Wolk's ability to create a captivating world that draws readers in. Booklist describes Wolk's work as exceptional, while Publishers Weekly hails it as outstanding. It has been several months since a devastating event altered the peaceful community of Wolf Hollow forever. Annabelle, still grappling with her role in those events, finds herself caught in a wild and sudden summer storm, struck by lightning. When she awakens, she has a memory: a fist pounding on her heart, reviving her. However, there is no trace of the person who saved her, leaving Annabelle perplexed about the motive behind such a selfless act and the person's sudden disappearance. To her surprise, Annabelle's encounter with lightning bestows upon her a peculiar and enchanting gift: a profound connection with the animals surrounding her, enabling her to comprehend their innermost fears and emotions. As new individuals enter Annabelle's life, along with a familiar figure from the past, she must rely on her heightened senses to unravel the truth about them all.

"Wolf Hollow" is a captivating coming-of-age novel that explores themes of forgiveness, friendship, and our profound connection with the natural world. Written by the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of "Wolf Hollow," "Beyond the Bright Sea," and "Echo Mountain," this book showcases Wolk's exceptional storytelling skills and ability to create memorable characters.

Annabelle, the protagonist, is a young girl who has experienced personal tragedy and is struggling to make sense of her role in the events that have shaped her community. When she is struck by lightning and awakens with a newfound ability to connect with animals, she must navigate the complexities of her new gift while also dealing with the challenges of growing up and confronting the past.

One of the standout aspects of "Wolf Hollow" is its vivid portrayal of the natural world. Wolk weaves a rich tapestry of imagery and sensory details that bring the reader into the heart of the forest and the animals that inhabit it. From the rustling of leaves to the calls of birds, the reader feels a deep connection to the environment and the creatures that live within it.

Another notable aspect of the novel is its exploration of themes of forgiveness and redemption. Annabelle must confront her own past and the mistakes she has made to move forward and find healing. Through her interactions with the animals and her journey of self-discovery, she learns to forgive herself and others and finds a sense of purpose and belonging in her community.

The supporting characters in "Wolf Hollow" are well-developed and nuanced. From the mysterious newcomer who arrives in town to the familiar faces from Annabelle's past, each character brings their own unique perspective and story to the novel. Wolk skillfully weaves their narratives together to create a rich and complex tapestry of the community and its inhabitants.

In conclusion, "Wolf Hollow" is a stunning coming-of-age novel that showcases the talent of Harper Lee's worthy successor, Wolk. With its captivating world, memorable characters, and exploration of important themes, this book is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are a fan of Harper Lee's work or are discovering Wolk's writing for the first time, "Wolf Hollow" is a must-read that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Weight: 223g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241424216