Starling

Starling is a young girl who lives a nomadic life with her mother in a camper van. They are stuck in deep mud in a wood this winter with no fuel, money, or friends. When Mar leaves one morning, Starling must learn to survive on her own and build a life on her own terms. She eventually finds a place where she belongs, but it is not without its challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Fairlight Books

Starling, a resourceful and resilient young woman, has lived a nomadic existence since childhood, traversing the country in a camper van with her strong-willed mother, Mar. However, Mar's decision to cut them off from their community has left them stranded in a remote wood during the harsh winter, with no fuel, money, or friends. One morning, without any explanation, Mar leaves, leaving Starling utterly alone. Faced with the daunting challenge of survival, Starling must learn to adapt and build a life on her own terms.

Despite their dire circumstances, Starling's natural abilities shine through. She can trap a rabbit, cook a meal from a hedge, and even hear a bailiff coming from a mile away. Her nomadic upbringing has equipped her with a diverse range of skills that will serve her well in her new environment.

As the winter drags on, Starling is forced to rely solely on her wits and resourcefulness to survive. She scavenges for food, builds a shelter, and navigates the treacherous terrain on her own. Despite the overwhelming odds, Starling remains determined to find a way to thrive in this new world.

One day, Starling receives an offer to stay with an old friend, who lives in a more conventional way of life. At first, she is hesitant to leave her unconventional lifestyle behind, but the prospect of a warm bed and a hot meal is too tempting to resist. Starling reluctantly agrees to stay for a few days, hoping to gain some insight into the world that Mar has sheltered her from.

During her stay, Starling begins to realize that there is more to life than her nomadic existence. She meets new people, experiences different cultures, and learns about the complexities of the world around her. However, she also struggles to fit in and find a place where she truly belongs.

As her time with her friend draws to a close, Starling must make a difficult decision. She returns to her camper van, determined to continue her journey and find her place in the world. However, she carries with her the lessons she has learned and the connections she has made, and she is ready to face whatever challenges come her way.

In the end, Starling's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination. She has learned to survive without her mother, build a life on her own terms, and find a sense of belonging in the world. Her story inspires others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914148170