Starling

Starling is a nomadic girl living in a converted van with her mother, Mar. 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 without her and build a life on her own terms. An offer to stay with an old friend draws her into a more conventional way of living, but can she ever find a place where she truly belongs?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Fairlight Books

Starling, a resourceful and resilient young woman, has lived a nomadic existence since childhood, traversing the country in a converted van with her strong-willed mother, Mar. Their nomadic lifestyle has provided them with a unique perspective on the world, but it has also isolated them from their community. This winter, however, things take a turn for the worse when they find themselves stranded in deep mud in a wood, with no fuel, money, or friends.

One morning, without any explanation, Mar leaves, leaving Starling utterly alone. At first, she is overwhelmed by the sudden change in her circumstances and struggles to cope with the loss of her mother. But as time passes, Starling begins to realize that she must learn to survive on her own and build a life that is true to her own values.

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 nomadic lifestyle behind, but the prospect of a warm bed and a hot meal is too tempting to resist. As she settles into her new home, Starling begins to question whether she can ever find a place where she truly belongs.

She meets new people and experiences new things, but she still feels like an outsider. She longs for the freedom and independence of her nomadic life, but she also recognizes the importance of stability and security. As the winter draws to a close, Starling must make a decision about her future. She can return to her nomadic lifestyle, or she can try to build a life in a more conventional community.

Ultimately, Starling discovers that her true home is not a physical place, but a sense of belonging and purpose. She learns to embrace her uniqueness and to find joy in the simple things in life. With her newfound strength and resilience, Starling sets out on a new journey, ready to face whatever challenges come her way.

In conclusion, Starling's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-discovery. Despite facing extreme adversity, she learns to survive, grow, and find her place in the world. Her journey is a reminder that we all have the strength to overcome our challenges and to build a life that is true to our own values.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914148255