Swimming on the Moon

Twelve-year-old Anna's parents are going through a rough patch, so she hatches a plan to get them on a plane to Italy to fall back in love. However, when she discovers more about why they have grown apart, a happy holiday in Italy seems unlikely.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Twelve-year-old Anna's parents are going through a difficult phase in their relationship, which is causing her great distress. She is determined to prevent their separation, as she believes that living apart from her twin brother, Anto, would be unbearable. Despite Anto's unique characteristics, such as his gender and his communication style, which primarily involves using Lego bricks, the two siblings share a strong bond that cannot be broken. Anna understands that their connection is a result of their twinness and is unwilling to let anyone come between them.

Determined to bring her family back together, Anna hatches a plan to take them all on a holiday to Italy. She believes that her parents' happiest moments have occurred during their vacations, and she hopes that a luxurious stay in a swanky hotel with a pool will reignite their love for each other. However, as Anna delves deeper into the reasons behind her family's growing apart, she realizes that a happy holiday in Italy may not be as easy as she had imagined.

Through her investigation, Anna learns that her parents have been struggling with financial difficulties and personal conflicts that have taken a toll on their relationship. She realizes that their problems are much more complex than she had initially thought and that a holiday may not be a cure-all for their issues.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Anna remains determined to make her family happy. She spends countless hours researching Italy, planning every detail of the trip, and trying to find ways to bring her parents closer together. She even reaches out to Anto's therapist, hoping to gain insight into his unique communication style and find ways to bridge the gap between them.

As the day of the trip approaches, Anna's excitement grows. She imagines the joy and laughter that will fill the air as her family comes together in a beautiful foreign country. However, as they arrive in Italy, tensions begin to rise. Her parents are still struggling with their issues, and Anna realizes that her plan may not be as successful as she had hoped.

Despite the setbacks, Anna remains optimistic. She spends time with her family, exploring the beautiful countryside and trying to find ways to connect with them. She even takes on the role of mediator, attempting to help her parents communicate their feelings and resolve their conflicts.

As the holiday comes to an end, Anna reflects on the experience. She realizes that her family's problems are not easy to solve, but she is proud of her efforts to bring them together. She knows that her love for her brother and her determination to keep her family together will help them overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

In conclusion, Anna's journey to Italy is a testament to her love and determination for her family. Despite the challenges that she faces, she remains committed to her goal of keeping her family together. Her plan may not have been perfect, but it showed her that even in the face of adversity, love and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526653925