When Things Are Alive They Hum

When Things Are Alive They Hum is an emotive and confronting debut that explores the nature of love, existence, grief, and how we confront the hand fate has dealt us. Marlowe and Harper share a bond shaped by the loss of their mother in childhood, and Marlowe is determined to keep Harper alive despite her congenital heart disorder. When Harper receives a devastating call that her heart is failing, Marlowe rushes to her childhood home in Hong Kong to be by her side and must answer the question: what lengths would she go to save her sister?

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Ultimo Press

In this powerful and thought-provoking debut, family dynamics are pushed to their breaking point. – Woman & Home

When Things Are Alive They Hum delves into profound inquiries about the essence of love, the transformative power of grief, and our strategies for navigating the hand fate has dealt us. Marlowe and Harper, sisters bonded by the tragic loss of their mother in childhood, share a connection that transcends the ordinary. Harper, afflicted with the Up syndrome and endowed with an endless capacity for wonder, and Marlowe are connected by an invisible thread, akin to the hum that unites all things. Marlowe's unwavering determination to keep Harper alive, born with a congenital heart disorder, forms the foundation of their bond.

At the age of 25, Marlowe embarks on a new chapter of her life, pursuing her studies of a rare species of butterfly while confidently ensuring Harper's happiness by finding love with her boyfriend, Louis. However, the devastating news arrives that Harper's heart is failing, and she desperately needs a heart transplant. Unfortunately, the medical establishment denies her this life-saving opportunity due to her disability. Driven by an overwhelming sense of urgency, Marlowe returns to her childhood home in Hong Kong, determined to be by Harper's side in her time of need. As she faces the agonizing question of what lengths she would go to save her sister, Marlowe embarks on a journey that tests the boundaries of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

Through her unwavering determination and unwavering love, Marlowe navigates a complex web of emotions and challenges. She confronts the systemic injustices and prejudices that hinder her sister's access to medical care, advocating for her rights and fighting against the limitations imposed by society. Marlowe's journey is a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the unwavering spirit of survival. It explores the complexities of love, loss, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.

In the end, When Things Are Alive They Hum leaves us with a profound sense of empathy and compassion for the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. It serves as a reminder that love, determination, and the pursuit of justice can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Marlowe's journey is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781761151538