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Dorothy L. (Manalapan, NJ)
Finding the way Home
I thought this was a good book. There are many things I liked about it. The relationship between Stephen and Emily as children was described well. Their early lives were very difficult. The reappearance of Stephen in Emily's life was challenging for both of them but fortunately they did find their way home to each other. I liked the ending often a sticking point for me. Unlike most of the other readers, while I liked the bird watching sections, at times I thought there was too much and it disrupted the plot movement. I particularly liked the transformation of both Stephen and Emily as the novel progressed. I enjoyed reading this book.
Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)
The Journey Back Home
I enjoyed this book very much. The author did a good job addressing the many ways mental illness affects not just the person but everyone around them in varying ways. While I understand why it was done from a plot perspective, I do wish that the underlying cause of Stephen's mental health issues was more organic and less family-drama related. This would be an excellent book club book as the family dynamics would make for good discussion points.
Daniel H. (Palos Heights, IL)
Poor choices, painful results
How does eden become hades? How does seemingly idyllic childhood transfigure into nightmare? A youth and his sister are inseparable in rural England, observing and learning bird lore. In time-shifting retelling, the reader is gradually entered into the mystery of the transition from youth to ex-convict. Why prison? What drove him to alcoholism and addiction? What is the conflict between siblings? The tragedy of our poor life choices leads son - and mother - to situations which dramatically alter the family landscape, resulting in life-altering situations.
I truly enjoyed the development of the story, and the gradual reveal of the mysteries. The character development kept me turning the pages, and the individual mistakes each made are so believable, as well as the key incidents of the story. I came away with a great deal of empathy for all the characters, except the one obvious one.
Tracey S. (Largo, FL)
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book about a brother and sister who have been separated by a tragedy that sent her brother to prison. Emily has been looking for her brother since he got out of prison. They do finally reconnect and their interest in bird watching and the list if 5 things they want to accomplish bring them back together. I wanted to keep reading to find out how Stephen ended up in prison. They both finally confront what happened that day. It is a great book that shows how a family bond never breaks.
Susan W. (Renville, MN)
Finding Home
Engaging story of a brother and sister navigating the perils of childhood and the function of memory. Reads somewhat like a mystery, although the reader understands early on what really happened, adding to enlightenment of how memory functions. Sympathetic, believable characters in a richly descriptive setting. It added interest to look up all the different birds that populate the novel, The ending is no surprise, but satisfying. An examination of what comprises home is also adds interest.
Mich-H (CO)
Passport to Freedom
"Passport to Freedom" was the repeated slogan used by Stephen and Emily, brother and sister, to help them reconnect after 15 years of separation. The novel covers family dysfunction, homelessness, the desire to help and the return to a supportive family life. The descriptions of nature in Essex and the birdwatching were a calm contrast to the high emotions from the two siblings. This novel started slow, and I thought I knew how it would end but I was highly surprised to find the real hurt under the lies and the stories one wants to believe. The pace was excellent. I read it in three days. Thank you BookBrowse and NetGalley for this e-book.
Lee M. (Wentzville, MO)
A Different Love
Emily has a nice apartment, a good job, and her pick of well mannered young men and life is good but she has spent several years trying to find her brother Stephen. After he'd spent four years in prison, he never returned home and has been drifting along living with the homeless. Emily spends time reminiscing about their childhood on Convey Island. Stephen inspired her loved of nature and especially for birds. He knew all about them and they had wonderful camping trips recognizing and identifying them. With not even an address to start with, she's filled with disbelief when she hears Stephen's voice in an adjoining office. Fortunately she is able to track him down and although he looks worse than the rest of the homeless she brings him to her apartment and gives him her guest room. But still there is something missing in both their lives, and if it's not each other what is or what was haunting them. The love between siblings can be very beautiful, even at a young age, and the author imbues it in every word she's written.
Carol R. (North Mankato, MN)
Sibling Secret
Emily has struggled with finding inner peace in her life because her brother, Stephen, is homeless since his release from prison 15 years ago. When she finally finds him and invites him to her home, the past is slowly revealed. They once shared a happy, supportive family but due to choices made by their mother, the family gradually erodes. Stephen has had a lifelong affection for birds and wildlife and the story culminates in a journey Stephen and Emily take together to realize a dream they had as children. This trip becomes the impetus to reveal the painful secret no one has dared talk about. Life comes full circle as Emily, Stephen, and mom and dad struggle with real and honest conversations that reveal why Stephen went to prison. Excellent topics for book clubs and anyone trying to heal broken relationships.