Wild Song
A journey of identity and self-discovery in a changing world
Format:Paperback
Publisher:David Fickling Books
Published:4th Jan '24
£7.99
Available for immediate dispatch.
The story follows Luki, a Filipino girl, as she navigates her identity and dreams amidst societal expectations and the challenges of a new world in Wild Song.
In Wild Song, readers are introduced to Luki, a young girl from a tribal community in the mountains of the Philippines. As she approaches adulthood, societal expectations weigh heavily on her, compelling her to conform to traditional roles of wife and mother. However, Luki harbors dreams of becoming a hunter, a passion that sets her apart from her peers. This internal conflict forms the heart of her journey, as she grapples with her identity and aspirations in a world that seeks to define her.
The year is 1904, and Luki's life takes a dramatic turn when her tribe is offered a chance to travel to America for the St. Louis World's Fair. This opportunity, however, is not what it seems. As Luki navigates the complexities of this new land, she confronts the stark realities of inequality and the harsh truths about the so-called land of opportunity. Her experiences challenge her understanding of freedom, belonging, and what it means to be true to oneself.
Wild Song is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and resilience. The author, an award-winning writer, weaves a narrative that is both poignant and powerful, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of understanding and acceptance. Through Luki's eyes, we witness the clash of tradition and modernity, and the quest for a voice in a world that often silences the dreams of the marginalized.
A shocking, refreshingly different coming-of-age story * The Times Children's Book of the Week *
This YA companion to the acclaimed Bone Talk confirms Gourlay as a brilliantly accomplished and original historical novelist * The Guardian Books of the Month *
A powerhouse of a novel * The Observer *
The real charm of Wild Song lies in Gourlay's simple, lyrical storytelling. Her sparse and feathery prose has an almost mesmeric quality - and succeeds in building a beautiful story out of harrowing events. 5* * The Telegraph *
Gourlay's brilliant storytelling will have the reader turning every page eagerly, willing Luki on at every step * The Bookseller, Book of the Month *
A potent and powerful novel that is as unforgettable as it is beautifully and accessibly written * LoveReading *
A powerful story of courage and bravery . . . impossible to put down. Wild Song is beautifully told - it is vivid, compassionate and heartfelt * Jasbinder Bilan *
Vital storytelling, poignant and powerful * Sophie Anderson *
One of the standout titles of the year * Independent, praise for Bone Talk *
Very special * The Times, praise for Bone Talk *
Gourlay's evocative writing grips from the outset * Guardian, praise for Bone Talk *
A master storyteller * The Scotsman, praise for Bone Talk *
Vividly drawn . . . mesmerising * Observer, praise for Bone Talk *
ISBN: 9781788452083
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 24mm
Weight: 290g
336 pages