The Stars at Oktober Bend

This poignant tale follows Alice and Manny as they navigate their troubled pasts, discovering love and healing in The Stars at Oktober Bend.

In The Stars at Oktober Bend, we are introduced to Alice, a fifteen-year-old girl whose vibrant red hair contrasts sharply with her pale skin. Alice is not just a typical teenager; she grapples with the aftermath of a brain injury sustained from an assault. Her journey is marked by her struggle to express herself through her 'beautiful-broken words,' which serve as a poignant reflection of her inner turmoil. As she navigates her complex emotions, Alice's character embodies resilience and the quest for self-identity amidst adversity.

On the other side of the narrative is Manny, a sixteen-year-old boy with a haunting past as a former child soldier. He has lost everything he once held dear, including his family. When he first encounters Alice, he is captivated by her presence, likening her to a figure from an old ship sailing through the stars. Manny carries a poem in his pocket that he believes Alice has written, symbolizing the connection they share through their struggles and aspirations. Their meeting sparks the beginnings of love and healing, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways.

The Stars at Oktober Bend is not only a story about two young individuals but also a powerful exploration of hope, love, and the human spirit's ability to heal. Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 and praised by Amnesty, this novel resonates with readers of all ages, offering a challenging yet life-affirming perspective on life's darkest moments.