Before the Swallows Come Back by Fiona Curlew
Perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens, The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah, and Sal, by Mik Kitson, with its celebration of the natural world, its misunderstood central characters living on the outside of society's norms, their survival in the wilderness, and the ultimate fight for justice.
Tommy struggles with people, with communicating, preferring solitude, drifting off with nature. He is protected by his Tinker family who keep to the old ways. A life of quiet seclusion under canvas is all that he knows.
Charlotte cares for her sickly father. She meets Tommy by the riverside and an unexpected friendship develops. Over the years it becomes something more, something crucial to both of them. But when tragedy strikes each family they are torn apart.
Charlotte is sent far away.
Tommy might have done something very bad.
About the author
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress. That escape into a world of her own making is something very special! Before the Swallows Come Back was sparked by a meeting she had with a Tinker family many years ago, in rural Perthshire. They invited her to sit by their fire, outside their bender, and listen to stories. It was fascinating, inspirational and never left her.
The conservation of natural habitats and their wildlife is hugely important to her (yes, she is a bit of an eco-warrior!) and the Tinkers and their way of life seemed to lend themselves to carrying this theme.
Review
I adored this book! It was lyrically beautiful with its lush descriptions of nature but it was the characters that make it stand out. Tommy was such a beautiful man. In combination, it was a mesmerising book. I wasn't feeling well yesterday but reading the novel took me away to a different world and I just devoured it! The inclusion of the murder mystery etc was completely up my street and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's very rare that I would reread a book but this is one I can imagine doing so. Just stunning.
Tommy and Charlotte have a chance meeting by the river on a local estate. Charlotte lives with her dad who is caring for as he is sick and Tommy is the youngest member of a travelling family who camp nearby every summer. They are drawn to each other. Tommy shares his love of nature with Charlotte, showing her the pearls in the river, the pine martens and all the birds that fly past. Tommy doesn't have any friends but Charlotte becomes one. Tommy prefers solitude and is protected by his loving family from the harshness of the world. When tragedy strikes both Tommy and Charlotte they are torn apart…will they get to meet again?
There is much to commend in this book but what I found to be particularly moving was the portrayal of Charlotte as a carer to her Dad. I was my mum’s carer from the age of five and Fiona has managed to capture this situation brilliantly. To see my life reflected on the page was very moving. It was dealt with empathy and felt very authentic to me.
This is a special book and do let me know if you pick it up!
