Fly, Sparrow, Fly
Oldtown Book 1
A. K. Frailey Books
ISBN 9798987404775
eISBN 9798987404799
ASIN B0FF5DJRLH
I have read a few of Ann’s adult fiction and non-fiction titles. I believe I have read her books a total of 10 times, and I have all the others on my ‘to be read’ pile. I absolutely love this first volume in a new series, I have recommended it to a few friends and family already, and it is one I wish my daughters will read.
The description of this volume states:
“Rhona Dewar takes her niece, Syn, into her home after a tragic accident. Together, they discover the healing powers of nature, dedicated kindness, and disarming honesty. Cultural identity, mystery, and humor bring this family drama to life.
On her sixteenth birthday, Syn’s brother, Andy, gave her a secret gift: an ancestry DNA test. As he suspected, the results proved that she was not their father’s daughter and carried not an ounce of Asian blood. Though she had her mother’s Scottish heritage, her father was a mysterious Venezuelan. Was she the child of an unrevealed love affair? Since Syn consistently outperformed him scholastically, Andy uses the discovery to punish Syn, slyly teasing her about her unusual intelligence. In a desperate desire to protect her parents' marriage, Syn hides her feelings and the test results.
After Rhona and her husband take Syn into their home, suspecting deeper wounds than the ones caused by the accident, they learn the truth about Syn’s parentage. Rhona confronts her sister, Nia, and the forthcoming revelations astound her. Supported by her husband, the revealed talents of townspeople haunted by their own shadowed pasts, and a sense of earthy humor, Rhona navigates turbulent family and community issues. The poem, Fly, Sparrow, Fly, guides Rhona as she helps her niece fly free from the painful misconceptions that have held her bound.”
About the author we are informed:
“A. K. Frailey, an author of a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection, has been writing for over ten years and has published 17 books.
Her novels expand from the OldEarth world to the Newearth universe-where deception rules but truth prevails. Her nonfiction work focuses on the intersection of motherhood, widowhood, practicing gratitude, and rediscovering joy.
As a teacher with a degree in Elementary Education, she has taught in Milwaukee, Chicago, L. A., and WoodRiver, and was a teacher trainer in the Philippines for Peace Corps. She earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University.
Ann homeschooled all eight of her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge, a literacy tutor, and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.”
About 30 years ago I went through a phase where I read 30 volumes from Madeleine L’Engle over about 18 months. I read her youth fiction, her adult fiction, her theology, anything I could lay my hands on. And thanks to some generous friends I was able to travel and meet her at a conference. Her works have had a lasting impact on me. And with the reading of this I can now say the same of Frailey, I have read her fiction, her non-fiction, her poetry, and I plan on reading everything she has in print. While reading this I thought a lot about three specific L’Engle works: A Live Coal in the Sea, Camilla Dickinson, and A House Like a Lotus.
This is a deeply moving story. As a father of daughters it was at times very hard to read. It is the story of family, friendships, community, and small town life. After her accident Syn goes to live with her aunt and uncle, who call her Sparrow. Over the course of the story family secrets come out about her, her parents, and family conflict that has been bubbling below the surface for a long time. It is a story about physical injury and healing, but also emotional healing. It is a story about confronting the truth and finding a way to move on and live life, even if it was not the one you expected or what others expected of you. It is an amazing read.
L’Engle wrote two types of fiction: Chronos – real time fiction, and Kairos – fiction that crosses space and time. Frailey has done the same in her works. And this is a perfect Chronos story. Frailey is a modern day L’Engle, and this is an excellent offering from her masterful pen. It is a story you will find hard to put down, and one that will be dear to your heart. It is moving on many levels. It looks to be the beginning of an amazing series! When you finish you will be desperate for the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this story, give it a try I am certain you will be moved, entertained and maybe even challenged.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by A.K. Frailey:
…
Old Earth Series:
OldEarth ARAM Encounter
OldEarth Ishtar Encounter
OldEarth Neb Encounter
OldEarth Georgios Encounter
OldEarth Melchior Encounter
…
New Earth Series:
NewEarth: Justine Awakens
NewEarth A Hero's Crime
NewEarth Progeny
NewEarth Relevance
...
Oldtown Series:
Brothers Born
…
Non-Fiction:
My Road Goes Ever On A Timeless Journey
…
Note: Old series that got reworked into other series:
Deliverance Series:
ARAM
Ishtar's Redemption: Trial by Fire
NEB the Great: Shadows of the Past
…
Hidden Heritage Series:
Georgios
Georgios II - A Chosen People
…
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