Reviews

Little Wing by Freya North

kerry45's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kate1015's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

First time reading Freya North and absolutely loved it.
She has a way of absorbing you into the story.

rosie_reads_x's review against another edition

4.0

Little Wing predominantly flips between the stories of Florence, a girl forced to move away from her family to a remote part of Scotland when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock aged 16, and Nell, a woman who is struggling to support her mum following a diagnosis of dementia and in the process uncovers some long buried family secrets. There’s also Dougie, who struggles with his relationship with his dad and where he comes from. As the chapters progress, the three stories come together and the links between them all are transpired.

Overall it’s a story of long lost family secrets, love and self discovery. If I’m honest I think it could have got into some of the characters stories a bit deeper. Like I found myself really wanting more of Florence’s story but it never quite scratched the itch. However, all in all I did enjoy it and it was a nice story.

hippybrarian's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

alannafowler's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A lovely slow read - put on some acoustic music and enjoy

dottiemi's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

thelibraryofklee's review

5.0

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

Ach! I am in love. This book. LOVED IT, all of it. I am sitting here now, listening to Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix. I'm dreaming about the Isle of Harris. I visited Scotland on a solo backpacking trip and now I am gutted I didn't set foot beyond Skye (although I did love Skye). Let me get on a plane immediately (think I would skip the boat ride), so I can walk barefoot along the machair and get whipped away by the Atlantic winds.

"In the 1960s, a pregnant 16-year-old is banished to one of the remotest parts of the UK. Years later, Nell and Dougie are both at critical moments in their lives when their paths cross. Between Camden, Colchester and the Outer Hebrides, the three story lines collide when secrets are uncovered and answers sought."

I am thinking about Florence, Nell, and Dougie, and the host of imperfect inter-generational characters who made this book the beauty that it is. I loved the multiple point of view narrative which ambled at a perfect pace - just enough information to keep me intrigued and enough beautiful lyrical language to keep me in wonder. Harris is brought to life - what a wild beauty she must be. The descriptions feel almost other-worldly - the wild nature of the Outer Hebrides has been given in such a charming way - a place that is the backdrop for a heart breaking tale of family, resilience, friendship, and love. The whole novel is absolutely empathetic in its flow - the story feels like it has been cradled in gentle hands, felt in the heart, and given to us readers as a gift.

I hope when you pick up this book, you love it as much as I do. Thank you, Freya. This book is full of so much thoughtfulness and love. Thank you.

"Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal,
ach màiridh gaol is ceòl.

Life will come to an end
but music and love will endure."

nickylizzy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

anitarhiannon's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

hannahmperkins's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0