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A review by mat_tobin
October, October by Katya Balen
5.0
Utterly beautiful. I was worried that Katya Balen had peeked with such an incredible, well-researched debut in [b:The Space We're In|38221641|The Space We're In|Katya Balen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1568604011l/38221641._SY75_.jpg|59898458] but October, October was equally as enjoyable if not a little more for me with the nods to the power and joy of the natural world.
October lives in the woods with her father and she is deeply happy there. When she discovers an abandoned barn owl chick one night she wants to take it home with her but her father reminds her of the rules of wildlife and she must resist. In time though, she finds that she cannot ignore the call and takes 'Stig' in. When 'the woman who is her mother' visits (her parents are divorced with one living in the woods and the other in central London), it sets off a chain of events that changes Stig and October's life forever.
This story is so many things and I'd rather not give it anything away other than to trust in and embrace Balen's beautiful, lyrical prose and satisfying plot. What an absolute treat with a message about story and nature and people and friendship that will stay with you.
October lives in the woods with her father and she is deeply happy there. When she discovers an abandoned barn owl chick one night she wants to take it home with her but her father reminds her of the rules of wildlife and she must resist. In time though, she finds that she cannot ignore the call and takes 'Stig' in. When 'the woman who is her mother' visits (her parents are divorced with one living in the woods and the other in central London), it sets off a chain of events that changes Stig and October's life forever.
This story is so many things and I'd rather not give it anything away other than to trust in and embrace Balen's beautiful, lyrical prose and satisfying plot. What an absolute treat with a message about story and nature and people and friendship that will stay with you.