October, October - Katya Balen

I'm back with a review of an absolutely beautiful book which I bought on my travels in York. It's a YA novel which has some of the most gorgeous descriptive language I've ever come across in a young adult novel. 

The novel begins by introducing our free-spirited protagonist October, a ten year old girl who lives in the woods with her dad. The pair live a beautifully simple life, wild and free amongst nature and far from civilisation. Early in the story, October finds an orphaned baby owl which she decides to adopt and take care of. As for her own mother, she left many years back and October knows little about her.

On her eleventh birthday, October's estranged mother makes an appearance. Distressed and upset, October makes a run for it and the consequences of her actions are severe. Her dad falls out of the biggest tree in the woods chasing after her up to the top, and ends up in hospital in a serious condition. October must go to the big city of London and live with her mother while he recovers. She must also attend public school for the first time in her life.

This novel beautifully illustrates the anxieties October faces at the prospect of school, and the struggles of adjusting as an outsider. The message behind this story will be relatable for many children, whether they be non-native speakers at a British school, joining a new community and struggling to make friends or just a little different from the rest. I think this is a stunning example of creative writing and the description of nature is second to none. A beautiful and moving story!