Duckling: A gripping, emotional, life-affirming story you'll want to recommend to a friend

Description

A book for our times- a warm, life-affirming debut about loneliness, and the power of community and human connection. Get ready to meet Century's most unlikely heroine of 2022... Duckling's a nickname Lucy has never been able to shake off. And, if she's honest, maybe it suits her. She just isn't the type to socialise with other people. She likes to keep herself to herself. You might say she's reluctant to leave her nest. Lucy's life is small, but safe. She's got a good routine. But all that's about to change. When Lucy's neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a couple of hours - and then doesn't come back - Lucy is suddenly responsible for someone other than herself. It takes courage to let the outside world in, and Lucy's about to learn there's much more to life - but only if she's brave enough to spread her wings...

Eve Ainsworth is a working class award-winning and Carnegie nominated children's author who has written for both middle grade and teen readers. Duckling is her debut adult novel. Eve has vast experience working as a public speaker and creative workshop coordinator for schools, libraries and other events both nationally and internationally. She also is an experienced mentor and is very passionate about helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Eve was born and raised in Crawley, West Sussex and is one of seven children. After her degree, she had a varied background working within HR and Recruitment roles, before moving in a role she loves - mentoring and supporting challenging and vulnerable children in both secondary and primary schools. Eve is fiercely proud of her working class roots and her large, loud family. She still lives in Crawley with her husband, two young children, crazy dog and two very naughty cats.

Uplifting, heart-warming and with characters you truly root for, I couldn't put [Duckling] down. It underlines the importance of friendship, community and family while maintaining a galloping plot that keeps you gripped until the last page. Highlight recommend a read -- Sarah J Harris I love a story about an underdog, and Lucy is definitely one of those! I loved watching her blossom - or learn to fly - throughout the course of the novel, and was with her all the way on her journey of self-discovery. Duckling is a lovely, heart-warming story about the importance of friendship and family, the power of forgiveness and about learning to love yourself. It's a warm, satisfying read with a great, relatable cast of characters and, even though it deals with some gritty issues, it does so with real intelligence and understanding. A great story. -- Clare Swatman This beautiful story combines uplifting and poignant moments with a plot that is so gripping it had me feverishly turning the pages! -- Jessica Ryn [I] loved this gorgeous, funny, poignant and very human book -- Rowan Coleman Charming and compassionate, dark at times yet peppered with joy. I fully expect Duckling to spread its wings and fly! -- Eleanor Ray