BOOK TOUR STOP x LOVE BOOKS TOURS: Source by Rosemary Johnston

Genre: Short Story | Literary Fiction

Publisher: Story Machine

Kate and her teenage daughter return to Ireland to sort through what is left of the family farm. But in doing so, Kate is brought to all the reasons she left many years ago. She can find no attachment to the objects of her past until she comes across her father’s dictionary.

Can words be the way for her to unlock the past? Can they help pave the way towards reconciliation? Can they help us understand ourselves?

"Homeland is like the birthplace of your soul. It's not just the country. It's the colour of the hedgerows, the cry of a curlew … the way neighbours greet you."

The Source is a beautifully sweeping story about identity, heritage and home. It's deeply moving, evocate and descriptive; invokes a sense of longing for home and vivid imagery.

In under 50 pages, the diminutive size of the book in no way reflects on the impact it gives. Instead of a structured, clearly linear narrative, this is a snapshot of life - a personal, intimate invitation into a pivotal moment in one persons life, allowing the reader to step into someone else's' shoes and explore the affects of loss, grief and confusion. There is no real conclusion or resolution, just a single moment in time that lingers on.

The story is quiet, thoughtful and reflective - Kate arrives at what's left of her family home to find it weathered and worn, finding herself left alone with her thoughts to ponder about who she was here, who she wanted to be and who she is now; wondering if there's any overlap between them. I found a meaningful connection with Kate and her difficulty reconciling the many versions of herself, and especially her love for words.

A beautiful quick read with a lasting impression.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review. Thank you to Kelly at Love Books Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour.

cw: drugs, alcohol, abuse, death.

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