Before the Swallows Come Back by Fiona Curnow is not your typical boy meets girl story. Tommy and Charlotte are both twelve years old when their paths cross in a Scottish forest near Charlotte’s home where she cares for her ailing father. Tommy and his family live the “tinker” lifestyle, travelling and living off the land. They make their home squatting on a country estate from spring to late fall until they move on to warmer climates for the winter. Despite a rocky start at their first meeting Charlotte and Tommy soon form a very close connection. Tommy, a gentle soul, shares his love of nature with Charlotte and teaches her to appreciate the beauty all around her.
Soon tragedy strikes and both children find themselves separated from those they love and in dire straits. Charlotte finds herself living in less-than-ideal circumstances with the drug-addicted mother who abandoned her years ago. After dealing with things no child should have to deal with, she escapes. Charlotte, along with her troubled runaway cohort, risk all to make their way back to Charlotte’s childhood home. Tommy’s world is torn apart at the same time and he struggles without the support of his friend.
This tender and emotionally charged story is dramatic, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting. The storyline keeps you invested in finding out if Charlotte and Tommy will eventually make their way back to each other. Being billed for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing, this book really pulls at the heartstrings.
