Brought up in the Anglo-Welsh borders by an affectionate but alcoholic and feckless mother, Owen Ithell’s sense of self is rooted in his long, vivid visits to his grandparents’ small farm in the hills. There he is deeply impressed by his grandfather’s primitive, cruel relationship with his animals and the land.

As an adult he moves away from the country of his childhood to an English city where he builds a new life, working as a gardener. He meets Mel, they have children. He believes he has found happiness―and love―of a sort.

But following a car accident, in which his daughter is killed and he loses a hand, the course of his life and the lives of those he loves is changed forever. Owen, unable to work, alienated and eventually legally separated from his family, is haunted by suicidal thoughts. In his despair, he resolves to reconnect with both his past and the natural world. Abducting his children, he embarks on a long, fateful journey, walking to the Welsh borders of his childhood. In his confusion, his journey is a grasping at some kind of an understanding of his powerful loss.

“Lyrical and melancholic . . . Rhapsodic in its rural devotion and deftly empathetic in its portrait of Owen . . . Lovingly crafted.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This impressive, skillful novel portrays love and devotion in a unique, haunting way.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Like Cormac McCarthy’s The Road without the apocalypse, this story will seize readers’ hearts and have them rooting for the survival of a father and his children on the run. Pears has produced another strong, sympathetic winner.” ―Library Journal

About the Author

Tim Pears is the author of the novels In the Place of Fallen Leaves, which won the Hawthornden Prize and the Ruth Hadden Memorial Award; In a Land of Plenty, which was made into a ten–part BBC TV series; A Revolution of the Sun; Wake Up; and Blenheim Orchard. Recipient of numerous awards, including the Lannan Literary Award, Pears lives in Oxford.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

BennettBooksLtd
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

Orders ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 30 business days	3 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 6.95	US$ 9.95

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.