Description:
Caught between the cliffs and an unforgiving storm, Rosalie's fight for survival becomes a reckoning with her troubled past. Can she find a way back?
Brief description: Deborah is an award-winning author of fiction, short stories and flash fiction. Her novel 'The Wilder Path' won the Virginia Prize for Fiction 2024 and her novella 'Aerth' won the inaugural Weatherglass Books Novella award in 2024.Her work has also been long listed for the Mslexia Prize (2015), the Eludia Award (2020), the Bath Novella-in-Flash Award (2018, 2019). Shortlists include the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature (2018), the Yeovil Prize (2019), the Sandy River Novella Award (2020).In 2017 she founded Bristol Climate Writers, a local network of writers of all genres, from poets to travel writers, novelists to journalists. She is also a member of ClimateCultures, an extraordinary worldwide network of artists and scientists.
Review Quotes:
"A beautiful book. Tender, twisting and turning. Life seen through the eyes of a mother haunted. So beautifully written and full of surprises. Thank you so much to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC." ***** Debbie Jaggers, Netgalley reviewer
"This is the kind of book that creeps up on you, you can't put it down before one more page, one more chapter... what is Rosalie going to do next? Sometimes you feel empathy, sometimes annoyance, occasionally horror but you cannot look away.
Walking a coastal path goes wrong and Roly finds herself trapped. But it's ok, she'll be fine... but time goes on... she passes time thinking about her dead son and how little we actually know and understand people. She has a husband who loves her but cannot understand her grief and especially cannot understand the ways she chooses to honour their son.
It's beautiful, it's haunting, and it really makes you think about family, and love, and what matters in life. It's a book I'll think on long after I've closed it." **** Anne Maguire, Netgalley
"... a masterfully crafted novel that captivates readers with a gripping tale of survival and self-discovery. Set against a backdrop of nature's fury, this work delves into the delicate balance between personal struggles and the larger environmental crises we face today...
We follow Rosalie as she battles not just the elements, but also the haunting shadows of her past. The narrative unfolds with emotional depth, exploring themes of resilience, redemption, and the innate human connection to the wild. This modern and contemporary fiction piece, categorized under fiction, resonates deeply with those who appreciate stories that intertwine human experience with the natural world.
What sets The Wilder Path apart in the crowded realm of fiction is its poignant exploration of both inner and outer landscapes. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt prose, Tomkins invites readers to experience the tumultuous journey of self-discovery, compelling them to reflect on their own lives amidst the chaos of existence.
Readers will find themselves drawn into an emotional odyssey filled with relatable struggles and triumphs. The book's rich narrative not only entertains but also challenges perceptions about survival and the environment, making it a thought-provoking read for any literature lover.
Whether you're a fan of modern fiction or seeking a story that speaks to the heart and mind, The Wilder Path is an essential addition to your reading list." Sherlock & Pages