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abicaro17's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This beautiful and sad odyssey of one woman's journey as she follows the last migration of the Arctic Turns in a world facing the disastrous effects of climate change and greed is a must read. Franny is a bird lover but, birds are basically extinct due to global warming and the government's lack of concern with hunting and overfishing. She is on a mission to follow the last of the Arctic Terns, a bird that migrates from pole to pole. She joins a ragtag crew on their fishing boat with promises of a catch they have long searched for. As Franny and the crew journey with the birds, the reader journeys through Frannys childhood, her married life, and what led her to hop on a boat and follow the terns. This novel is a beautifully written picture of the risks of global warming framing one of the most gut wrenching side romances i've ever read. Franny is a complicated and fearless free spirit who works to fulfill her dreams at any cost. She's strong, determined, a tad delusional, and a fantastic character. Niall, her husband, is a dreamboat. No spoilers obviously, but that man is a catch and almost every time he spoke I was practically swooning! In addition, all of the side characters are amazingly complex as well! Even Nialls mom, who has like maybe two chapters? From Ennis, the gambling captain to Lèa the French engineer, the entire crew has a complicated backstory, development, and dialogue. Its amazing that this whole book is less than 300 pages. It packs a punch! I wish I could read this again for the first time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
singout's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I found this compelling: I narrative sit in the near future, where many species have gone extinct, and the main character is trying to follow the migration of terns from Greenland to Antarctica. She makes her way onto a fishing ship filled with diverse and complicated characters, and many conflicts and wounds emerge.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Car accident, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
bookstorian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A highly reflective and emotional read, with a cast of fishy characters, and familiar towns, including Newfoundland (Come From Away), a complicated marriage and a deep passion to protect the planet 'The Last Migration' is a must read novel from Australian Author Charlotte McConaghy.
I've picked this up a few times but it has never quite stuck. I was always a little uncertain about the time frame and the character and what was actually happening, until I discovered that the book was speculative fiction and with the colder months upon us I was in for a wintery read and a boat headed through the Antarctic.
What is starkly obvious about this story is the warning/predictions of over fishing that David Attenborough reveals in 'A Life on Our Planet'. If you have read his work 'The Last Migration' explores this idea through speculative fiction, a new genre that I am slowly beginning to read more of.
I absolutely devoured this read, not only was the plot heavily driven by character but there was exploration of much deeper issues including the meaning of life, life after death, global warming, generational ties and family loss. Although the heart-wrenching ending was beautifully done, just the right amount of warning of what was to come, there just wasn't enough closure for each of the key characters.
I've picked this up a few times but it has never quite stuck. I was always a little uncertain about the time frame and the character and what was actually happening, until I discovered that the book was speculative fiction and with the colder months upon us I was in for a wintery read and a boat headed through the Antarctic.
What is starkly obvious about this story is the warning/predictions of over fishing that David Attenborough reveals in 'A Life on Our Planet'. If you have read his work 'The Last Migration' explores this idea through speculative fiction, a new genre that I am slowly beginning to read more of.
I absolutely devoured this read, not only was the plot heavily driven by character but there was exploration of much deeper issues including the meaning of life, life after death, global warming, generational ties and family loss. Although the heart-wrenching ending was beautifully done, just the right amount of warning of what was to come, there just wasn't enough closure for each of the key characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Car accident
Minor: Animal death, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Abandonment