Flight of a Starling: A Heartbreaking YA Teen Fiction Story of Love and Family Secrets

I just did something that I have never done before, and that is to finish a book and start reading it immediately again. This book has literally taken my breath away. I knew something sad was going to happen, as Lisa Heathfield lets us know that in the first chapter, but I was NOT prepared for what actually happened. It was so incredibly moving, and so tragic, and such a poignant reminder to listen, I mean FULLY listen to what those we love are really saying to us. I feel in love with these characters and spent many a long hour reveling in Lisa Heathfield's beautiful way with words. Every sentence she writes is poetic and so visual, she helps me paint a compelling picture in my mind, which I can look into at any angle and see stunning details that keep me mesmerized and hooked on her story. I just couldn’t get enough.

Daughter 11 loved this book. Read others by same author and likes them all.

This is an emotional, compelling book about two sisters growing up in a travelling circus. One of the sisters, Lo, becomes close to a local boy, secrets unravel and she begins to question her place in the world, I thoroughly recommend this read.

This book made a refreshing change from the times when you think you must have read something before and then realise it's only because a tired, old format and subject has been used. It was original, unusual and thoughtful and I am encouraged to find other books by this author.

Best Lisa Heathfield book yet! Slower to unfold than Seed and Paper Butterflies but more poignant for it. A magnificent story of Lo, Rita and Dean which even taught me a few things about circuses and paracetamol.

This should have been a really good book - the idea was fine, the writing was good, and there were some good ideas. Unfortunately, the ending was revealed at the beginning, so there was no twist or surprise, and knowing the outcome, this made for quite depressing reading. For teens and young adults, I guess it makes a salutary story.

I came to this book with high expectations after reading my first of Heathfield’s books a few years ago and absolutely loving it. (FYI - this book is Seed and is about a teen who comes to realise that the commune/cult she lives in isn’t really that safe. If you haven’t read it, I recommend it!) And I’m sad to say this doesn’t compare. There is an event in this that some readers might find triggering that is a spoiler - so check out at the end of my review. Through most of the story you follow trapeze act sisters Rita and Lo as they go about their daily lives happily, with their travelling circus, until of course Lo meets Dean and her world changes. Whilst Dean might be the catalyst for her change of heart, there’s other, much more serious stuff going on in her life that causes her sense of isolation, loneliness, and anger. Unfortunately I didn’t connect with any of the characters - maybe because it was too short, but I just wasn’t invested. And the main issue for me with this book is how a certain event was portrayed (see trigger/spoiler warning below). Having said that, the ending of this book did make me cry (yes I know what I said earlier on). And this was unexpected given how I didn’t really feel invested in the characters. The ending sort of felt abrupt and I would have appreciated more time with the characters coping with the aftermath. So there. I’m conflicted. ⚠️Trigger warning/potential spoiler ⚠️ Includes a suicide and the how loved ones deal with the aftermath that some readers may find triggering

I love Lisa's books and once again she's created a truly memorable tale of circus life. The dual narrators are vividly written and despite the sadness that lurks inside this somehow manages to be uplifting and heartfelt at the same time. A beautiful tale for teenagers and adults. I loved it.