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The Bower Bird
£4.66
A tender, wise and deeply moving novel about hope, courage and finding joy in the smallest moments — even when time is running out.
Winner of the Costa Children’s Award, this unforgettable sequel follows Gussie as she faces life with humour, resilience and an unbreakable spirit.
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About the Ebook
The Bower Bird continues the story of Gussie, now twelve years old, who loves animals, photography and the wild beauty of the world around her. But Gussie is unlikely to grow up — she needs a heart and lung transplant, and the donor list is impossibly long.
Still, Gussie refuses to wait quietly. She has ancestors to track down, wildlife to watch, and a life to live with as much joy and curiosity as she can muster. Her voice — sharp, funny, observant and full of wonder — reveals a world where beauty and fragility sit side by side.
Written with delicacy, humour and emotional truth, this award‑winning novel is a celebration of resilience and the fierce brightness of a young girl determined to make every moment count.
Critical Praise
"A novel of outstanding beauty… a rare and beautiful book of lasting quality… a voice that needs to be heard and read."
— Costa Book Award Judges, 2007
"Brilliant."
— The Mail on Sunday
"Gussie has lived to see another day… Kelley captures so beautifully Gussie’s optimism and hope."
— Sue Baker, Publishing News
"Lyrical, funny, full of wisdom… Gussie is such a delight — bright, sharp and strong."
— Helen Dunmore
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A beautifully written, emotionally rich novel that balances humour, heartbreak and hope.
- A powerful, unforgettable narrator whose voice shines with life.
- A celebration of wonder in the everyday world.
- Winner of major literary awards including the Costa Children’s Award.
- A standout Luath Press title praised for its beauty, truth and emotional depth.
About the Author
Ann Kelley is a photographer and prize‑winning poet who once nearly played cricket for Cornwall. She has published poetry collections, photographic works and an audio book of cat stories. She lives on the edge of a cliff in Cornwall with her husband and cats, where they have survived a flood, a landslip, a lightning strike and even the roof blowing off.
Publication Details
Publisher: Luath Press
Publication Date: —
Print Length: — (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9781909912496
Format: Ebook
Language: English
Categories: Fiction / Literary Fiction / Contemporary
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