gilda_elise

With fires devastating much of America, Lark and his family first leave their home in Maryland for Maine. But as the country increasingly falls under the grip of religious nationalism, it becomes clear that nowhere is safe, not just from physical disasters but also persecution. The family secures a place on a crowded boat headed to Ireland, the last place on earth rumored to be accepting American refugees.

Upon arrival, it turns out that the safe harbor of Ireland no longer exists either—and Lark, the sole survivor of the trans-Atlantic voyage, must disappear into the countryside. As he runs for his life, Lark finds two equally lost and desperate souls: one of the last remaining dogs, who becomes his closest companion, and a fierce, mysterious woman in search of her lost son. Together they form a makeshift family and attempt to reach Glendalough, a place they believe will offer protection. But can any community provide the safety that they seek?

Lark Ascending is a moving and unforgettable story of friendship and bravery, and even more, a story of the ongoing fight to protect our personal freedoms and find our shared humanity, from a writer at the peak of his powers.

It’s strange that such a terrible time would be so beautifully told. While it’s never said, the time seems to be in the not-too-distant future. Things are falling apart; much of the country is on fire or already a burned out landscape. Religious fanatics have taken over the government. As the fires near, Lark and his family and friends decide to try for the one place they believe to still be safe; Glendalough, in Ireland.

But when Lark finds himself the sole survivor of the voyage, he must continue on alone. It is this tale, of the companions he finds along the way, that is the core of this story. There is Seamus, a beagle, probably the last dog left. And Helen, a woman on her own quest. Each has lost their family.

Lark is now in his nineties, and as his end nears he looks back on that time when, as a young man, he found a family to replace the one he’d lost. It’s an amazing and uplifting story, though also bittersweet. There is much grief, but also joy. I only wish we were given more of their story.

I can't thank

severina2001 enough for recommending this book.