The story of a love that transcends time, place and human weakness from Richard & Judy bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde. Perfect for fans of Mark Haddon, Mitch Albom and Alice Sebold.

'A work of art...enchanting' -- San Francisco Chronicle
'A magnificent storyteller' -- Denver Post
'What a quirky wonderful book! It moved me and made me laugh - what a wee gem!' -- ***** Reader review
'A beautiful, moving and thoughtful book' -- ****** Reader review
'Read it in one sitting. Really enjoyed it - had me laughing one minute and crying the next.' -- ***** Reader review
'A beautiful story about love in its various forms.' -- ***** Reader review
'Heartbreaking and uplifting.' -- ***** Reader review
'I highly recommend this book, it'll move the hardest of hearts!'-- ***** Reader review

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THE MAGICAL STORY OF A YOUNG BOY'S SEARCH FOR BELONGING

Mitch is a 25-year-old with commitment issues. Leonard is a five-year-old kid with asthma and vision problems, who captivates everyone he meets. Pearl is Leonard's teenage mother, who's trying to hide a violent secret from her past. Life has given Pearl every reason to mistrust people, but circumstances force her to trust her neighbour, Mitch.

Then one day, with a heart full of agony, Pearl drops Leonard off with Mitch and never returns.

How do you go on loving someone who isn't there? With Leonard's absolute conviction in 'forever love' always present, Leonard and Mitch grow up side by side and piece together the layered truths and fictions of their almost magical lives.

Pearl, Leonard and Mitch each have a story to tell - as their lives unfold, profound questions arise about the nature of love and family. The answers are heartbreaking, but ultimately triumphant.

The magical story of a young boy's search for his mother

About the Author
Catherine Ryan Hyde, an acclaimed novelist and award-winning short-story writer, is the author of the story collection Earthquake Weather and of the novels Funerals for Horses, Electric God and Pay it Forward, which was named an ALA Book of the Year and made into a feature film starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. She lives in Cambria, California.

Reviews
A sweet and honest look at the pains and pleasures of love, and who could not fall in love with Leonard-what a beautifully drawn character * Jane Green *
A work of art...enchanting * San Francisco Chronicle *
Haunting * Washington Post *
Hyde excels in her story of a love that transcends time, place and human weakness * Publishers Weekly *
A magnificent storyteller * The Denver Post *


Awards
Short-listed for British Book Awards: Best Read of the Year 2007.



Book Information
ISBN 9780552773645
Author Catherine Ryan Hyde
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Black Swan
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 210g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 127mm * 19mm