A Short Walk Through a Wide World
ABOUT
THE BOOK
A dazzlingly epic debut that charts the incredible, adventurous life of one woman as she journeys the globe trying to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving. Fiercely independent and hopeful, yet full of longing, Aubry Tourvel is an unforgettable character fighting her way through a world of wonders to find a place she can call home. A spellbinding and inspiring story about discovering meaning in a life that seems otherwise impossible, A Short Walk Through a Wide World reminds us that it’s not the destination, but rather the journey—no matter how long it lasts—that makes us who we are.
NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS
A Short Walk Through a Wide World unfolds the adventurous tale of Aubry Tourvel, a woman on a quest to outrun her unique condition: if she stays in one place for more than a few days, she begins to suffer a deadly illness. Her life becomes a state of constant movement, traveling through cities and across continents, unable to return to wherever she steps foot. Oscillating between delight and despair, her decades-long pilgrimage is a journey of survival, full of interesting characters, feats of physical and mental strength, and a magnificent view of far-flung places through eager eyes. This enchanting novel encourages readers to discern the depths of one’s heart in times of turmoil and uncertainty and to embrace what fleeting relationships we have in this life. Westerbeke’s compelling prose delights and inspires, and his narrative tempts us to set out and discover traces of magic while exploring our own wide world.