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Missing Pieces
by Norma Fox MazerJessie Wells's father disappeared when she was a baby, leaving her to live with her mother and her indomitable aunt Zis. Jessie wonders about her father, James Wells. Who was he, really? When she was a little girl, listening to her mother's stories, he was a prince with a leather jacket and a fancy sports car. As she got older, he became the man who'd deserted her and never looked back. The man who made her mother cry for three days and three nights. Why should she care about him? She doesn't, she tells herself, but despite everything, Jessie longs to know more. Against her mother's objections, Jessie begins a quest that takes her from the pages of the phone book to the dusty streets of her father's home-town, and finally to a meeting with the man she never knew. Newbery Honor Book medalist Norma Fox Mazer has woven a powerful tale of a compelling young woman who searches for her father and finds herself. If you like books like Missing Pieces, about how kids act and how they feel about their families, friends, crushes, schools and the changes in their lives, you've got much more great reading ahead. Look in the Bookshare collection for 17 more books by this award winning author, with more on the way.
Missing Pieces
by Norma Fox MazerJessie's father has always been a missing piece of her life--but if she were to find him, how would he feel about her? Jessie Wells thinks four is a good number. Things with four sides are sturdy and strong. A box, a chair, a room with four walls. But ever since the day Jessie's dad left, Jessie, her mother, and Aunt Zis have been a triangle--three-sided, though solidly linked. Jessie has heard the story: Her beautiful young mother had married a prince who disappeared one day, so she had raised her daughter with the help of Aunt Zis. But lately, the picture in Jessie's mind seems incomplete. Who is James Wells? she wonders. He must be more than just a deadbeat dad who deserted his wife and child, and Jessie is determined to find out, even if she has to call every Wells in the phone book--and there are a lot of them. But if Jessie finds her father and asks him all her questions, will she like the answers?
The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon: Escape to the Riviera for the most irresistible read of 2021
by Sarah Steele'I was gripped, desperate to solve the mystery of Nancy Moon' Sarah Haywood, New York Times bestselling author of THE CACTUSTHE USA TODAY BESTSELLER. Set against the glistening backdrop of the Riviera, this is a truly captivating novel about two women whose lives become seamlessly intertwined when they embark on the same journey decades apart. Take a journey and immerse yourself in this year's most irresistible read. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Suzanne Goldring and The Paris Seamstress.To unravel that long-lost summer, she had to follow the thread...Florence Connelly is broken hearted. Her marriage has collapsed under the weight of the loss she shares with her husband, and her beloved grandmother has just died. Even the joy she found in dressmaking is gone.But things change when Flo opens a box of vintage 1960s dress patterns found inside her grandmother's wardrobe. Inside each pattern packet is a fabric swatch, a postcard from Europe and a photograph of a mysterious young woman, Nancy Moon, wearing the hand-made dress.Flo discovers that Nancy was a distant relation who took the boat train to Paris in 1962 and never returned. With no one to stay home for, Flo decides to follow Nancy's thread. She unravels an untold story of love and loss in her family's past. And begins to stitch the pieces of her own life back together.'Wonderful. This book is a joy' Katie Fforde, Sunday Times bestselling author'Two captivating stories of love and heartbreak, stitched together by a trail through Europe in 1962' Gill Paul, author of THE SECRET WIFE'A gorgeous, tender debut' Kate Riordan, author of THE HEATWAVE'I felt so passionately involved in Flo's journey. A GORGEOUS read' Prima, BOOK OF THE MONTH'Warm and true... Pays tribute to the heart and backbone of women who support each other when the world turns its back' Stephanie Butland, author of LOST FOR WORDSREADERS HAVE FALLEN FOR THE MISSING PIECES OF NANCY MOON:'If I could give 10 stars I would''Heartwarming, uplifting, emotional and immersive, The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon is a must-read, encapsulating the essence of summer like the sun is shining from the pages''OMG WHAT A BOOK. Fabulously, beautifully written book.''One of the best books I have read this year. It has it all - love, mystery, deceit and a secret. Five stars all the way'
The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon: Escape to the Riviera for the most irresistible read of 2021
by Sarah Steele'I was gripped, desperate to solve the mystery of Nancy Moon' Sarah Haywood, New York Times bestselling author of THE CACTUSTHE USA TODAY BESTSELLER. Set against the glistening backdrop of the Riviera, this is a truly captivating novel about two women whose lives become seamlessly intertwined when they embark on the same journey decades apart. Take a journey and immerse yourself in this year's most irresistible read. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Suzanne Goldring and The Paris Seamstress.To unravel that long-lost summer, she had to follow the thread...Florence Connelly is broken hearted. Her marriage has collapsed under the weight of the loss she shares with her husband, and her beloved grandmother has just died. Even the joy she found in dressmaking is gone.But things change when Flo opens a box of vintage 1960s dress patterns found inside her grandmother's wardrobe. Inside each pattern packet is a fabric swatch, a postcard from Europe and a photograph of a mysterious young woman, Nancy Moon, wearing the hand-made dress.Flo discovers that Nancy was a distant relation who took the boat train to Paris in 1962 and never returned. With no one to stay home for, Flo decides to follow Nancy's thread. She unravels an untold story of love and loss in her family's past. And begins to stitch the pieces of her own life back together.'Wonderful. This book is a joy' Katie Fforde, Sunday Times bestselling author'Two captivating stories of love and heartbreak, stitched together by a trail through Europe in 1962' Gill Paul, author of THE SECRET WIFE'A gorgeous, tender debut' Kate Riordan, author of THE HEATWAVE'I felt so passionately involved in Flo's journey. A GORGEOUS read' Prima, BOOK OF THE MONTH'Warm and true... Pays tribute to the heart and backbone of women who support each other when the world turns its back' Stephanie Butland, author of LOST FOR WORDSREADERS HAVE FALLEN FORTHE MISSING PIECES OF NANCY MOON:'If I could give 10 stars I would''Heartwarming, uplifting, emotional and immersive, The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon is a must-read, encapsulating the essence of summer like the sun is shining from the pages''OMG WHAT A BOOK. Fabulously, beautifully written book.''One of the best books I have read this year. It has it all - love, mystery, deceit and a secret. Five stars all the way'
The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon: Escape to the Riviera with this irresistible and poignant page-turner
by Sarah Steele'I was gripped, desperate to solve the mystery of Nancy Moon' Sarah Haywood, New York Times bestselling author of THE CACTUS'Wonderful. This book is a joy' Katie Fforde, Sunday Times bestselling author 'A gorgeous, tender debut' Kate Riordan, author of THE HEATWAVE'Moving, hopeful and heartfelt' Felicity Hayes-McCoy, author of THE LIBRARY AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLDTo unravel that long-lost summer, she had to follow the thread...Florence Connelly is broken hearted. Her marriage has collapsed under the weight of the loss she shares with her husband, and her beloved grandmother has just died. Even the joy she found in dressmaking is gone.But things change when Flo opens a box of vintage 1960s dress patterns found inside her grandmother's wardrobe. Inside each pattern packet is a fabric swatch, a postcard from Europe and a photograph of a mysterious young woman, Nancy Moon, wearing the hand-made dress.Flo discovers that Nancy was a distant relation who took the boat train to Paris in 1962 and never returned. With no one to stay home for, Flo decides to follow Nancy's thread. She unravels an untold story of love and loss in her family's past. And begins to stitch the pieces of her own life back together.'Warm and true... Pays tribute to the heart and backbone of women who support each other when the world turns its back' Stephanie Butland, author of LOST FOR WORDS'Two captivating stories of love and heartbreak, stitched together by a trail through Europe in 1962' Gill Paul, author of THE SECRET WIFE'Beautiful and touching. A remarkable debut novel, which demonstrates the enduring nature of love, family and friendship' Sarah Haywood, author of THE CACTUSREADERS ARE LOVING THE MISSING PIECES OF NANCY MOON:'Outstandingly beautiful. This book took my breath away. A sheer joy.''A captivating read of secrets untold. A moving story which I read in one day. Many twists and turns enhanced this gripping novel and kept me enthralled' 'A lovely, uplifting book'
The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy
by Ber M CarrollThe Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy is a gripping, impossible-to-put-down exploration of betrayal and revenge.'Intriguing, compelling. Impossible to put down and irresistibly good' Liane MoriartyShe's the victim. But is she innocent? Sophie McCarthy is known for her determination, ambition and brilliance at work. She's tough, but only because she wants to get the best out of people. Aidan Ryan is strong, honourable, and a family man. He's tough too; the army requires it. When these two strangers are brought together in a devastating incident, Sophie's life is left in ruins. Her family wants to see Aidan pay for what he did. Aidan's prepared to sacrifice everything - including his marriage and his child - to fix the mess he's made. But some things can't be fixed, and Sophie is not at all what she first appeared . . . ___________'Sucked me in from the first page. The characters were intriguing, the plot thrilling and the writing effortless. I will be telling everyone I know to read this book' Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of The Family Next Door 'What starts as an intricate, multi-narrator domestic drama slowly reveals its secrets to become something much darker indeed' Heat 'Utterly compelling with complex and real characters, and echoes of both Liane Moriarty and Charity Norman. A completely gripping and emotional page-turner' Lucy Clarke, bestselling author of You Let Me In'Very well written and suspenseful with characters to believe in. I thoroughly enjoyed it' Lisa Ballantyne, bestselling author of Little Liar
The Missing Place
by Sophie LittlefieldSet against the backdrop of North Dakota's oil boom, two very different mothers form an uneasy alliance to find their missing sons in this heartrending and suspenseful novel from the Edgar Award-nominated author of Garden of Stones.The booming North Dakota oil business is spawning "man camps," shantytowns full of men hired to work on the rigs, in towns without enough housing to accommodate them. In such twilight spaces, it's easy for a person to vanish. And when two young men in their first year on the job disappear without a trace, only their mothers believe there's hope of finding them. Despite reassurances that the police are on the case, the two women think the oil company is covering up the disappearances--and maybe something more. Colleen, used to her decorous life in a wealthy Massachusetts suburb, is determined to find her son. And hard-bitten Shay, from the wrong side of the California tracks, is the only person in town even willing to deal with her--because she's on the same mission. Overtaxed by worry, exhaustion, and fear, these two unlikely partners question each other's methods and motivations, but must work together against the town of strangers if they want any chance of finding their lost boys. But what they uncover could destroy them both... Sure to please fans of Sandra Brown and Gillian Flynn, The Missing Place is a moving chronicle of survival, determination, and powerful bonds forged in the face of adversity.
Missing Since Monday (Point)
by Ann M. MartinMaggie unearths dark family secrets after her little sister disappears in this heart-pounding mysteryWhen sixteen-year-old Maggie&’s father and stepmother leave home for a long-overdue honeymoon, Maggie and her older brother, Mike, must take care of their four-year-old half sister, Courtenay. On Monday, Maggie puts her sister on the bus, but when Courtenay doesn&’t come home that day, Maggie discovers that she never made it to school.The police and Maggie&’s terrified family begin an exhaustive search for the little girl. Meanwhile, Maggie is getting creepy phone calls and feels like she is being followed. When the police question her, Maggie learns more about why she and her brother are not allowed to see their mother. Soon after, Maggie&’s mom reaches out to reunite with her kids. Is this a strange coincidence or is there a connection to Courtenay&’s disappearance?This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Ann M. Martin, including rare images from the author&’s collection.
Missing Sisters
by Gregory MaguireAlice's life is about to change. She's a skinny orphan. She's never been able to hear too well. And she can't speak too well, either. The only person who seems to care for her--one of the nuns at the orphanage--gets taken away from Alice in a freak accident. And then one day somebody calls Alice by the wrong name. Miami, she says. Miami Shaw. Miami Shaw, who may be Alice's twin sister. Who lives only a few miles away. Who has what Alice has always dreamed of--a whole wonderful family. But is there a place in that family for Alice? From bestselling author Gregory Maguire comes a funny, heartrending story of the strength of sisterhood and the struggle to find a family of one's own.
Missing Skull, The (The Seven Prequels)
by John WilsonA trip to a remote lake in northern Ontario with his grandfather doesn't thrill Steve, especially since his twin brother, DJ, was taken to Central America. Matters start to look up when his grandfather tells Steve about the mysterious death of the artist Tom Thomson and sets him the task of finding Thomson's missing skull. Steve loves mysteries, but when odd things begin happening and strange people start threatening him, Steve wonders whether this is part of his grandfather's plan. Is this still a simple puzzle, or is something far more sinister going on? In this thrilling prequel to Lost Cause and Broken Arrow, the history- and mystery-loving Steve ends up in remote northern Ontario.
The Missing Sound (Step into Reading)
by Susana Illera MartínezA Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader featuring Maribel&’s cousin Dolores from Disney Encanto–now steaming on Disney+! Perfect for children ages 4 to 6!Dolores Madrigal has the amazing ability to hear things that are very far away, from across the whole Encanto she calls home. But one morning when she wakes up, she doesn&’t hear something she usually does. But what? To find out, join Dolores and her magical Madrigal family as they team up to solve a mystery in this sweet and silly story set in the world of Disney Encanto!Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.
Missing the Moment
by Grace ThompsonCan she choose between family and love? A heartbreaking tale of sacrifice and second chances from the author of the Holidays at Home series. Seven years ago, Charlotte Russell&’s father walked out on her family. Ever since, the task of caring for her bitter mother and sick uncle have fallen heavily on Charlotte&’s shoulders. If only she had agreed to marry Joe Llewellyn the first time he asked. Unable to leave her family to fend for themselves, Charlotte is constantly delaying her own happiness, and fears that Joe may soon move on. Then, as 1950 begins, Charlotte&’s father reappears, bringing with him his brood of children from his mistress. Torn between loyalty to her family, desire to rebuild the family business, and her need for independence and love, Charlotte fears she will never have a life of her own. Have she and Joe missed their moment? From Grace Thompson, author of the Holidays at Home, Badgers Brook, and Valley sagas, Missing the Moment is sure to enthrall readers of Rosie Clark, Anna Jacobs, and Sheila Newberry.
The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton
by Eleanor RayFor fans of The Keeper of Lost Things and Evvie Drake Starts Over comes a funny and tender debut about a reclusive artist whose collection has gotten out of control—but whose unexpected friendship with a pair of new neighbors might be just what she needs to start over.Amy Ashton once dreamed of becoming an artist—of creating beautiful objects. But now she simply collects them. Aquamarine bottles, bright yellow crockery, deep Tuscan red pots (and the odd slow-cooker) take up every available inch of space in her house. Having suffered a terrible tragedy—one she staunchly refuses to let herself think about, thank you very much—she&’s decided that it&’s easier to love things than people. Things are safe. Things will never leave you. But when a new family moves in next door with two young boys, one of whom has a collection of his own, Amy&’s carefully managed life starts to unravel, prompting her to question why she began to close herself off in the first place. As Amy embarks on a journey back into her past, she has to contend with nosy neighbors, a meddlesome government worker, the inept police, and a little boy whose love of bulldozers might just let Amy open up her heart—and her home—again. Quirky and charming, big-hearted and moving, The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton proves that it&’s never too late to let go of the things that don&’t matter...and welcome the people who do.
The Missing Twin
by Pamela TracyThe secret between them Angela Taylor knew her sister was in trouble. For anyone but a twin, her instincts would seem crazy, and her actions crazier. Picking up and moving herself and her daughter, Celia, to Scorpion Ridge and asking questions put them all at risk. Even more risky was trusting Jake Farraday, the handsome ex-cop turned forest ranger. Years in witness protection had taught Angela to trust no one. Yet with Abigail missing, Jake was her only hope, and she found herself wanting to share more of her past with him. And more of her future. But did Jake have his own motives for helping Angela?
The Missing Wife: Can She Find The Women She Used To Be?
by Sheila O'FlanaganHAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO RUN AWAY?An enthralling tale of a desperate wife's secret summer in southern France from Ireland's #1 bestselling authorWhen Imogen Naughton vanishes, everyone who knows her is shocked. She has a perfect marriage. Her handsome husband treats her like a princess. She's always said how lucky she is. So why has she left? And how will she survive without Vince?What goes on behind closed doors is often a surprise, and Imogen surprises herself by taking the leap she knows she must. But as she begins her journey to find the woman she once was, Imogen's past is right behind her...Will it catch up with her? And will she be ready to face it if it does?
The Missing Wife: The uplifting and compelling smash-hit bestseller!
by Sheila O'FlanaganReaders of Marian Keyes, Lisa Jewell and Santa Montefiore will love Sunday Times bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan's THE MISSING WIFE - the riveting story of a woman determined to escape, the man who wants to find her and the friends and family unaware of the dark truth. Set in the glorious, sunny south of France.Have you ever wanted to disappear? When Imogen Naughton vanishes, everyone who knows her is shocked. She has a perfect marriage. Her handsome husband treats her like a princess. She's always said how lucky she is. So why has she left? And how will she survive without Vince?What goes on behind closed doors is often a surprise, and Imogen surprises herself by taking the leap she knows she must. But as she begins her journey to find the woman she once was, Imogen's past is right behind her... Will it catch up with her? And will she be ready to face it if it does?What readers are saying about The Missing Wife: 'I could not put this down. I've read all of Sheila O'Flanagan's books and loved them all but this was my favourite by far. I was routing for Imogen so much I felt like I was there with her' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Love, love, LOVED IT. The ending was perfect in my opinion' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Imogen's escape is beautifully detailed and the descriptions of France made my mouth water. A really enjoyable book' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
The Missing Wife: The uplifting and compelling smash-hit bestseller!
by Sheila O'FlanaganReaders of Marian Keyes, Lisa Jewell and Santa Montefiore will love Sunday Times bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan's THE MISSING WIFE - the riveting story of a woman determined to escape, the man who wants to find her and the friends and family unaware of the dark truth. Set in the glorious, sunny south of France.Have you ever wanted to disappear? When Imogen Naughton vanishes, everyone who knows her is shocked. She has a perfect marriage. Her handsome husband treats her like a princess. She's always said how lucky she is. So why has she left? And how will she survive without Vince?What goes on behind closed doors is often a surprise, and Imogen surprises herself by taking the leap she knows she must. But as she begins her journey to find the woman she once was, Imogen's past is right behind her... Will it catch up with her? And will she be ready to face it if it does?What readers are saying about The Missing Wife:'I could not put this down. I've read all of Sheila O'Flanagan's books and loved them all but this was my favourite by far. I was routing for Imogen so much I felt like I was there with her' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Love, love, LOVED IT. The ending wasperfect in my opinion' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Imogen's escape is beautifully detailed and the descriptions of France made my mouth water. A really enjoyable book' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
The Missing Wife: The uplifting and compelling smash-hit bestseller!
by Sheila O'FlanaganReaders of Marian Keyes, Lisa Jewell and Santa Montefiore will love Sunday Times bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan's THE MISSING WIFE.Have you ever wanted to disappear? When Imogen Naughton vanishes, everyone who knows her is shocked. She has a perfect marriage. Her handsome husband treats her like a princess. She's always said how lucky she is. So why has she left? And how will she survive without Vince?What goes on behind closed doors is often a surprise, and Imogen surprises herself by taking the leap she knows she must. But as she begins her journey to find the woman she once was, Imogen's past is right behind her... Will it catch up with her? And will she be ready to face it if it does?(P)2016 Headline Digital
The Missing Word: A Novel
by Concita De GregorioA BEST BOOK OF 2022 (CrimeReads) Based on a true story, an urgently told psychological thriller and the fierce portrait of a woman in all her frailty and courage Irina’s life with her husband and her twin daughters is orderly. An Italian living in Switzerland, she works as a lawyer. One day, something breaks. The marriage ends without apparent trauma, but on a weekend seemingly like any other, the girls’ father takes Alessia and Livia away with him. They disappear. A few days later the man takes his own life. Of the girls, there is no trace. Concita De Gregorio takes the unadorned, terrible facts of this true story and embodies the protagonist’s voice. In a narrative that is fast and urgent, she unravels these traumatic events to tell the story of a mother bereft of her children – a state for which there is no word. The Missing Word delves deep into Irina’s thoughts and memories as she grasps at the shreds of truth and, piece by piece, stitches her life back together.
Mission: New Baby
by Susan Hood Mary LundquistGreetings, Special Agent! You've accepted the mission: you're going to be a big sibling! This is your super-secret guide to training your family's newest recruit. There will be lots to do, like leading physical training (teaching your sibling to walk) and sharing intel (reading together), but we know you're up for the challenge. Best of luck, Agent! This is HQ, signing off. Over and out!
The Mission
by Jason MyersKaden Norris's life is shattered when his older brother-- his best friend and hero-- is killed in Iraq. He decides to fulfill his brother's last wishes left to him in a letter, urging him to break out of his sheltered existence, to read Chuck Pahaluniak, and to go to San Francisco and visit his cousin, James Morgan. James is a popular author, and a notorious bad-boy with a major cocaine addiction. Kaden's visit to San Francisco quickly turns from an exciting adventure to a wild disaster as he experiences things he's never dreamed of and uncovers secrets about his family that alter his world forever.
The Mission Adventure (Darcy and Friends)
by Steve Jensen Joni Eareckson TadaAlthough beeing in a wheelchair will make the trip difficult, Darcy feels called to go with members of her church on a mission to Guatemala where she and her sister help a deaf orphan. <P><P><i>Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.</i>
Mission Atomic (The 39 Clues: Doublecross #4)
by Sarwat ChaddaMission Atomic is the fourth and final book in the Doublecross series. Thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill and his older sister, Amy, are running out of time. An exiled Cahill known as the Outcast has already recreated three of history’s worst disasters, and he’s saved the worst for last. If Dan and Amy can’t find and stop the Outcast fast, he will initiate a full-scale nuclear meltdown.
Mission Hindenburg (The 39 Clues: Doublecross #2)
by C. Alexander LondonNever turn your back on the Cahills . . . The most powerful family history has ever known returns with a vengeance in The 39 Clues: Doublecross! The Cahills are the world's most powerful family, but their strength is being tested. A sinister man calling himself "The Outcast" has targeted the family and set them an impossible test. He's recreating four of history's worst disasters and challenging the young Cahills to find and stop the tragedies before it's too late. Now, with one disaster behind them, siblings Dan and Amy Cahill and their friends have just days to discover what the Outcast's next move will be. Their frantic search seems to be pointing toward a terrifying air disaster, the explosion of the Hindenburg airship. But no one travels by airship anymore -- what do the Outcast's cryptic messages mean? The young Cahills must split up and take to the skies to try to find the answer . . . before their whole world comes crashing down.
The Mission House
by Carys DaviesThe Sunday Times (London) Novel of the Year &“Luminous…a writer to watch—and to savor.&” —Oprah Daily From the award-winning author of West and The Redemption of Galen Pike, a &“sublime&” (The Toronto Star) and propulsive novel that follows an Englishman seeking refuge in a remote hill town in India who gets caught in the crossfire of local tensions.In this &“jewel of a novel&” (The Observer), Hilary Byrd flees his demons and the dark undercurrents of contemporary life in England for a former British hill station in south India. Charmed by the foreignness of his new surroundings and by the familiarity of everything the British have left behind, he finds solace in life&’s simple pleasures, travelling by rickshaw around the small town with his driver Jamshed and staying in a mission house beside the local presbytery where, after a chance meeting, the Padre and his adoptive daughter Priscilla take Hilary under their wing. The Padre is concerned for Priscilla&’s future, and as Hilary&’s friendship with the young woman grows, he begins to wonder whether his purpose lies in this new relationship. But religious tensions are brewing and the mission house may not be the safe haven it seems. A &“skillful drama of well-meant misunderstandings and cultural divisions&” (The Wall Street Journal), The Mission House boldly and imaginatively explores postcolonial ideas in a world fractured between faith and nonbelief, young and old, imperial past and nationalistic present. Tenderly subversive and meticulously crafted, it is a deeply human story of the wonders and terrors of connection in a modern world.