Lark Ascending
Ratings3
Average rating4.3
15
Ratings3
Average rating4.3
“This beautiful book is shot through with such tenderness and humanity, such love and courage and beauty and hope, that it feels almost like a prayer.” —Margaret Renkl, author of Late Migrations A timely, powerful story of survival set in the not-too-distant future, reminding us to always hold on to hope, even in the worst of times. 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.
Reviews with the most likes.
Lark Ascending opens with our protagonist's harrowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean as he flees fire-ravaged America. It's a brutal voyage, rendered with mesmerizing imagery and soaked with angst.
This is post-apocalyptic fiction, but House's no-frills, plainly-told story is a refreshing change of pace from similar novels that might get bogged down with worldbuilding about the fall of our civilization. It's visceral, heart-rending, but filled with hope and promise about the resiliency of a boy growing up under unspeakable conditions.
I'd open my eyes and look out at the aching blue of the ocean–a color I had never seen in nature and that most likely only exists in the middle of the Atlantic, a gray blue like a storm cloud full of unspent lightning and unfallen rain.
I wasn't just seasick; I was undone in sorrow.
I waited for hours, until the day bloomed and eased itself over the sea.
Lark Ascending was the September pick for my book club. It's not necessarily a book I would select on my own, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I loved it! And that's why book clubs are awesome! (I just joined one after years of thinking about it and then letting my social anxiety get the best of me.. 10/10 recommend... the book club, not the social anxiety).
The story has the same general mood as Station Eleven (which I loved). For such a short book, there is intense emotional depth. Short scenes make it bearable though, which I found masterful from a writing perspective. I blazed through and cried and smiled and reflected and worried and sighed with relief. So heartwrenching at times, but so good.
I will definitely read more Silas House.
Intensely powerful and moving book that reflects a future that could come to be with only a nudge. Anyone who loves the smell of cedar and appreciates the unconditional love of a canine companion will find their heart among the pages.
