Ghostlines

shortlisted for the CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING

By: Katya Balen

Narrated by: Emma Hindle

Bloomsbury presents Ghostlines by Katya Balen, read by Emma Hindle

‘Wild and brilliantly crafted’ – Sarah Crossan, author of One and Where the Heart Should Be

On the Island of Ayrie, everybody knows everyone. They know each other’s stories as they know every road, every hill and the coming of the tide. In the summer, there are bonfires to celebrate the migration of the puffins. Everything is familiar, nothing much changes, and for Tilda, nothing ever should – it is beautiful, it is perfect and it is home.

When newcomer Albie arrives at the island, Tilda wants to show Ayrie off – Albie wants her to leave him alone. She learns quickly that it’ll take more than a tour and some seal viewings to win him around. Then, she remembers stories of the old island just an hour’s boat ride away from the shore.

The old island is a death trap. The journey there is treacherous. Trips across to it are strictly forbidden. And there’s a rumour it’s haunted by the ghosts of those left there to die. But with all else having failed, the old island is the only way for Tilda to make Albie see what she sees in Ayrie.

Besides, it’s a different kind of ghost that worries Tilda. The ghost that’s been following her, now, since her brother left the island …

‘Beautifully written, full of heart’ – Julia Green©2023 Katya Balen (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Critic reviews

Balen has written yet another gorgeous book. Ghostlines is a beautiful, wild and brilliantly crafted novel about loss, friendship and the healing power of nature. It’s funny too! I absolutely loved it.

I loved this book. It's beautifully written, full of heart. The voice of the main character Tilda springs off the page with vivid life. It's a touching and tender story about the true meaning of home and community. Young readers will love the island setting, the puffins, the sea-kayak adventure to the secret island and the hideaway shelter Tilda and Albie build together. Brilliant.

One of the most beautiful books I've ever read

It's EXQUISITE. Read it. Wild yourself. Open your heart to it. Written with the pen of a poet and the soul of Mother Earth. Glorious. It's like nothing else I've ever read

Original, compulsive, uplifting: this is another triumph for Balen