Migrations: A Novel

Charlotte McConaghy

Aug 2020 · Sold by Flatiron Books

About this ebook

* INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER *

Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Book of the Year in Fiction

"Visceral and haunting" (New York Times Book Review) · "Hopeful" (Washington Post) · "Powerful" (Los Angeles Times) · "Thrilling" (TIME) · "Tantalizingly beautiful" (Elle) · "Suspenseful, atmospheric" (Vogue) · "Aching and poignant" (Guardian) · "Gripping" (The Economist)

Franny Stone has always been the kind of woman who is able to love but unable to stay. Leaving behind everything but her research gear, she arrives in Greenland with a singular purpose: to follow the last Arctic terns in the world on what might be their final migration to Antarctica. Franny talks her way onto a fishing boat, and she and the crew set sail, traveling ever further from shore and safety. But as Franny’s history begins to unspool—a passionate love affair, an absent family, a devastating crime—it becomes clear that she is chasing more than just the birds. When Franny's dark secrets catch up with her, how much is she willing to risk for one more chance at redemption?

Epic and intimate, heartbreaking and galvanizing, Charlotte McConaghy's Migrations is an ode to a disappearing world and a breathtaking page-turner about the possibility of hope against all odds.

Ratings and reviews

Did I like this book, yes, but some things were not believable. I did not read this book for facts, so some may not be true, I'm okay with that. Migrations takes place in the future and the past. Can I see some of the things in this book happen I most certainly can. In my opinion this book is a journey of grief, guilt, love and coming to terms with what has happened. I found myself rooting for Franny even though there were things very unlikable about her. In my opinion the mystery of the thing was pretty good. Charlotte McConaghy did throw a twist I didn't see coming. My biggest complaint is it is a very slow moving book. I personally liked the book. I don't think it's for everybody. I read from Broward County Library.

For the first three-quarters of this book, I only liked it and probably would have given it three stars. But that last quarter made the entire read worthwhile. It's a post-apocalyptic novel (not one of my favorite genres, especially having just completed 2020) where more pronounced global warming has propelled humans further down their selfish path of disregarding earth's other species. At the start of the book, protagonist Franny Stone is someone with strong wanderlust but little interest in living. With so many bird species already extinct, she is desperate to get aboard a fishing vessel in Greenland, hoping to follow the migratory path of the few remaining Arctic terns. Deeply damaged by her past and desperately missing her husband -- Franny nevertheless feels compelled to make this journey. She finally convinces a fishing boat captain to take her along, promising him that the terns will lead them all to a bountiful catch. As the journey progresses, readers slowly discover Franny's own story. Her intense relationship with her mother, an absent father, a grandmother in Australia who appeared to care little for her, and the strange story of how she meets her husband Niall. There's also the unfolding story of Franny's relationships with the others on the fishing boat -- all of whom initially resent her presence. Over time, relationships change, secrets are revealed (including a prison sentence) and multiple deaths occur. It also turns out that following migrating terns is NOT Franny's true reason for making this trip. And along the way, she comes to understand deep truths about herself, and learns more about the nature of love, friendship, and sacrifice. Until finally discovering that, despite many losses, there are still reasons to live.

Wow, what an incredible read. I will definitely recommend the book. I was wondering what secrets she had that she wouldn't share to the crew. Until the end it all made sense for the way she lived.

About the author

Charlotte McConaghy is an author and screenwriter based in Sydney, Australia. Migrations is her U.S. debut.