The magnificent book “When the Stars Sang” was written by Caren J. Werlinger and published in 2018.
My Thoughts
At first, I was lost for words when I tried to express my thoughts about “When the Stars Sang”. Because this remarkable book deals with several themes, all of which captivated me. But the most intriguing ones for me were discovering your true self and your way to personal happiness. Those subjects alone would make me choose this book. The fact that the plot takes place mainly on a remote island was the icing on the cake.
The island in question is called Little Sister, which is off the coast of Maine. The island’s inhabitants are eccentric characters whose lives primarily take place in their few localities. Vast beaches and cliffs, usually hit by strong winds, characterise Little Sister. Furthermore, the residents live mainly in a handful of old cottages, which they maintain and care for themselves, with little help from outside. Their unconditional cohesion, solidarity and personal bond particularly portray the islanders. They have cultivated their unique culture and spiritual rituals for many decades and have practised them ever since.
One of the two main characters is Kathleen. Fleeing a troubled relationship, she moves into her late grandmother’s cottage on Little Sister. Kathleen is desperate to free herself from the hands of her toxic family and relationship so she can finally live her life in a self-determined way.
Shortly afterwards, she meets Molly, a native Islander. She is the island’s sheriff and works as a handywoman, helping the residents with repairs around the house. Molly is less than enthusiastic about the out-of-town Kathleen, whose family history and past turn the island upside down bit by bit.
But it’s the bond between the islanders and Kathleen’s acceptance as a new resident that brings them even closer together. The fact that she too falls in love gives her the happy ending she deserves so much. All this helps Kathleen come to terms with her past and eventually find her way to self-discovery and her unapologetic self.
This story really captivated me. The author told the island’s history in such incredible detail I couldn’t put the book down.
My rating for ‘When the Stars Sang’
I absolutely loved the plot and the characters. It was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
About the author
Caren J. Werlinger is an American bestselling author of lesbian fiction.
She is best known for her series of published books covering a wide range of genres. The magical island she created, called “Little Sister”, enjoyed great popularity in the books “When the Stars Sang” and “Face the Wind”. She has also published books such as “Neither Present Time”, “The Beast That Never Was”, and many more.
