The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Out of Breath, By Julie Myerson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Julie Myerson has always been good at capturing the pangs of adolescence – even her adults haven't quite moved on from their teens – and here she treats us to a no-holds barred rites of passage fantasy.
Flynn, 13, is going through a tough time at home: her dad is absent, her mother has a young baby, and her 15-year-old brother, Sam, is going off the rails.
One day she sees Alex standing at the bottom of the garden – a beautiful boy in ragged clothes, someone she surmises is without a mum or even a washing machine.
She's right, the boy has neither, and is sharing a runaway life with a troubled six-year-old, Mouse, and a teenager who has just given birth. The alternative family is irresistible.
Combining domestic realism with a wash of moonshine, Myserson's story of feral children works its own kind of magic. Happy endings – though seductively dangled – probably aren't in store.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments