A book for our times- a warm, life-affirming debut about loneliness, and the power of community and human connection. Get ready to meet Century’s most unlikely heroine of 2022…

Duckling’s a nickname Lucy has never been able to shake off. And, if she’s honest, maybe it suits her. She just isn’t the type to socialise with other people. She likes to keep herself to herself. You might say she’s reluctant to leave her nest.

Lucy’s life is small, but safe. She’s got a good routine. But all that’s about to change.

When Lucy’s neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a couple of hours - and then doesn’t come back - Lucy is suddenly responsible for someone other than herself.

It takes courage to let the outside world in, and Lucy’s about to learn there’s much more to life - but only if she’s brave enough to spread her wings…