A Short Walk Through a Wide World: A Novel by Douglas Westerbeke

In "A Short Walk Through a Wide World," Aubry Tourvel embarks on an extraordinary journey, beginning as a nine-year-old girl in Paris in 1885. After encountering a mysterious wooden puzzle ball, Aubry discovers that she's afflicted with a curse that causes her to bleed to death if she remains in one place for too long. Fleeing to the outskirts of the city, she realizes that continuous movement is the key to her survival.

Thus begins Aubry's lifelong odyssey across the globe, as she traverses diverse landscapes from the Calashino Sand Sea to the Himalayas. Along the way, she encounters extraordinary wonders and overcomes daunting challenges, all while grappling with her curse and longing for a sense of belonging.

Despite her relentless wandering, Aubry remains fiercely independent and hopeful, determined to find meaning and connection in her nomadic existence. As she navigates through various cultures and environments, she learns valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of human connection.

Throughout her journey, Aubry's character evolves, shaped by the experiences and encounters she faces along the way. Despite the hardships she endures, she remains determined to find a place she can call home, where she can finally stop running and forge meaningful connections.

"A Short Walk Through a Wide World" is a captivating tale of adventure, resilience, and self-discovery. Through Aubry's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing life's uncertainties and finding beauty and purpose in the journey itself, rather than fixating solely on the destination.