The Returning

A brave survivor returns home from a brutal war only to face suspicion and betrayal in this powerful young adult novel.

“A beautiful examination of the complexities of love and loyalty in the aftermath of war.”—Megan Whalen Turner, Newbery Honor award-winning author of The Thief

“I loved this novel. I cried through the whole last chapter from the sheer beauty of these characters and their world.”—Melina Marchetta, Printz Medal award-winning author of Jellicoe Road

The war between the Uplanders and Downlanders is over. After six years of fighting, Cam Attling is the only one from his tiny town of Kayforl to return, and suspicion surrounds him. When his betrothal to Graceful Fenister is called off and his entire role in the community questioned, Cam leaves to find the Uplander lord who maimed him but spared his life, seeking answers and a new place in the world.

But this is not just Cam’s story, it’s about all those whose fates entwine with his. Graceful Fenister, who will go on to marry the last person Cam would expect. Cam’s sister, Pin, who grows into a young lady who embraces Uplander culture. Lord Gyaar, who is haunted by Cam and the resemblance he bears to his own brother. Diido, who lost everything in war too, but finds a new life for herself when she meets Cam.

An epic tale with a cast of characters who will hijack your heart, this ingeniously structured story is about what happens after the battle. After the brothers, husbands, and sons have come home. Or haven’t. After the world has fallen apart and been put back together. When the deepest changes are often exquisitely small—coming from tender moments, changed minds, the roads not taken, and forgiveness.