When The Canary Called

Author(s): Tom Bardsley

Location(s): Gran Canaria

Genre(s): Coming of Age, Fiction

Era(s): 2000s specifically 2004 & 2005

In 2004, Tom leaves Manchester for the Canary Islands, expecting little more than a season in the sun. Instead, he finds himself building a new life among a shifting cast of friends, colleagues and relationships, in a world that quickly begins to feel like home.

Moving through Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, When the Canary Called follows the friendships, mistakes, romances and ordinary moments that shape a young man finding his feet far from everything familiar. Against a backdrop of resort life, beaches, apartments, bars and the distinctive landscape of the islands, Tom begins to discover not only who he is, but how much a place can become part of you.

Inspired by real experiences, the novel is a coming-of-age story with elements of autofiction and nostalgic travel — less about being a holiday rep than about leaving home in your twenties, the people you meet along the way, and the places that somehow stay with you long after you’ve left them.

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