Blog tour: Together

Welcome to the blog tour for Together by Luke Adam Hawker.

More about the book…

One year on from the anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown, Together takes a gently philosophical, and very relatable, look at how we have dealt with a difficult year and how we can cope with hard times in general.

Simple but striking text is paired with beautiful illustrations from hugely talented artist Luke Adam Hawker.

When a monumental storm arrives, day-to-day life changes overnight. We follow a man and his dog through the uncertainty that it brings to their lives. Through their eyes, we see the difficulties of being apart, how the world adapted to spending more time at home, the rollercoaster of emotions that we can all relate to, and the realisation that by pulling together we can move through difficult times with new perspective, hope and an appreciation of what matters most in life.

Together is very much a product of the new ways in which many of us have learned to work during lockdown. Having seen a beautiful depiction of the 8pm applause for the NHS, Editor Marianne Laidlaw approached Luke, asking him to illustrate the emotional rollercoaster we were all on. They started collaborating on the book, Luke mapping out images and Marianne writing words, while not having met – everything took place over Zoom for many months. The book’s creation mirrors its message that we are better joining forces and working together through adversity. Even in difficult times, there are silver linings, and beauty can be found.

Luke has dedicated the book to his late grandfather, who was a key father figure in his life. The main characters are based on his grandfather and his own dog Robin who offer a reassuring guide through the challenges of the storm. It’s a story with very personal emotion, but one that speaks to us all.

My impressions…

This is where I normally write what I thought about the book I’m reviewing but I’m stuck with this one. How do you put down words that do any justice to something so beautiful? And beautiful is not even the right word, it’s too common. Marianne Laidlow succeeded in this feat but I am a mere mortal. All I can say is that this is a book you will feel. Not read, not look at… feel.

And now the only sensible thing I can do is show you what I mean…