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Before the Swallows Come Back
Perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and Sal by Mik Kitson, with its celebration of the natural world, its misunderstood central characters living on the outside of society's norms, their survival in the wilderness, and the ultimate fight for justice.
Tommy struggles with people, with communicating, preferring solitude, drifting off with nature. He is protected by his Tinker family who keep to the old ways. A life of quiet seclusion under canvas is all he knows.
Charlotte cares for her sickly father. She meets Tommy by the riverside and an unexpected friendship develops. Over the years it becomes something more, something crucial to both of them. But when tragedy strikes each family they are torn apart.
Charlotte is sent far away.
Tommy might have done something very bad.
Tommy struggles with people, with communicating, preferring solitude, drifting off with nature. He is protected by his Tinker family who keep to the old ways. A life of quiet seclusion under canvas is all he knows.
Charlotte cares for her sickly father. She meets Tommy by the riverside and an unexpected friendship develops. Over the years it becomes something more, something crucial to both of them. But when tragedy strikes each family they are torn apart.
Charlotte is sent far away.
Tommy might have done something very bad.
401 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
2678 people are currently reading
5286 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Curnow
2 books45 followersWinner of the Federation of Writers (Scotland) short story competition, 2023.
I am a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, I turned to the Open University where I studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. I have since written five books, four under the pen name of F J Curlew, but I have now reverted to using my given name.
I find it difficult to be content without a work in progress. That escape into a world of my own making is something very special! Before the Swallows Come Back was sparked by a meeting I had with a Tinker family many years ago, in rural Perthshire. They invited me to sit by their fire, outside their bender, and listen to stories. It was fascinating, inspirational and never left me.
The conservation of natural habitats and their wildlife is hugely important to me (yes, I am a bit of an eco-warrior!) and the Tinkers and their way of life seemed to lend themselves to carrying this theme.
I am a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, I turned to the Open University where I studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. I have since written five books, four under the pen name of F J Curlew, but I have now reverted to using my given name.
I find it difficult to be content without a work in progress. That escape into a world of my own making is something very special! Before the Swallows Come Back was sparked by a meeting I had with a Tinker family many years ago, in rural Perthshire. They invited me to sit by their fire, outside their bender, and listen to stories. It was fascinating, inspirational and never left me.
The conservation of natural habitats and their wildlife is hugely important to me (yes, I am a bit of an eco-warrior!) and the Tinkers and their way of life seemed to lend themselves to carrying this theme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews
November 28, 2023
I don’t understand the rave reviews for this book. I only bought it because of the reference to Crawdads on the cover, but disappointingly it was nothing like that. Tellingly, it’s self-published and would have been a much better story with professional input.
July 8, 2023
A chance encounter by the river.
When 12-year-old Charlotte meets Tommy, the two of them are immediately drawn to each other.
Their lives are polar opposites: Charlotte lives with her father, who is ill and she is his main carer; whereas Tommy’s family are Tinkers, the travelling people.
Charlotte is enchanted by Tommy’s knowledge of nature, the flora and the fauna. Tommy is keen to teach her.
As the years pass, their friendship deepens. But when tragedies befall their families, the duo are separated. Can they find their way back to each other?
I absolutely LOVED this book. I was mesmerised by all the beautiful and vivid descriptions of the nature surrounding Charlotte and Tommy.
I was rooting for the two main characters: they were quite innocent (and slightly naive) young people who lived on the outskirts of the society, a bit different from the others. Being different can pose a risk itself as some view this as a threat, as Tommy found that out for himself.
Overall, it’s a beautifully written book with lyrical and poetic passages.
I definitely recommend it.
When 12-year-old Charlotte meets Tommy, the two of them are immediately drawn to each other.
Their lives are polar opposites: Charlotte lives with her father, who is ill and she is his main carer; whereas Tommy’s family are Tinkers, the travelling people.
Charlotte is enchanted by Tommy’s knowledge of nature, the flora and the fauna. Tommy is keen to teach her.
As the years pass, their friendship deepens. But when tragedies befall their families, the duo are separated. Can they find their way back to each other?
I absolutely LOVED this book. I was mesmerised by all the beautiful and vivid descriptions of the nature surrounding Charlotte and Tommy.
I was rooting for the two main characters: they were quite innocent (and slightly naive) young people who lived on the outskirts of the society, a bit different from the others. Being different can pose a risk itself as some view this as a threat, as Tommy found that out for himself.
Overall, it’s a beautifully written book with lyrical and poetic passages.
I definitely recommend it.
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August 8, 2025
My Beloved says this was "predictable", "implausible" and "boring"🤗!
Gotta stop buying her paperbacks that I think she 'might' like!
Gotta stop buying her paperbacks that I think she 'might' like!
July 20, 2023
When two worlds collide, life changes for everyone. When Tommy and Charlotte meet by the river, they are immediately drawn to each other despite all the differences in their lives: Charlotte lives with her father in their home and is his primary caregiver as he is ill and Tommy and his family are Tinkers, a group of travelers who work the land and move depending on the season and the work.
Charlotte is drawn to how much Tommy knows about nature and Tommy is excited to be able to teach her. As time goes on, their relationship deepens to something more, even though they both know their families wouldn’t support it, until tragedy strikes both of them and they are forced apart in the middle of the night. Left to their own devices, each trying to find their way back to the other, this story of love and found family and redemption is one I won’t soon forget. The writing is lyrical and beautifully written and I was rooting for them the whole way.
Thanks to the author for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Charlotte is drawn to how much Tommy knows about nature and Tommy is excited to be able to teach her. As time goes on, their relationship deepens to something more, even though they both know their families wouldn’t support it, until tragedy strikes both of them and they are forced apart in the middle of the night. Left to their own devices, each trying to find their way back to the other, this story of love and found family and redemption is one I won’t soon forget. The writing is lyrical and beautifully written and I was rooting for them the whole way.
Thanks to the author for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.
March 20, 2024
A sweet story
Sometimes I just need a book that takes me to an unfamiliar place and get lost in the descriptions. This book did that for me.
Tommy, the son of Travelers, has trouble communicating with people but not the animals that are part of his everyday life.
Charlotte, a teenage girl living with her dad, befriends Tommy who introduces her to his life.
There is tragedy for both of them which makes them stronger.
So if you've looking for a story about love in many forms, then you will enjoy this one.
Sometimes I just need a book that takes me to an unfamiliar place and get lost in the descriptions. This book did that for me.
Tommy, the son of Travelers, has trouble communicating with people but not the animals that are part of his everyday life.
Charlotte, a teenage girl living with her dad, befriends Tommy who introduces her to his life.
There is tragedy for both of them which makes them stronger.
So if you've looking for a story about love in many forms, then you will enjoy this one.
March 9, 2024
Good story
Decent story but way too many fragmented sentences for me. The loose ends were tied up rather abruptly - much swifter than drawn-out narrative of the characters' respective journeys to get them from A to B.
Decent story but way too many fragmented sentences for me. The loose ends were tied up rather abruptly - much swifter than drawn-out narrative of the characters' respective journeys to get them from A to B.
August 21, 2023
I adored this book! It was lyrically beautiful with its lush descriptions of nature but it was the characters that make it stand out. Tommy was such a beautiful man. In combination, it was a mesmerising book. I wasn't feeling well yesterday but reading the novel took me away to a different world and I just devoured it! The inclusion of the murder mystery etc was completely up my street and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's very rare that I would reread a book but this is one I can imagine doing so. Just stunning.
Tommy and Charlotte have a chance meeting by the river on a local estate. Charlotte lives with her dad who is caring for as he is sick and Tommy is the youngest member of a travelling family who camp nearby every summer. They are drawn to each other. Tommy shares his love of nature with Charlotte, showing her the pearls in the river, the pine martens and all the birds that fly past. Tommy doesn't have any friends but Charlotte becomes one. Tommy prefers solitude and is protected by his loving family from the harshness of the world. When tragedy strikes both Tommy and Charlotte they are torn apart…will they get to meet again?
There is much to commend in this book but what I found to be particularly moving was the portrayal of Charlotte as a carer to her Dad. I was my mum’s carer from the age of five and Fiona has managed to capture this situation brilliantly. To see my life reflected on the page was very moving. It was dealt with empathy and felt very authentic to me.
This is a special book and do let me know if you pick it up!
Tommy and Charlotte have a chance meeting by the river on a local estate. Charlotte lives with her dad who is caring for as he is sick and Tommy is the youngest member of a travelling family who camp nearby every summer. They are drawn to each other. Tommy shares his love of nature with Charlotte, showing her the pearls in the river, the pine martens and all the birds that fly past. Tommy doesn't have any friends but Charlotte becomes one. Tommy prefers solitude and is protected by his loving family from the harshness of the world. When tragedy strikes both Tommy and Charlotte they are torn apart…will they get to meet again?
There is much to commend in this book but what I found to be particularly moving was the portrayal of Charlotte as a carer to her Dad. I was my mum’s carer from the age of five and Fiona has managed to capture this situation brilliantly. To see my life reflected on the page was very moving. It was dealt with empathy and felt very authentic to me.
This is a special book and do let me know if you pick it up!
October 10, 2024
I only read it because of the reference to “Where The Crawdads Sing” .
Not even close . I do not understand the rave reviews. Highly unrealistic, extremely repetitive in descriptions , poor story telling in choppy sentences , no deep connection to any of the characters, plot felt very disjointed and at times utterly unpleasant . And while I’m being harsh ..I will add it was shocking to me that any author could deal with child sexual assault in such a light handed manner and not barely blink an eye and just continue on with the story .
Not even close . I do not understand the rave reviews. Highly unrealistic, extremely repetitive in descriptions , poor story telling in choppy sentences , no deep connection to any of the characters, plot felt very disjointed and at times utterly unpleasant . And while I’m being harsh ..I will add it was shocking to me that any author could deal with child sexual assault in such a light handed manner and not barely blink an eye and just continue on with the story .
April 27, 2024
A Story that Touches the Soul
This book is my new favorite. Reading it made me travel to a magical place in reality. Tommy resides in all of us who believe that the soil, the trees, the foliage and the streams are spiritual happiness.
This book is my new favorite. Reading it made me travel to a magical place in reality. Tommy resides in all of us who believe that the soil, the trees, the foliage and the streams are spiritual happiness.
March 17, 2024
Loved this book.
This is the first book in a long time to really touch my emotions. If I wasn't laughing, I was crying. This book is so well written it takes you right to the meadow and river. I love everything about nature and trying to keep everything as out should be. The story of simple summers and a budding romance. Wonderful read
This is the first book in a long time to really touch my emotions. If I wasn't laughing, I was crying. This book is so well written it takes you right to the meadow and river. I love everything about nature and trying to keep everything as out should be. The story of simple summers and a budding romance. Wonderful read
November 27, 2023
excellent!
This is a very captivating book and is a page turner! I very highly recommend it. Kept me up at night😊
This is a very captivating book and is a page turner! I very highly recommend it. Kept me up at night😊
April 8, 2024
Very disappointed with this book. I disliked the short choppy sentences all the way through. Disjointed timelines seemed wrong. Drawn out with a sudden fix to all the problems at the end.
January 15, 2026
I had no idea what to expect with this book. I did enjoy this story. It takes place in Scotland,in the country and follows a girl and boy’s somewhat secret friendship. The young girl lives with and takes care of her ill father, the boy lives with his family who lives off the land and moves from place to place with the seasons. They meet and develop a friendship that binds them. Tragedies touch both their lives in different ways. Enjoyable read.
April 28, 2024
Before the swallows come back…..
This is a sweet story nicely written of love, determination and warmth. If you enjoy occasionally reading a book that is away from the usual run of murder and mayhem or need an easy vacation read this is the book. I have read people compare it with “ Where the Crawdads Sing” and I too loved that book but this is set in Scotland and is a gentler feel good book. I loved this story and hope you do too!!!!!!!
This is a sweet story nicely written of love, determination and warmth. If you enjoy occasionally reading a book that is away from the usual run of murder and mayhem or need an easy vacation read this is the book. I have read people compare it with “ Where the Crawdads Sing” and I too loved that book but this is set in Scotland and is a gentler feel good book. I loved this story and hope you do too!!!!!!!
April 28, 2024
Loved this book
This is such a lovely story, so descriptive of the countryside and relationships between the characters. I couldn’t put it down and was sorry when it was finished. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is such a lovely story, so descriptive of the countryside and relationships between the characters. I couldn’t put it down and was sorry when it was finished. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 27, 2024
Very sweet
I loved the innocence of this book and love a good ending. The Scottish dialogue was interesting. The writing style, different. Recommend
I loved the innocence of this book and love a good ending. The Scottish dialogue was interesting. The writing style, different. Recommend
April 26, 2024
A lovely book!
This story tells of the collision of two worlds. How greed and hatred can separate one world from the other. I'm so glad I found this book.
This story tells of the collision of two worlds. How greed and hatred can separate one world from the other. I'm so glad I found this book.
July 4, 2023
4.5 rounded up
Really enjoyed this read - agree with the comparison to Crawdads, definitely that kind of vibe.
We follow our main characters from childhood, Charlotte as she cares for her sick father and seeks respite from her daily life in the wilderness, and Tommy, a young Tinker (traveller) as he navigates the world through a different lense.
This was so beautifully written, really transported me to Scotland.
I loved the split perspective of Charlottes more grounded world view and Tommy's very nature focussed more whimsical view.
I particularly found Tommy's travels and the old family tales told, made really interesting reading.
Parts of this were heartbreaking, for both characters, and you end up yearning as they do for them to be reunited.
Dougie's perspective was also a nice addition both to pad out Tommy and Charlottes tales and to add more appreciation of nature.
Charlottes forced move and the events that follow are so difficult, you really feel connected to her. I have to commend Curnow for how sensitivity she wrote a difficult topic.
Charlottes friendship with Em was a really nice about turn for Charlotte's luck and it was lovely to see.
This all came together so well.
Really enjoyed this read - agree with the comparison to Crawdads, definitely that kind of vibe.
We follow our main characters from childhood, Charlotte as she cares for her sick father and seeks respite from her daily life in the wilderness, and Tommy, a young Tinker (traveller) as he navigates the world through a different lense.
This was so beautifully written, really transported me to Scotland.
I loved the split perspective of Charlottes more grounded world view and Tommy's very nature focussed more whimsical view.
I particularly found Tommy's travels and the old family tales told, made really interesting reading.
Parts of this were heartbreaking, for both characters, and you end up yearning as they do for them to be reunited.
Dougie's perspective was also a nice addition both to pad out Tommy and Charlottes tales and to add more appreciation of nature.
Charlottes forced move and the events that follow are so difficult, you really feel connected to her. I have to commend Curnow for how sensitivity she wrote a difficult topic.
Charlottes friendship with Em was a really nice about turn for Charlotte's luck and it was lovely to see.
This all came together so well.
July 4, 2023
4.5 stars. A heartbreakingly beautiful story with the most exquisite descriptions of nature that will sweep you right into the scene. The protagonists Charlotte and Tommy are so wonderfully naive and innocent and perfect protectors of the wilderness. Their stories hold such tragedy but also so much beauty. Each separation made me hold my breath and dream of them finding each other again. The perfect read for lovers of Where the Crawdads Sing. It is impossible to avoid falling under the spell of Before the Swallows Come Back. I found myself longing to sit by the river bank with them, dive into the fresh water, lie under the blanket of stars, listen to the campfire stories, music and songs of Tommy's family camp. A dream read. #beforetheswallowscomeback #fionacurnow
November 19, 2023
Although this book has some disturbing aspects, in general this is a beautiful book that took me ( in my mind) to the forests and small towns in Scotland. And it was a lovely trip. A great story, good people in tough situations, unexpected kindness and the beautiful descriptions of the land. A beautiful book.
August 14, 2024
DNF. I made it to page 139 before giving it up. One dimensional characters & a plot that was all over the place. I kept waiting for the ‘lyrical descriptions of nature’ that I had read in reviews but they hadn’t occurred by the time I gave up.
September 1, 2024
I bought it as I thought it was gonna be like where the crawlers sing but in reality it was nothing like that and still didn’t fully understand the ending.
The book made my brain hurt and I definitely won’t read anything else by this author
The book made my brain hurt and I definitely won’t read anything else by this author
September 22, 2024
So disappointing after all the recommendations. I felt I like I was reading an Enid Blyton Famous Five book (which I loved as a child). Does not hold a candle to "Where the Crawdads Sing." Did not make it past page 30.
March 16, 2025
I mostly liked the book. However the last few chapters were disappointing. It was like a rushed school assignment, "oh crap! This is due tomorrow. I'll just throw an ending on here real quick and call it good." But overall the story kept my interest and had likeable characters.
December 20, 2023
I loved the idea of this story line but the use of the word “wee” was so excessive it became annoying. Disappointed.
November 22, 2024
I just thought this book was meh. To recommend it for fans of The Great Alone and Where the Crawdads Sing, I don’t understand….no comparison!
August 5, 2024
A true highlight of societal prejudices
All the stars and more for this story. To compare it to Crawdads doesn't do it justice. It is so much more than that, so much more real. It's written beautifully, with such rich, vivid descriptions, warmth and found family.
Being of Romani heritage, I felt this in my soul.
It really highlights the flaws in society. How if you don't fit in, if you don't conform to how others think you should be, you get ostracised and criticised.
Tommy and his family were respectful, loved the land and lived by the old ways of the land , embracing nature and all her beauty. I hate how they were persecuted just for being outside societal norms.
It also highlights white privilege at its finest. Thinking that they can just go and take land, destroy nature and displace people for their own gain.
I loved Tommy and Charlotte's friendship and how she embraced him for who he was. How it deepened and strengthened over time.
I won't write to much as don't want to spoil it, but I really think everyone should read this and maybe be a little kinder , a little more thoughtful to those who are different and to respect nature more.
All the stars and more for this story. To compare it to Crawdads doesn't do it justice. It is so much more than that, so much more real. It's written beautifully, with such rich, vivid descriptions, warmth and found family.
Being of Romani heritage, I felt this in my soul.
It really highlights the flaws in society. How if you don't fit in, if you don't conform to how others think you should be, you get ostracised and criticised.
Tommy and his family were respectful, loved the land and lived by the old ways of the land , embracing nature and all her beauty. I hate how they were persecuted just for being outside societal norms.
It also highlights white privilege at its finest. Thinking that they can just go and take land, destroy nature and displace people for their own gain.
I loved Tommy and Charlotte's friendship and how she embraced him for who he was. How it deepened and strengthened over time.
I won't write to much as don't want to spoil it, but I really think everyone should read this and maybe be a little kinder , a little more thoughtful to those who are different and to respect nature more.
August 28, 2024
Good story, reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing, a dramatic and heartfelt read.
June 19, 2025
Heartwarming, beautiful prose, celebrating the wilds of nature.
March 13, 2025
BEFORE THE SWALLOWS COME BACK. By Fiona Curnow.
A beautiful book!
When a novel is described as a mix between’Where the Crawdads Sing’ and Kristin Hannah’s ‘The great alone’ I knew it would be a book I would love.
Two young kids - Charlotte, (who has the responsibility of looking after her ill father) and Tommy, a Tinker living in the forest with his family, are connected at a young age - they come from different worlds, with two very different upbringings. Their worlds collide when by chance they meet up in the woods. Nature bonds these two unique, naive, quirky individuals. Until tragedy strikes and their friendship is forced to take on some difficult challenges. (I suggest keeping the tissues handy.)
This wonderful book is set in the wilds of Scotland, in a place called Perth. It feels extra special for me - it’s a part of the world I will PG be visiting for a wedding later this year.
I loved the friendship, the love and the beauty of nature that is discovered in this magical book. If I could criticise one aspect , it would be the abrupt ending.
Five beautiful stars. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A beautiful book!
When a novel is described as a mix between’Where the Crawdads Sing’ and Kristin Hannah’s ‘The great alone’ I knew it would be a book I would love.
Two young kids - Charlotte, (who has the responsibility of looking after her ill father) and Tommy, a Tinker living in the forest with his family, are connected at a young age - they come from different worlds, with two very different upbringings. Their worlds collide when by chance they meet up in the woods. Nature bonds these two unique, naive, quirky individuals. Until tragedy strikes and their friendship is forced to take on some difficult challenges. (I suggest keeping the tissues handy.)
This wonderful book is set in the wilds of Scotland, in a place called Perth. It feels extra special for me - it’s a part of the world I will PG be visiting for a wedding later this year.
I loved the friendship, the love and the beauty of nature that is discovered in this magical book. If I could criticise one aspect , it would be the abrupt ending.
Five beautiful stars. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews