Run Wild, Run Free by Fiona Glass

Run Wild, Run Free is a unique book about two outcasts from two different lives, coming together and bring free. 

From the blurb:

Growing up in a 1950s mining village in the English midlands is hard for someone like Joey, who’s known he was different since he was a kid. All he wants to do is run wild on the hills, watching nature and indulging his love of art. All his parents want is for him to settle down: marriage, a home of his
own, a steady job down the mine, and not so much as a whiff of art college. But none of that appeals to him.

Everything changes the summer he turns eighteen, when the travellers come to town. They’re here for the local farmer’s beet harvest, but the villagers resent them and Joe’s mam won’t even let him speak to them. Dirty, lazy, good-for-nothing layabouts, she calls them. But when Joe meets Billy on the hill behind the village, the man isn’t dirty at all, just good-looking, good-humoured and surprisingly kind. Best of all, Billy shares his love of the natural world.

Unbeknown to his family the two become friends, and then more than friends. But when the farmer’s barn burns down and Joe’s brother Rob puts the blame on Billy, Joe must decide whether to stay loyal to his family, or grow up fast and risk everything he’s familiar with to help the man he’s come to love.

Angel's Review:

I've never read anything by Fiona Glass before, she's a new-to-me author, and I'm definitely going to be looking at more of her books after reading this! 

Run Wild, Run Free tells the story of Joey, who just turned eighteen but none of his family acknowledges his birthday, nor do they tet to understand him. He's different than his family members, he doesn't want to eat meat, he loves art, he hates the idea of working at a mine with his dad and brother, and he doesn't understand why everyone is so hateful towards the gypsies. 

Once he gets to know Billy, he can't understand why people are so hateful towards them. Billy is beautiful, free, independent, strong, and courageous. Joey could learn a lot from him, and he wants to. He loves his family, but after his brother falsely accuses Billy of a crime he didn't commit, he can no longer stay with his judgmental family. 

I really enjoyed this story, the setting takes place in the 1950's and the writing reflects that. I have to be honest, books that are written in that point of time usually aren't my favorite, but I really liked this book. It was unique in the way it was written, and the way the characters talked was very reflective of the time period. I was smiling throughout reading this sweet story. Joey found his person, the one who encourages him, supports him, and loves him just the way he is. 

"Beautiful is what you are, Joey. You're like a little wild animal, and you can't live all boxed up in a cage like the rest of them. You're coming with me, and I'm going to let you run free, just as you were meant to. I'll set you free."

For Run Wild, Run Free being a short story there is so much packed into this! Please get yourself a copy today!

Rating: 5 Stars

Run Wild, Run Free is available to buy as an ebook