What are you reading? “We Walked the Sky” by Lisa Fielder

 Noelia's Contribution

The Book

Source:Amazon

I picked up “We Walked the Sky” by Lisa Fielder partly because I’ve been trying to explore stories I wouldn’t normally read. So, I plunged into this novel expecting an enjoyable reading, and for a good portion of the book, that’s exactly what I found. The novel is divided into two different timeline stories. One of them is set in 1965 and the other in the present. Initially, it works beautifully, creating a quiet tension in the separate narratives unfold, which are destined to collide.

What stayed with me the most is the main book’s themes. In one of the stories, a teenager escapes an abusive father. She ran away, finding refuge in a circus, where she is forced to construct a new identity to survive and, most importantly, to be free. In contrast, the other storyline centred on a mother trying to show her daughter a wider world beyond the circus, one filled with new experiences and the possibility of forming meaningful friendships outside that environment.

Additionally, my engagement with the novel wasn’t consistent; the description of the circus life often felt overly romanticised, naive and safe, lacking the grit and complexity that such a setting naturally suggests. This idealisation made parts of the story feel less authentic than they could have been.

Most significantly, the present-day narrative gradually loses its strength. What begins as intriguing slowly falls into familiar patterns, relying on clichés. I found myself anticipating plot developments that would far too easily fade my curiosity.

In the end, We Walked the Sky is a novel that, for me, contains genuinely interesting ideas and moments of emotional resonance, particularly in its first half. But it struggles to sustain that depth throughout. I wouldn’t say it disappointed me entirely, but neither did it leave a lasting impression. 

The Author

Source: Islapedia

Lisa Fiedler is an American author recognized for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Her work encompasses a variety of genres, including contemporary fiction and fantasy, and often features imaginative reinterpretations of classical texts, particularly those inspired by William Shakespeare. Among her most notable works are Dating Hamlet and Romeo’s Ex, which offer innovative perspectives on well-known literary characters.

In addition to her literary achievements, Fiedler has demonstrated versatility in her writing style, appealing to a broad readership. She resides in the United States, where she continues to develop her work as an author.