Description

This intimate and emotionally resonant memoir follows Barley Lightfoot’s transformative journey from a reckless, grief-stricken youth to a steady, devoted father and partner. Haunted by the early loss of his father, Barley initially uses a persona of high-energy 'questing' and tabletop fantasy to shield himself from the raw pain of reality. However, his life takes a definitive turn when he meets Sybella, an ancient princess and powerful magic user from a lost era. Through raw diary entries and therapy sessions, the narrative explores Barley’s difficult path toward emotional maturity. He grapples with explosive anger, the weight of family legacy, and the terrifying vulnerability of building a stable life. As the couple navigates modern milestones—from driving lessons in Barley's beloved van, Guinevere, to the high stakes of home-buying and the arrival of their son, Wilden Jr.—they must reconcile their traumatic pasts with a hopeful future. This is a poignant exploration of found family, the labor of healing, and the quiet heroism found in showing up for the ones you love. Comparable works include Onward

Channels