‘Fledging’ by Rose Diell: magical realism meets existential life questions

Fledging is a novella written by Rose Diell which was long listed for the Reflex Press Novella Award 2022. It follows a woman in her thirties, Lia, as she navigates making the biggest decision of her life: whether or not to have children.

Doctors warn Lia that she will soon be out of time, considered a ‘geriatric pregnancy’, and could regret not having children soon.

With her partner touring the world as a musician and her mother terminally ill, Lia is left alone with deciding whether or not motherhood is for her.

When one day, Lia shockingly lays an egg, the role of mother, or caregiver, is thrust upon her.

But motherhood is not Lia’s only dream. She is an aspiring songwriter, and while caring for the egg, which she calls Bird, she is also desperately trying to write the perfect song.

As Lia watches her friends move on with their lives through marriage and children, she struggles to be a supportive and compassionate friend.

She finds herself reaching out to her dying mother for support, questioning if she has any regrets in her own path, and within the book comes an incredible search for meaning.

“I adored this book. Fledging is so beautifully and cleverly written, drawing the reader in on the first page.” 

Diell has an incredible ability to write characters that feel so real and relatable. As a woman in my late twenties, I could strongly relate to so many elements of this book. 

I particularly loved the use of magical realism- Lia laying an egg feels like an impossibility, both for her and the reader, and yet the themes explored feel so real and engaging.

Exploring motherhood in this way hits on so many emotions that a new mother would feel: isolation, confusion and love, but in a way that feels novel and innovative. 

I adored this book. Fledging is so beautifully and cleverly written, drawing the reader in on the first page.

It is the perfect story for someone embarking upon this journey, but I truly believe that anyone can learn something from the novella.

People who can have children will understand the challenging decision-making process, as we are forced to choose between a career and parenthood.

For those who cannot carry a child, it is a beautiful insight into the mind of someone deep in the battle. 

Diell perfectly writes this scenario, without preaching or guilt-tripping, into an honest, open and often funny walk in Lia’s shoes. A must-read for parents and childfree adults alike.

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