Astra

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If you could see yourself as others see you, would you be closer to the truth of who you are? This debut novel reveals the multifaceted life of Astra Brine through the perspectives of ten people she meets over six decades. Raised in a remote BC commune by a neglectful father, Astra eventually moves to Calgary, where she grapples with the complexities of dependence, love, need, and desire. Her life intersects with a variety of individuals—each encounter brief yet intense—who seek to rescue, control, or escape her, reflecting their own struggles and desires. These include a childhood friend who fears Astra's unpredictability, a stranger who saves her from homelessness while facing his own issues, a mother who hires her as a nanny amid marital troubles, and a man who marries her in a leap of faith. Astra remains an elusive yet compelling figure, illustrating the profound impact one person can have on others and the power dynamics in all relationships, regardless of intimacy. This beautifully constructed novel delves into what we are willing to give and receive from others and questions how well we truly know those we love most.