‘The Library’ by Bella Osborne: Home is wherever you choose it to be

Bella Osborne's book The Library follows two main characters, Maggie and Tom. Maggie, 72, lives with her lambs and chickens on the big farm she owns. Maggie does not mind a lone life; she enjoys it. But as they say, humans are social beings, so we need to be connected to others. And Maggie is nothing but a human being.

"Maggie liked her own company and her own space, but she forced herself to make a trip to the village every week. Without it, she would likely not see or speak to anyone."

One evening, Maggie was mugged by teenage boys on her way home from the library. This is when she meets Tom, who comes to her rescue.

Tom is a 16-year-old who describes himself as an invisible person. Tom lost his mother at a young age, forcing him to be raised by his alcoholic father, Paul. 

Just like Maggie has a reason to leave her home to visit the library, so does Tom. Tom visits the library after a long time because he is escaping the silence in his home with his father.

Despite their age gap, the two bond over their shared love of books, forming an unlikely but powerful friendship.

"I always felt happy when I came to the library. It was the time I had mum to myself. It was the thing we did together."

Grief is something that humans, regardless of age, experience at some point in their lives. Each person has a unique way of experiencing it; however, it is important to acknowledge that with age comes wisdom and proper tools to manage one's grief and loss.

Osborne uses both Tom and Maggie to highlight this phenomenon. Both of these characters have lost people they love. In some ways, this is how they connect at a deeper level because they understand what it feels like to grieve.

The book also highlights the hurtful impact of alcoholism, not just on the individual but on their loved ones. An alcoholic rarely sees his drinking as a problem. This is the case for Tom and his father. For Tom's father, Paul, alcohol is a futile escape from his pain. "Having a drink helped. I stopped it all. Gave me a break. And then the next day, it is all back. I'm right in the middle of it all again. No escape. So I'd pick another bottle."

For Tom, it is the slow loss of his father. "Dad was leaving me too. Not the same way Mum had done; his was a slow, painful way to go. The alcohol was chipping him away."

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2019, it was estimated that around 400 million people aged 15 and older were living with alcohol use disorders, with approximately 209 million of them classified as having alcohol dependence.

Osborne weaves these personal struggles into a more extensive commentary on community and advocacy. When the local council announces plans to close three libraries, Maggie, Tom, and other library supporters—including the book club ladies, Tom's friend Farah, and Christine, the librarian—mobilise their community to fight back.

Osborne offers a thoughtful picture of grassroots activism, emphasising the importance of demonstrating the value of threatened services using the media and organising peaceful protests.

The author has done a brilliant job with character development from early on in the book. The relationship between Maggie and Tom is vital in showcasing how each generation perceives life based on their experiences. Both generations have something to learn from the other.

The young generation is learning to be kind and understand that everyone has reasons to be and do what they do. Tom learns from Maggie to give himself and his dad grace because both try their best. Maggie learns from Tom to open herself to the world and connect with others. Yes, she can do fine by herself, but she can do better with loved ones around her.

The Library is a story about books, but it is also about much more. It examines father-son relationships, the resilience needed to face life's challenges, and the comfort found in the community. Osborne's characters remind us that while independence is admirable, life is richer when shared with others. This is a beautiful place to start for book lovers and those seeking inspiration.

Jane Shussa is passionate about books, coffee, nature, and travel. She serves as a Senior Digital Communications Officer for Twaweza East Africa.