Wow this is really a beautiful story. I don't typically like stories about traveling but this was about so much more than that. Nice job.

I really enjoyed this book, which to me had to do with the characters psyche. (the human soul, mind, or spirit.) and all three of these come into play
It is a story of questions, seeking answers and trying to find ones own way in a life full of uncertainties. Its interesting use of Aphorism, and the need to know things, makes this a very interesting story of people who just see things differently.
It is the story of a sister and brother, Charlotte and Ethan who are a couple of years apart, but who had always been there for each other, until the sister takes off, to live her reality and leaves a confused brother, full of questions. She seems to have fallen off the radar in South East Asia, and that is where Ethan decides to go in search of her, having only a clue from her last correspondence, and this takes him on a journey through Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Once there he finds the place she had last been seen, and by chance she had moved on without her diary. This diary not only gives him a clue as to where she is heading, but through flashback to their family life, we can more clearly see how their lives were together.
Ethan meets people that help him figure out where he needs to go, who give him support and camaraderie and try to answer some of his questions..
Elodie, a young woman he meets who is also trying to find her wants and needs, joins him on his journey to find his sister. They have a strong bond and are a good support for each other.
This is not a story that will wrap up in a neat or clear conclusion in many ways but it was a story that was very interesting to read. The author has a very descriptive way of writing and the reader will feel like they are there with the characters on their journey.
A very unexpected read which I appreciated.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Troubadore Publishing (Matador) for the ARC of this book

Thank you Netgalley and Troubador Publishing for the ARC

"There's nothing worse than freedom when you have no place to be." This book touched me to the core. Charlotte's habit of writing aphorisms and Ethan's dealing with modes, kindred spirits thinking deep thoughts, so beautiful it hurts. I couldn't put it down and kept highlighting.
Enter Southeast Asia, very well described sights, sounds, smells and a bit of history. I could just picture myself covered in red-orange dust, on a mission to find out what happened to Charlotte.
The Journal is a gem of a story moving at a great pace, a must read!