About the Cover
The pivotal moment in Freddie’s story came during a simple trip to the toy shop, when Freddie was finally old enough to choose his own birthday present. Without hesitation, he picked out a ragdoll. That choice, innocent and joyful, became a defining moment of his story.
It was in that moment that Freddie’s family began to realise he was different, not in a way that needed fixing, but in a way that challenged their expectations. The decision stirred a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, worry, even heartache, and sadly not much acceptance.
How does a family reconcile their feelings when a child finds joy in something the world insists is not meant for them? It is a complex question. But for Freddie, there was no confusion, only pure happiness as he cradled his new doll. And in that joy, everything made sense to him.
This part of the story had to be the cover of the book in our eyes.It’s in that quiet moment, a little boy gazing out the window, eyes wide with wonder and unspoken questions, that the world begins to unfold before him, vast and unknowable. His face, soft and delicate, almost angelic, holds a kind of fragile beauty that makes the heart ache. We hope the reader can’t help but picture him, his gentle spirit, the innocence in his smile, the light in his eyes, and wonder how such a tender soul will find his way in a world not yet ready to embrace him.
Born into the early 20th century, he will grow into a man who loves differently, quietly, bravely. And still, through the shadows he will walk with grace, with kindness, with a heart that never hardens. The illustration invites the reader to not just see him, but to feel him, to fall in love with the boy he is and the man he becomes. A boy who, despite everything, never stops being a source of light in a world that too often tries to dim him.Greta Lily Finn admired a poet called Matthew Arnold. On the front of the handwritten manuscript, she quoted a small phrase from Arnold as inspiration for the book. This phrase was added to the opening pages of the printed version. Only: “Taken from a string of golden threads” which she repeats beneath the title.
Author notes inspired by Arnold:
Taken from a string of golden threads
Each on his own, strict line we move
And some find death, ere they find love
So far apart their lives are thrown
From the twin soul which halves their own.
— M. Arnold
This beautiful and poignant verse is rich with romantic melancholy and existential reflection. It echoes themes Matthew Arnold often explored, including fate, isolation, the search for connection, and the sorrow of missed chances. It felt especially appropriate for the era in which Greta Lily Finn was feeling her most vulnerable.Excerpt from the book, inspiration for the Rag Doll in the artwork:
Freddie looked up, smiling and realising something good was going to happen today. Catching the bus, her shopping bag in hand, she sat Freddie on the seat where his excited eyes took in all the cars and buses passing. It was not long before they arrived at the chain store. Ethel made her way to the toy department, where Freddie stood goggle-eyed.
“Does Freddie like this lovely car?” she asked, picking up an inexpensive car. But Freddie had spied a rag doll. Its gaudy face and straggly wool hair looked straight at you with the button eyes.
Freddie reached for it.
“Oh, come on Fred, you don’t want a doll, you’re a big boy, have the aeroplane instead.” Freddie looked up at her, disregarding all the boy’s toys and looking piteous.
“Freddie dolly,” he lisped, pointing to it. Ethel went wild!
“I told you no doll.” With that, Freddie sobbed. People stared, looking at the small child with pity.
“Put that doll in a bag, please,” an embarrassed Ethel requested the attendant. She grabbed the bag, and Freddie, and almost dragged him from the shop.
After completing her shopping, she made her way home. Freddie, his eyes still red from crying, looked anything but happy, and he knew his mother was angry. When Ethel reached home, she made herself a strong cup of tea and sat down. Her mind was in turmoil.
Why, she thought, would any little boy want a doll? Her other boys always wanted trains, planes and marbles, and all the toys little boys love. She gulped a mouthful of the tea, then suddenly realised - where was Freddie?
