Exile and Belonging

The Earthquake Bird

This flow traces exile as both chosen escape and imposed separation, linking Lucy Fly, Lily Bridges, and the remote destination of Sado Island.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Exile by Choice An Exile by Choice from "The Earthquake Bird". An Exile by Choice Leaving the Family Lucy departs for Japan after studying languages, without seeking a farewell from Miriam Fly.

An Exile by Choice from "The Earthquake Bird". An Exile by Choice Leaving the Family Lucy departs for Japan after studying languages, without seeking a farewell from Miriam Fly.

An Exile by Choice Leaving the Family Lucy departs for Japan after studying languages, without seeking a farewell from Miriam Fly. Distance gives her room to shape an identity away from her childhood. Home in a Foreign City Tokyo eventually becomes the place Lucy calls home, though she remains isolated within it. Belonging is something she constructs through work, friendship, and habits rather than inheritance.

An Island of Exiles An Island of Exiles from "The Earthquake Bird". An Island of Exiles A Place With a History Lucy thinks of Sado Island as a place historically used for exiles and political outsiders.

An Island of Exiles from "The Earthquake Bird". An Island of Exiles A Place With a History Lucy thinks of Sado Island as a place historically used for exiles and political outsiders.

An Island of Exiles A Place With a History Lucy thinks of Sado Island as a place historically used for exiles and political outsiders. Its reputation makes it seem suited to two women living far from their former homes. Projection and Escape The trip promises distance from Tokyo and from Lily’s unresolved life with Andy. Lucy’s idea of the island reflects her own attraction to places that let a person leave without explaining why.

A Temporary Home A Temporary Home from "The Earthquake Bird". A Temporary Home Mrs. Katoh’s Offer Mrs. Katoh invites Lucy to live with her rather than return to an empty apartment.

A Temporary Home from "The Earthquake Bird". A Temporary Home Mrs. Katoh’s Offer Mrs. Katoh invites Lucy to live with her rather than return to an empty apartment.

A Temporary Home Mrs. Katoh’s Offer Mrs. Katoh invites Lucy to live with her rather than return to an empty apartment. Lucy accepts despite saying she has nowhere to go and feels trapped in Tokyo’s circles. Belonging Through Care The offer does not solve Lucy’s grief, but it gives her meals, company, and a place in which to write to Jonathan. Home begins to mean being cared for, not simply being in one country.

When Lucy Fly leaves Britain for Japan

As Lucy Fly plans the trip with Lily Bridges

After Lucy Fly’s release from custody