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Friends, Phone Calls and Freedom
Saffire Claridge
Description:
Friends, Phone Calls, and Freedom is a page turning novel with an unexpected twist at the end. Through relatable stories, honest insights, and empowering reflections, Michelle Swann captures the joys and challenges of growing up—friendships, independence, communication, and the search for identity. This engaging and uplifting read reminds young people that true freedom comes from self-awareness, healthy choices, and meaningful connections.
Synopsis:
Friends, Phone Calls, and Freedom is a sweeping, emotionally rich novel that traces the intertwined lives of Jane and Kiera—two girls bound by childhood friendship, tested by distance, hardship, and the brutal realities of adulthood, but ultimately sustained by love, resilience, and the quiet power of chosen family. The story begins in their Edmonton childhood, where friendship becomes a lifeline amid fractured homes. When Jane flees at sixteen, her journey leads her to Vancouver, early motherhood, and a life built from scratch. Kiera, meanwhile, faces her own storms: love, loss, and an abusive marriage that nearly destroys her. Through it all, their connection—at times broken, at times renewed—remains a thread pulling them toward survival. As Jane raises her son James with fierce devotion, she navigates poverty, grief, and the complicated men in her life. Kiera finds herself silenced in a marriage defined by cruelty, until Jane intervenes in a way that blurs morality but delivers liberation. Their bond deepens as adults, stitched together by daily phone calls, long-distance care, and moments of hard-won joy. Across decades, the novel explores young love, single motherhood, illness, loss, and new beginnings—spanning Canada, Europe, and the quiet spaces of kitchens, phone booths, and ferry decks. Ultimately, it is about women who refuse to be defined by what has broken them, who claim their freedom through loyalty, imagination, and courage. By its close, Jane and Kiera arrive at peace hard-earned: family built by choice, safety reclaimed, and a belief in love that does not wound. Friends, phone calls, and freedom—once fragile lifelines—become enduring pillars of a life lived with tenderness and truth.
Content Overview:
Introduction: Life in the age of connection and constant communication
Chapter 1: Friendship Foundations – What makes a real friend and how to nurture positive relationships
Chapter 2: Phone Calls, Texts, and Social Media – Balancing digital connection with real-life interaction
Chapter 3: Finding Your Voice – Communicating honestly and confidently
Chapter 4: Boundaries and Balance – Knowing when to unplug and protect your peace
Chapter 5: Freedom and Responsibility – Growing independence, decision-making, and self-respect
Chapter 6: Lessons in Connection – Building empathy, resilience, and authentic self-expression
Reflection Activities: Journaling prompts, discussion questions, and self-discovery exercises
Why I wrote it:
I wrote Friends, Phone Calls, and Freedom for a close friend who is living in an abusive situation. My intention was to create a story that not only acknowledges the pain and challenges of such circumstances, but also offers hope for a brighter future. I wanted to show that healing, happiness, and love are possible—and that life can hold better relationships built on kindness, respect, and joy. In this novel, the abuser faces the consequences of their actions, while the main character discovers freedom, true companionship, and a life where she is valued and cherished.
Reviews:
1. “Swann writes adolescence with startling honesty—capturing the ache of friendship and
the sweetness of small rebellions. A book that lingers long after the last page.”
— Katherine Doyle, The Youth Reader
2. “A radiant coming-of-age story that celebrates the power of connection. I couldn’t help
but smile at the tender details of friendship woven through every chapter.”
— Marcus Li, West Coast Book Review
3. “This is the kind of book I wish I had as a teenager—hopeful, heartfelt, and just a little
rebellious. Swann reminds us that freedom often begins with a phone call.”
— Tanya Richards, Prairie Voices Literary Blog
4. “Swann balances humor and heartbreak in a way that feels utterly authentic. The
friendships here are messy, real, and unforgettable.”
— David Harper, Toronto Book Review
5. “A luminous story about the small acts of courage that shape who we become. Readers
young and old will find themselves reflected in these pages.
