Under the Hornbeams : Faber & Faber : 9780571379804 : 057137980X : 18 Jan 2024 : 'Reading it feels like slowing down to take a breath' - EVENING STANDARD 'Open-air theatre between two covers, powered by strength of character and beautiful writing.' - NICHOLAS CRANE 'A stunning book. Soulful and honest, it is a riveting, original story about friendship, freedom and the lives we share.' - TIFFANY WATT SMITH * 'I'm not homeless: this is my home!' Nick points to the branches of the hornbeam under which we are standing, its leaves still glistening in the aftermath of the morning rain. On one of the lower branches sits a robin, joining our conversation. It seems to be saying: Why should anyone want to leave this place? Nick and Pascal live and sleep outside in central London. They are an unusual duo: Nick is an avid reader of history and philosophy able to converse on any topic; Pascal is quiet, spending much of his time lying still, communicating silently with birds and animals. They h