Thanksgiving has never been something I’ve celebrated living in the UK, but since writing The Luke Bright Series, I feel much more drawn to American celebrations. That’s also something Luke’s had to get used to in an even greater way, having never heard about these festivals due to The Atlantic Split. But now, in his current alternate timeline, he’s had to become a fully fledged American, so these celebrations are natural to him. But how easy is it really for him to integrate that well into a culture and country he knew nothing about?

WARNING: This blog contains spoilers

As we know from At Liberty To Live and An Undercover Dream, Luke’s false lives are always short, but being able to remain undercover is a skill he’s had to master quickly. Luke is lucky in a way he’s so good at acting because he can fully immerse himself in his new roles and characters he lives in. Plus, he’s great at accents so he’s never had that problem.

However, things like the vocabulary and very different cultural references that come naturally to all Americans are what trip him up. Whilst he can certainly try, he can’t learn every little thing about being American and it’s always a risk that he won’t be able to maintain his cover. Luckily, most of the time he’s able to make an excuse due to being able to improvise swiftly.

Nevertheless, Luke being able to integrate and hide in plain sight so easily does highlight one thing. How ridiculous the Atlantic Split is. Whilst a lot of it is down to Luke being able to maintain his cover so well, if people close to him can’t even tell the difference, then why is the Atlantic Split such a big deal? It’s the same argument that underlies all prejudice, and the stupidity of it comes out in An Undercover Dream when one particular character has their prejudices challenged because they never noticed Luke’s real nationality.

Brits and Americans are really no different, and neither are we as human beings, yet prejudice is still around in this day and age when it really shouldn’t be. So this Thanksgiving just take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday: different cultures coming together. Let’s not lose that meaning this many years on.

So, what’s Luke going to be doing this Thanksgiving? Well, as Riverdene technically gives students some time off over Thanksgiving, a lot of students will be remaining there. As Luke has no other home to go to, he’ll be spending it at his accommodation with his friends. Most likely, they’ll be sharing food, banter and memories that will only bring them all closer together. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Atlantic Split, At Liberty To Live and An Undercover Dream, the first three books in The Luke Bright Series are available to purchase NOW! The final book of the series is to be revealed.

Please follow me on my blog and social media links below, and use the links on my website to purchase a copy of each if you have not done so. Don’t forget to leave a review! Thank you once again for taking the time to read this blog post.

N.A.K.