Maria Clark

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11th October 2025

Ideas of Sovereignty in Sherlock Holmes | Essay

As the 'only [consulting detective] in the world', Sherlock Holmes is revered for his ability to
discern the answer to even the most complex of problems. When faced with the concept of
sovereignty, however, even he might stumble. Who, or what, holds sovereignty in Sherlock's
adventures?

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First Story • 6th October 2025

Heartless | First Story

/ˈhɑːtləs/

Adjective
1. displaying a lack of feeling or consideration
2. lacking a heart

I hope you’re looking after it. I hope you’re looking after it like a mother looks after her child. Caring, sharing, hardly daring to breathe in case something goes wrong. I picture it by your side, always. Because that’s where I left it, wasn’t it? By your side; in your arms – thinking we’d be together forever and ever and ever. My heart sits on your bed, waiting for you to wake. It’s small – smaller than you’d think...

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Page Turner Awards • 6th October 2025

The Vow | Page Turner Awards

I hate weddings.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a bride and groom. Or a bride and bride. Or whoever wants to marry whoever. I don’t care.

But the wedding itself…I mean, seriously?

Whoever came up with the idea of a wedding was definitely a psychopath. Think about it. It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life, right? Yet it’s also the one day where all the warring factions of your family are brought together under the pretence of peace and love.
If that isn’t asking for the next Hunger Gam...

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Page Turner Awards • 6th October 2025

The Woven Basket | Page Turner Awards

New York

6th December 1956

Dear Bobby,

You must consider this a Christmas card - and forgive me that I haven’t sent a proper one. I’d saved a real nice one, with Santa on the front and glitter on the chimney and everything, but Eddie came in and said I had to send it to The Witch.
Anyway, Happy Christmas from New York! You know, this marks nearly two years of our correspondence - two years since I sent that first letter, thinking it would never go anywhere. And look where we are now!
I know I’ve...

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Page Turner Awards • 6th October 2025

Ronnie & Me | Page Turner Awards

Ronnie’s always going somewhere. Mum likes to joke the reason she was born three weeks before her due date was because she already had plans.

“Busy from day one,” Dad says, rolling his eyes. “Always a partier.”

He’s right about that. Today, when I open the door, she’s standing on the front step with a cigarette in one hand and her camera in the other. Pink cowboy hat, fringed boots, and that wicked, wicked smile.

“About time, Thea. I’m late already!”

She pushes past me into the hall. There’s...

Interrail • 9th March 2023

The Ultimate Interrail Bucket List

Planning your Interrail Pass trip but not sure where to go? You've come to the right place.

We've put together the Ultimate Interrail Bucket List, filled with all the must-do experiences while travelling in Europe. Whether you're a first-time Interrailer or a seasoned traveller, see how many of these experiences you can tick off. From watching the Northern Lights in Norway to rafting in Slovakia, there's a new challenge for everyone. Are you ready? Choose a country to get started.

Viva • 11th March 2023

I Shouldn't Need to Write This

Once upon a time there was a princess, trapped in a tower. Then one day, a prince came along and rescued her…and they both lived happily ever after.

The princess, locked away, imprisoned against her will. We’re always told that there’s something guarding her; something keeping her inside. A dragon, perhaps. Or a big kraken, scaling the cliffs up to the castle.

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Greece

Greece has a certain magic about it that just can't be beaten. With 227 islands and an ancient mainland, it's almost impossible to see it all, but we dare you to try! Check out our bucket list for all the essential experiences during your island-hopping.

It's hard to miss the Acropolis when you're in Athens. Rising above the sea of white, this archaeological site symbolises the ancient world more than anything else. Head up to the Parthenon and explore the ruins of ancient Greece, the birthplac

Experience Zakynthos • 14th December 2020

Secret Traditions of Zakynthos

Zakynthos is a treasure chest of beauty and wonder, with its sweeping landscapes and glittering panoramas of the Ionian Sea. But look a little closer – hidden between the traditional houses, and amongst the beautiful architecture – and you’ll find a rich culture, bursting with traditions and customs. Here are some of our favourite secret traditions of Zakynthos, spread across the year…

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Norway

Whenever you're heading to a Scandinavian country, this natural phenomenon must be on your list. Norway is one of the top destinations to see the Aurora Borealis, so don't miss them! They appear between September and March. Although the best views are found to the far north of the country, such as near Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands, you may still see the Lights from the easier-to-reach southern cities like Bergen.

Interrail • 9th March 2023

The Netherlands

There are so many delicious Dutch treats to try, but if we had to pick one, it would be the stroopwafel. Two thin layers of waffle, sandwiched together with syrup or caramel. You can buy these treats in any supermarket, but why not try a fresh one from the market in Gouda, the stroopwafel's birthplace? And we warn you now - once you've had one, you'll be begging for more...

9th March 2023

The Autistic Traveller's Guide to Europe

It was only on the bus - careening its way across a tiny, fjord-side road – that I saw Aurlandsfjord for the first time. It was a brief glimpse, and I definitely didn’t comprehend the gravity of my surroundings until later, but for a first peek, it was enough. A dark, crimped surface of water, with the mountains shouldering each other like schoolboys ready to dive into the depths below.

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9th March 2023

A Flight of Locks

We call it the Pink House, though it’s really peach. The colour of the first swathes of sunrise
on a winter’s day. It looks like a house in Menton or Cassis, in France. Not perched on the
banks of the Grand Union Canal, on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, England.

Bandit Fiction • 9th September 2021

The Lemon Grove by Maria Clark

Tourists, definitely. You’d never get hair that messy on un’italiana. A mother and two daughters, playing it safe.

The restaurant is full, but the queue keeps extending, sliding around the corner and along la terrazza to the bit where the tourists take selfies with the bay.

I love it when that happens. Sometimes it’s difficult not to just stop and watch them: the parents fidgeting, checking their watches to catch the last train; the children, eyes wide, mouths open, as they stare at the diners

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Slovenia

This really goes without saying. There's not much that could make Lake Bled better than it already is, but seeing the sun rise across the Julian Alps is something very special. Head up to Mala Osojnica for the iconic view across the mystical lake, and take snacks!

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9th March 2023

Les Moulins

She wants to be a sage-femme.

The conversation crumbles between us like the rocks beneath my sandals. They’re not equipped for climbing to the windmill, nor am I equipped with more than a hesitant grasp of her language.

Words spill amongst the murmuring of the crickets; the sun is setting above Nissan-lez-Enserune, and they sing in force as we stumble among the white rocks and weeds of the fitness trail.

Experience Zakynthos • 29th April 2021

Lambri: Experience a Traditional Greek Easter

This week, it’s Holy Week: the most important week for the Greek Orthodox Church. Why? It’s the period of both mourning and celebration with the crucifixion of Christ on Holy Friday, and his resurrection on midnight on Holy Saturday.

You might not really do much for Easter, but here on Zakynthos, Holy Week is one of the most important events in the cultural calendar. Picture a sea of candles, swaying in the midnight air; the scent of incense, drifting alongside a church procession. Imagine the

Experience Zakynthos • 3rd May 2021

Ancient Athens: a celebration of history, culture and wonder

Many people say that Athens was the birthplace of modern civilisation. It was the birthplace of democracy, of the first city-state and ancient Greece as we know it. Now, you might associate it with magnificent ancient temples, rising into the sky, with glorious ancient treasures around every corner. But Athens is so much more than that.

Bathed in history, culture and nature, Athens is unmistakeably a city of life and modernity. With our incredible Ancient Athens package, discover both ancient a

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Iconic Cities in Europe

Maybe you're visiting Europe for the first time, or simply want to see all the famous cities on one trip. Whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered...

Instagram • 9th March 2023

Maria | Travel The World (@words_of_the_wanderer_)

3,379 followers, 6,097 following, 223 posts – see Instagram photos and videos from Maria 🌅 | Travel The World ✨🌍 (@words_of_the_wanderer_)

SCAN Lancaster • 11th October 2020

Your College Needs YOU - Why joining college sports will be the best decision of your university career

With so many societies on campus, college sports teams may merely seem like yet another thing for you to spend money on. But you’re wrong. I joined Cartmel College Netball Club during freshers’ week, and it was absolutely the best decision I have made since coming to university. So why should you join?

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Travel Personality Quiz

How do you like to travel?

Do you plan everything months in advance, or leave things until the last minute? Do you like to relax on holiday, or explore everything you can?

Whether you’re in it for adventure, relaxation or simply to take those Instagrammable shots, we’re here to help. That's why we've created our travel personality pages - so you can identify your travel preferences and the things that really make your trip worthwhile. With travel tips, personalised recommendations and tailored

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Local Discoverer

There's nothing like a bit of organisation, right? When you travel, you like to have everything in order - otherwise, you won't relax when you get there. Train tickets, passports and accommodation are all arranged, ready for your adventure.

As a Local Discoverer, you're well aware of your own needs and limits when travelling. Safety is paramount for you, whether at your destination, in your accommodation, or when travelling from place to place. You love visiting places for history, culture and

Interrail • 9th March 2023

Trailblazer

You've never been one to say no to a challenge. As a child, you dreamed of faraway places, wanting to explore as much of the world as you could. Now, it's time to make those dreams a reality.