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A review by faliiza
Mother Sea by Lorraine Wilson
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ARC REVIEW
“Sisi’s words were stacked like books in her throat, each one filled with thousands of others, nested questions.”
This book is incredibly beautifully written, it’s food for your soul ♥️ The gorgeous writing is in contrast with the super heavy themes, which creates a haunting atmosphere. This story will stay on my mind.
“They are old ways in your mind. They should not be so; they should be now, they should be in everything.”
Tradition versus outside influence is one of the main themes. A deeply isolated group battling with climate change and the balance of keeping up with their ways and accepting outside help and modern amenities. Choosing to stay on the struggling island or relocate and risk losing themselves. What must they do to survive?
“Just because you want this thing, why must I?”
The story is written from two POVs. Sisi is trying to save her community by studying the island and uncovering new crops. She wants to utilise modern science and medicine, while maintaining respect for their old ways. An outsider, Kit, has been sent to the island to recover from his recent suicide attempt. He’s struggling to find a purpose, a will to live. Both of these characters are highly relatable, complex and very realistic.
”It was horror and loss and bleeding heart pushed beyond bearing.”
This story makes you feel a lot of feelings. Mostly painful and sad ones but also hope and fondness. The writing makes you really experience these emotions right alongside the characters.
I love to find literary gems like this! I think I highlighted more lines than ever before, there was something about this story and writing that just spoke to me ♥️
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this arc copy!
“Sisi’s words were stacked like books in her throat, each one filled with thousands of others, nested questions.”
This book is incredibly beautifully written, it’s food for your soul ♥️ The gorgeous writing is in contrast with the super heavy themes, which creates a haunting atmosphere. This story will stay on my mind.
“They are old ways in your mind. They should not be so; they should be now, they should be in everything.”
Tradition versus outside influence is one of the main themes. A deeply isolated group battling with climate change and the balance of keeping up with their ways and accepting outside help and modern amenities. Choosing to stay on the struggling island or relocate and risk losing themselves. What must they do to survive?
“Just because you want this thing, why must I?”
The story is written from two POVs. Sisi is trying to save her community by studying the island and uncovering new crops. She wants to utilise modern science and medicine, while maintaining respect for their old ways. An outsider, Kit, has been sent to the island to recover from his recent suicide attempt. He’s struggling to find a purpose, a will to live. Both of these characters are highly relatable, complex and very realistic.
”It was horror and loss and bleeding heart pushed beyond bearing.”
This story makes you feel a lot of feelings. Mostly painful and sad ones but also hope and fondness. The writing makes you really experience these emotions right alongside the characters.
I love to find literary gems like this! I think I highlighted more lines than ever before, there was something about this story and writing that just spoke to me ♥️
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this arc copy!