Mary Ann
I just finished Charlotte McConaghy’s new book, Wild Dark Shores. I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I finished the book in two days. You could read it all in one day. McConaghy is an extraordinary writer giving the reader rich storylines with complex characters, settings that are in remote places, and lots of twists. She combines all of this with strong themes about nature and environmental issues – often a wake-up call about our planet.
Shearwater, a remote island near Antarctica, is home to widower, Dominic Salt, and his three children, Raff, Fen, and Orley. Dominic is the caregiver to the world’s seed bank. His job is to protect the seeds that may be needed in the future to feed the world. The island and the seed bank are under pressure with rising sea waters. The island also is home to a research center for scientist to study plants, animal, weather, climate change, and the like. Scientist come and go a few times a year.
The family lives in an old light house atop of the island. Have you ever noticed how people who live in light houses are a little off? There are many books and movies that depict this. The Shearwater lighthouse is no exception. It seems to be haunted. Is it real or imagined?
The weather is unpredictable, the seas are rough and rising, and the island is constantly under attack from the elements. During one storm – yes, a dark and stormy night, a woman washes ashore. The family saves Rowan, the mysterious woman, and while she heals, Rowan bonds with the island and the Salts. They are all awaiting the Navy ship to take them away from their home of eight years, for Rowan to return to her life, and rescue the seeds. The story unfolds during the days of preparations.
Charlotte McConaghy moves the story forward through the perspective of the various characters. They all have backstories that you will discover, and as in all McConaghy’s books, there will be many plot twists and surprises. That is why it is hard to put her books down. By the end of the story, you know all the characters well and will miss them. I have loved all McConaghy’s writing and particularity her use of nature themes. Her books are food for thought on many levels. Wild Dark Shores is a worthwhile read that will haunt you long after you finish reading.
Silver Sage Sisters 