A review by booksrockcal
Clear by Carys Davies

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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

This is a beautifully written and poignant novel that takes place in 1840s Scotland during the time of the clearances when tenant farmers were “cleared” from the land to make room for bigger, more profitable farming enterprises . An impoverished Scottish Free Church minister takes on a job to earn money that proves to be more than he anticipated. He is sent to a remote island off the coast of Scotland to clear the last remaining occupant, Ivar, who has lived there alone for many years. When the minister arrives he suffers a grievous injury and is discovered and nursed back to health by Ivar. Even though they do not speak the same language they develop a connection. The minister’s wife Mary, who doubted the endeavor from the outset,,plays a big part in the story as well. The novel explores relationships, community, and connection in a beautiful and wild setting and era described memorably by the author. An amazing read- highly recommended.