A review by silverliningsandpages
The Fell by Sarah Moss

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.5

Sarah Moss is on cracking form…wise, perceptive, mischievously funny about serious things - she puts into words those thoughts you try to suppress and daren’t say aloud.  But yet what a relief to read them - someone else must be thinking that too!😹

The Fell is set in the Peak District and follows four people in a village during the pandemic.  Kate has been identified as a close contact, and for her mental health she breaks the rules of self-isolation to go on a dusk walk in the quiet peaks.  However, she doesn’t return, leaving all sorts of dilemmas for her teenage son.  For me this compact story is all about choices, community and government messaging; it considers how what we do in these pandemic times has an impact on our families, communities and wider society.  There are lots of fascinating ethical and feminist contemplations and Moss expertly captures the sense of loss and anticipatory grief that we’ve all felt so intensely. Also, the continuing uncertainty…

Thanks xxx for the PR review copy - I’d like to read this again some time.  I imagine it will be a powerful social commentary for future generations in understanding pandemic life.