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A review by lvleggett
The Wilds: A Novel by Sarah Pearse
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A woman goes missing in Portugal. Detective Elin Warner finds herself unexpectedly roped into investigating the disappearance while also repairing her relationship with her brother and coming to terms with her recent divorce.
The book splits the narrative between Elin and the missing woman, Kier. Elin's timeline is interspersed with the month leading up to a big change for Kier.
The book deals explicitly with coercive control and partner abuse so enter it gently. Kier's story is told in first person and with empathy. We follow her as she starts to see her relationship in a new light. Haunted by her past which also features traumatic events, Kier attempts to find a different path.
The shortness of the chapters proved distracting in the first half as I was trying to get to know these characters. It settles into more "investigation mode" in the second half which helped steady the experience for me.
Propulsively written with sympathy for the main characters and a good connection to place. It is intense and uncomfortable in parts. I think this is Sarah's best book yet.
The book splits the narrative between Elin and the missing woman, Kier. Elin's timeline is interspersed with the month leading up to a big change for Kier.
The book deals explicitly with coercive control and partner abuse so enter it gently. Kier's story is told in first person and with empathy. We follow her as she starts to see her relationship in a new light. Haunted by her past which also features traumatic events, Kier attempts to find a different path.
The shortness of the chapters proved distracting in the first half as I was trying to get to know these characters. It settles into more "investigation mode" in the second half which helped steady the experience for me.
Propulsively written with sympathy for the main characters and a good connection to place. It is intense and uncomfortable in parts. I think this is Sarah's best book yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Murder, Death of parent, Suicide, and Stalking