The Best 2024 Release I've Read So Far This Year: Carys Davies' Novel "Clear"
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| Cover image: Goodreads |
a much quieter social life these days, but I still love to eat
(obviously), read, and travel so I'm going to try and be better
about blogging information that others may find useful. And
why would my raving about Carys Davies' new novel, Clear be
useful? Well...I suppose for most people it's not. But if you're a
fan of reading, then this might be a book to keep an eye out for!
For transparency, please note that NetGalley gave me an ARC
(advanced reader copy) of this novel in exchange for an
honest review.
When a BookTuber predicted that Carys Davies’ new novel
Clear might be longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, I
wondered if I might be able to get an ARC of the novel. In
addition, a friend had mentioned that they loved Davies’ most
recent publication, West, so when I saw that Clear was
available for review, I didn’t hesitate to request it. I was
overjoyed and grateful when Granta approved my request, and
things only got better from there!
I started reading Clear almost as soon as I was
approved for the ARC, but I started reading the book when I was tired and
distracted, so I put it aside and started it again the next day…And then I
didn’t stop until I was finished.
Davies’ novel is set on a remote island north of
Scotland in the 1840s during two pivotal events in the protagonist’s story: the
Scottish (Highland) Clearances and the Great Disruption (in the Scottish church
when some ministers rebelled and left to form the Free Church). The protagonist, John
Ferguson, is a minister with the Free Church, and his wife is Mary. To raise
funds for his new church, John agrees to travel to a remote island and “remove”
the remaining resident living there. However, after an accident, John Ferguson
finds himself in the care of and indebted to his saviour: Ivar…The remaining
inhabitant. What ensues is the story of the relationship between the two men.
John Ferguson and Ivar learn about one another and themselves and despite the
problems they encounter resulting from the language barrier, a closeness forms.
I love Davies’ writing. She masterfully created the
setting, environment, and ambiance. I was lost in her nature writing! And while
there’s not a lot of dialogue, it doesn’t matter because it wasn’t necessary—especially
since John Ferguson and Ivar don’t speak the same language. I loved that the
two didn’t need to share a language to live together peacefully and
contentedly. And the moments when the two attempt to communicate, the humour,
patience, and frustration felt natural to the situation.
The story is not heavy on plot, but at its core, the
story appears to be about self-discovery and focuses on character development.
John, Ivar, and Mary all learn about who they are, what they do and don’t want,
and acknowledge their fears; I feel that’s why Mary—when speaking with John at
the end of the story—proposes an alternative life which includes her and Ivar.
Like another reviewer mentioned, I feel it would have been nice
to learn more about Mary’s relationship with her friend Alice. But perhaps
that’s meant to be a different story (please, Ms Davies!)? Otherwise, I have nothing
negative to say except that I wish I had more time with John Ferguson and Ivar,
which is surprising since I’m not a fan of romance, but I so badly wanted to stay
with them a bit longer. Of course, that’s not a real complaint, and it won't prevent me from picking up a copy in paperback once it's released.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction; Davies’ writing;
romance that isn’t heavy-handed; reading about nature, wildlife, and
historical events; and enjoy reading objectively good writing, then this could
be for you!
Many thanks to Granta Publications and NetGalley for
an ARC of Carys Davies’ new novel Clear in exchange for an honest review.
If you're interested in Davies' new novel, it's available in Canada on April 2nd, 2024.
#dewithon #carysdavies #booknerd
Review on goodreads.com here.
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