Marianne’s mother disappeared when she was a child after visiting what is known as Skein Island. This island was intended as a retreat for women to escape their lives. Run by a mysterious woman named Amelia Worthington, the island is open by invitation only. Marianne is surprised to receive an invitation signed by Amelia herself. The puzzling thing is Amelia has been dead for sometime. Marianne flees to the island after being attacked at the library where she works. At a loss, her husband David feels helpless. However, a bizarre game at a local bar gives him insight into what may be the secret of the island.
I can’t help but love Aliya Whiteley’s writing style. Over the past few years she’s given us the bizarre plant creatures of The Beauty, and the strangeness of The Arrival of the Missives. Skein Island feels like a continuation of her skill and is one heck of a page turner. There is a strong message of the power of women, but also a sense of equality and the dangers of putting too much emphasis on one gender over the other.
Skein Island is available now from Titan Books.
