The Unwilding, by Marina Kemp - Anabel
The Unwilding is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel which explores themes of power, desire, family dynamics, motherhood and grief.
The story begins in summer 1999 at the Sicilian holiday home of revered writer Don Travers. We follow multiple points of views - primarily those of Nemony, the youngest daughter of Don, his unusually reserved wife Lydia, and Zoe, a hopeful young author whose first novel has caught the attention of Don Travers… almost as much as the intriguing and complicated dynamics of the Travers family has caught Zoe’s attention.
After a serious error of judgement is made by one of the Travers children, the book moves on 20 years to explore the lives of those in present-day Sicily. As family secrets are unearthed, we begin to understand how the events of that summer ultimately bind Zoe and Nemony together.
Kemp’s writing is the most standout aspect of this novel - the way in which she is able to fully immerse the reader into the world of the Travers family, and the attention paid to characterisation - I found to be really evocative! Every sentence meaningful, and every word intentional.
I would highly recommend this book to those that enjoy a bit of rich people drama, an element of mystery, and poignant writing about female experiences.
Anabel
