The Women of Pearl Island is difficult to categorize.
It is part family drama. Tartelin is trying to recover from the death of her mother. Marianne has memories of her family on the island. Both women form a new type of family as they learn to trust each other.
It is part mystery. What is the significance of Tartelin’s birthmark? Is Marianne’s memory correct? What was the British government up to? What is Marianne’s obsession with the butterflies?
And what does everything have to do with everything else?
Yes, I know that is usually a consideration in any book. After all, an author must weave a story and make connections. But for some reason, this seems to take a bigger role in The Women of Pearl Island.
It is not a book that you can read passively or try to sneak in chapters here or there. It is one that should be enjoyed in long stretches or all at once. Immersing yourself in the language and style of the story is pivotal (in my opinion).
For example, the author is great with description. The reader feels the island surroundings as if they are there next to Tartelin.
Interestingly, I also have a distinct feeling of The Island of Dr. Moreau. Maybe because of the word “island” in the title? Of course, it is possible the author intends for the reader to make the connection.
But an island where strange things once occurred, and people try to uncover the truth? The vibe is there.
Overall, I liked this book. However, I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I had read it the way I mentioned above. I wish I could have totally immersed myself and read it in one sitting. It was that good.
But again, future readers take note. The Women of Pearl Island is much more enjoyable if you visit the island in the fewest sittings possible.
Author Bio:
Polly Crosby grew up on the Suffolk coast, and now lives deep in the Norfolk countryside. She currently holds the Annabel Abbs Scholarship at the University of East Anglia, where she is studying part time for an MA in Creative Writing. THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND is her second novel.
