The first thing Vanessa Carvin does when she arrives on the island is change her name. To the locals, she is Willow Hale, a solitary outsider escaping Dublin to live a hermetic existence in a small cottage, not a notorious woman on the run from her past. But scandals follow like hunting dogs. And she has some questions of her own to answer. If her ex-husband is really the monster everyone says he is, then how complicit was she in his crimes? Escaping her old life might seem like a good idea but the choices she has made throughout her marriage have consequences. Here, on the island, Vanessa must reflect on what she did - and did not do. Only then can she discover whether she is worthy of finding peace at all.
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There's so much I want to say about this little book. So much. I love John Boyne's writing style. His books have become a favorite. Water was a change of scenery for me as well. Less than Vanessa carvin Or Willow hale, but a change nonetheless.
It's about a woman running away from things. Or is she really running away? Or leaving her past behind? Her husband is in jail, her daughter is dead. Oh but I'm sorry for myself I didn't give this book as much love as it deserved.
Willow hale was a unique character for me. I liked her, I hated her and I understood her. She failed and she lived. I love her.
One reason for me not giving it 4 stars is that, I'm confused. Her relationship with Luke, I'm confused about it. It's a very murakami-esque thing. Well at least in that one I am clear I don't like naoko's friend, this time that's not true. But that relationship is the only reason I'm giving it one less star. Otherwise, just wonderful!
2.5⭐️