Exile

Kirstie exiles herself to the small Shetland island of Yell after yet another torrid affair. She knows she went too far this time—her desperate behaviour caused the breakdown of her lover’s marriage. Taking up residence in her grandparents’ croft, which has lain empty since their deaths, and wanting time to reflect on her life and disastrous relationships, Kirstie begins to write about her obsessive ways.

What she hasn’t realised is that the island is full of relatives she never knew she had. Kirstie has spent her life feeling unloved, hurt, and angry, and has wondered what part this played in the all-consuming manner she is drawn into relationships.

As Kirstie allows some of the local people into her life, she learns of her mother Morag’s tragic history—and begins to reassess her mother’s behaviour. But as Kirstie grapples with her past and begins to settle into her present, Morag decides to visit, throwing Kirstie into turmoil once again—and revealing even more shocking truths . . .

Publisher’s blurb

The Train

The catalyst for the action in this book is the suicide of Judith, the first character (and chapter) introduced to us by the author. Judith jumps in front of a train heading from Milton Keynes to London Euston. Eight passengers are subsequently impacted by the incident, interacting minimally on the train and, for some, in greater degrees as the book progresses. Each of the eight has their own chapter, charting their reaction to Judith’s violent death along with their own personal stories and reason for being in London.

The life challenges faced by the passengers are diverse - relationships, sexuality, health - both physical and mental, addictions, mid-life crises and ageing. Each vignette reveals their values, hopes and fears. Some characters are likeable, some not. Some are deeply impacted by the events of the day, others less so. There are final moments of happy resolution, poignancy, payback and irritation.   Much like ensemble movies - ‘Love Actually’ springs to mind - there is satisfaction in noticing the links between these people, either directly or through their friends, family or work connections. There is a particular horror in the linkage between Judith and one of the men.

It is well written and insightful. With so many characters it covers a wide swathe of human circumstances and emotions. An interesting and thought provoking read.

Review by Diane Clarke

The InVisible

When Laila and her lover, Faisal, are detained after the 2005 terrorist attack in London, it sets in motion a chain of events that will alter Laila’s life forever.
 
After being held in solitary confinement for months, Laila is released back into the world without charge, a woman changed beyond recognition. When she decides to leave the country and travel to Pakistan to look for her elusive father, Laila is reunited with Faisal in Peshawar—but the romance is short-lived when she finds herself kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan, leaving her sad, angry, and uncertain if she will ever find her place in the world and the freedom she craves . . .
 
From the author of Ella’s War and The Train, InVisible is a poignant look at how we treat each other and the judgments we make that explores the question of whether freedom always comes at a price.

Publisher’s blurb