I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. It's definitely readable and engaging.
Vera lives in a mysterious, remote village hidden by the mountains. The only outsider to visit regularly is a rotating cast of men they call Mr. Phillips who brings supplies.
The oddest thing about this town is the fact that mothers just randomly disappear. Usually at night, often from the same bed as their spouse or child. The women often feel the signs (changes in their children, in their being) and the townspeople always know when someone has "gone".
When a mother "goes" the town gathers to take all of her belongings to the local Op Shop for other women and girls to purchase and all of her photographs are burned by the men.
After this ceremony she is forgotten and life moves on.
A stranger, Ruth, appears in town suddenly and everyone is intrigued by her, until Vera discovers she is sleeping with her father. She spreads the new around town and Ruth is driven into the river where all outside things are tossed.
Once Vera grows up and becomes a mother herself she notices the signs she might be disappearing. Instead of letting it take her, she leaves.
The outside world is a rude awakening for her, but she finds her own path. Years later she stumbles upon Mr. Phillips and decides to return to her little home town.
No one knows here. Not her husband. Not her daughter. No one.
Honestly this book left me with more questions than answers. It's never explained why or how the mothers "go". Not supernaturally or in any other way. Also never explained is the blood drinking during sex thing. I don't get it.
Overall it was a good read and highlights how relationships change over time, but it left me confused and dissatisfied.
Vera lives in a mysterious, remote village hidden by the mountains. The only outsider to visit regularly is a rotating cast of men they call Mr. Phillips who brings supplies.
The oddest thing about this town is the fact that mothers just randomly disappear. Usually at night, often from the same bed as their spouse or child. The women often feel the signs (changes in their children, in their being) and the townspeople always know when someone has "gone".
When a mother "goes" the town gathers to take all of her belongings to the local Op Shop for other women and girls to purchase and all of her photographs are burned by the men.
After this ceremony she is forgotten and life moves on.
A stranger, Ruth, appears in town suddenly and everyone is intrigued by her, until Vera discovers she is sleeping with her father. She spreads the new around town and Ruth is driven into the river where all outside things are tossed.
Once Vera grows up and becomes a mother herself she notices the signs she might be disappearing. Instead of letting it take her, she leaves.
The outside world is a rude awakening for her, but she finds her own path. Years later she stumbles upon Mr. Phillips and decides to return to her little home town.
No one knows here. Not her husband. Not her daughter. No one.
Honestly this book left me with more questions than answers. It's never explained why or how the mothers "go". Not supernaturally or in any other way. Also never explained is the blood drinking during sex thing. I don't get it.
Overall it was a good read and highlights how relationships change over time, but it left me confused and dissatisfied.