The Edge of the Silver Sea
In Alex Mullarky’s novel The Edge of the Silver Sea, a city girl uprooted by her parents’ dreams tries to find her way home.
Upon Blair’s first glimpse of her new home, Roscoe, from the ferry, she is stunned by its terrain, which consumes as much of her attention as the people and creatures who inhabit it. Still, isolated by the island’s lack of cell service and frustrated by her parents’ lack of understanding, Blair makes a wish. And in Roscoe, wishes are dangerous: The fey realm clings to the island like mist. Ignoring her city instincts, Blair agrees to complete three tasks for the deer guardian Cailleach in return for her wish being granted.
Blair also explores lochs, rivers, bogs, and bays with Alasdair, a local boy who surveys the island’s deer each summer. Despite her putting him off at first with her passionate activism, their friendship grows. Alasdair’s knowledge of ecology and myths proves invaluable.
As Blair works on the tasks, she learns more about the island’s history, patching together family lore and folklore alike. Each piece reveals hidden facets of Roscoe’s residents, making her susceptible to the place’s magic. Alasdair’s parents and an elderly artist add to the cast that prompts Blair to reevaluate; she becomes conflicted about wanting to leave.
Ultimately, The Edge of the Silver Sea is an exploration of the power of place—a story about how a home is built amid a community. Against the beautiful Scottish landscape and its charismatic beasties (mythical and otherwise), Blair holds her own. The helplessness she feels at being cut off from her activist community manifests in frustrating fights with her parents, but her curiosity and love for the natural world peek through as she comes to terms with her new home.
Reviewed by
Aerin Toskas
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
