Happy Friday! Today I have a review of Elmet, which is easily going on my favorites of the year list! I read this with a dear blogger friend. Please read on so I can tell you how much I adored it!
My Thoughts:
With Elmet, Fiona Mozley has written a literary masterpiece. At first, the reader learns that Elmet is a sanctuary, a strip of land viewed as a safe haven and with Celtic history. This is where Daniel, his Daddy, and his sister, Cathy, land. The father, flanked by his two children, and living in a small copse, builds the home with his own hands. Living off the land, they are choosing life on their own terms.
Daddy is a fighter- past and present. He is brawny, and all the fighting is beginning to take its toll on him as he ages. Cathy is a fighter like Daddy. She is slight, but full of vigor and power that surprises anyone who is the target of her rage. Daniel is perhaps less strong physically, but I would offer his heart is the strongest of all.
There are issues with right and wrong in the community and how it pertains to workers’ rights. There is also a seedy, villainous landlord, Mr. Price, who raises issue with this family living on “his” land, and there is backstory to that relationship.
Elmet surprised me with its tension and suspense. This is a literary thriller in every sense, and the story ratcheted up and up with each chapter. I worried about this family’s future, and a feeling of foreboding is present. Mozley’s writing is lightly descriptive. She has a way of painting the most vivid imagery with precise words, and the entire story flows easily- so easily, in fact, that I devoured this book in just three sittings.
I found the themes of protection- protection of family and children, of children for their father, and of safety and safe haven from society’s ills, to be powerful and resonant. I was enthralled with the tender sides to Daddy, Daniel, and Cathy, and how close-knit their love for each other was. My favorite aspect of the book was the exploration of the father-child relationship and the role that protection plays in that. It was refreshing to have a father depicted in this way, and the spotlight shown on the special dynamic between a father and his children (even if the father was not perfect).
In short, I was completely charmed, mesmerized, and haunted by this book. I loved it so much I bought the UK copy to go on my shelf alongside a US copy.
I had the pleasure of buddy reading Elmet with my good friend Beth of Bibliobeth. This was the best kind of read to share. I learned and was enriched from Beth’s insights, and our discussion enabled me to dig much deeper into the story. I look forward to our next of many reads together, and please check out her smart and beautiful blog if you haven’t already. She’s quite simply one of the best around.
Synopsis:
Fresh and distinctive writing from an exciting new voice in fiction, Elmet is an unforgettable novel about family, as well as a beautiful meditation on landscape.
Daniel is heading north. He is looking for someone. The simplicity of his early life with Daddy and Cathy has turned sour and fearful. They lived apart in the house that Daddy built for them with his bare hands. They foraged and hunted. When they were younger, Daniel and Cathy had gone to school. But they were not like the other children then, and they were even less like them now. Sometimes Daddy disappeared, and would return with a rage in his eyes. But when he was at home he was at peace. He told them that the little copse in Elmet was theirs alone. But that wasn’t true. Local men, greedy and watchful, began to circle like vultures. All the while, the terrible violence in Daddy grew.Atmospheric and unsettling, Elmet is a lyrical commentary on contemporary society and one family’s precarious place in it, as well as an exploration of how deep the bond between father and child can go.
Fantastic review, Jennifer! There’s something haunting about this story based on your descriptions. This seems like a fine, character driven story. Is this a debut novel?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, JOnetta! I adored this book! It is a debut, and it doesn’t read like one. Not a spare word, so much imagery without being overdone, and wow, the characters. It’s no wonder it’s getting all kinds of noms for awards. I bet it would be terrific on audio with the right narrator! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never even heard of this book..thanks to your glowing review, Jennifer, I can now be on the lookout for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marialyce! Several of our mutual GR friends loved it and put it on my radar last year. It’s winning all kinds of literary awards. I hope you can find it and read it.
LikeLike
I liked that synopsis. I’d say a father who was perfect would raise my flag, but i think that his imperfection would have made the dynamics perfect, huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Jina! The dynamics were definitely perfect thanks to that imperfection!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not heard of this but I’m glad I read your review, it sounds like a great combination of elements 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tammy. This was such a memorable and rewarding read.
LikeLike
This definitely sounds haunting, but so good. I just love your descriptions. Adding it! Have a great weekend, sweet friend! ❤❤💲
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure why that dollar sign is there. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, favorite M! Please read this book some time! I have every feeling you’ll love it, too! ♥️ I hope your weekend has been amazing! Xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful review! Have not heard of this but it looks lovely! Glad you enjoyed!💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Berit! This book was stunning, and I absolutely loved it. I think you’d enjoy it, too, because it’s a pretty tense thriller! ♥️
LikeLike
Beth is wonderful ❤ I'm glad that you had such a great discussion about this book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You both are wonderful, and I’m so lucky to know you! ♥️ Oh, this was so good, Chrissi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome review, Jennifer. I added to my tbr thriller list. Thanks, Jennifer. Happy Friday. 🌻🍁📚💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Virginia! I loved this book so much, and I hope you do, too! It’s unforgettable! ♥️ 🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer. I’ll have to look into this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Jacquie! I hope you can! It’s a favorite of mine now and really impressive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, i am intrigued 😃
Great review, I’m defo sold on this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Norrie! I highly recommend this one. I am just ecstatic about it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh this looks great and you have described it in such a brilliant way, Jennifer! A literary thriller where family relationships are explored that also deals with the fine balance between right and wrong is definitely the perfect addition to the genre. I’ve just added this to my TBR list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you, Darina. I can definitely recommend this one to you without hesitation. I can imagine you finding so much of it memorable and engaging. It’s so good!
LikeLike
Beautiful review, Jennifer!!! I love the way you described the family dynamics and the father especially. I’m so glad you enjoyed your buddy read!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mack! I highly, strongly recommend that you read this one some time. I am certain you’ll love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review Jen! The cover is so creepy and yet I can’t stop looking at it! Great job on the picture! So cool! Have an awesome weekend my friend!😊💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sus, birthday girl! I find that cover so alluring and yet haunting, too! I had fun with that pic! I hope your weekend has been amazing and especially today! ♥️
LikeLike
The themes sound really intriguing and it sounds so well done. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! This book was a finalist for the Man Booker, and I can definitely see why! It is definitely memorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! Yeah that makes sense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a such a good review – I need to add this to my TBR list!! I haven’t read many books that really delve into the intricacies of a father-daughter relationship so I’m super intrigued. Also, the cover really drew me in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, LP! It’s such a pretty cover and a book filled with pretty words, too (and some darkness). I hope you’ll give this one a shot some time. I’ll never forget it!
LikeLike
Wonderful review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Darinda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw Jenni you just made me tear up! Thank you so much for your kind words. I had a wonderful first buddy read with you and here’s to many, many more. Also, you captured everything we thought about this book beautifully. 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Beth. ♥️ And you are most definitely welcome. I’ve said it a million times, but you were kind to me from the very start of my blogging, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I am still in awe that THIS BOOK was our first read together and how wonderful it was. It is leaving big shoes to fill for sure! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead in a beautiful place, and I’ll be reading with you again later this week! ♥️
LikeLike
Wow, great review to what looks to be a fascinating book. I’ll have to check it out. Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Anne! I loved this book!
LikeLike
Brilliant review, Jennifer. This is the second book with fighters that I have seen your blog, I think and it sounds great! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana! Yes, you are absolutely right, and I definitely saw the similarities between this one and The Fighter. Sometimes those things can be very hard to read, but thankfully I didn’t feel that the violence was overdone.
LikeLike
oh wow you make this sounds so wonderful Jen! I love stories about family and children especially close-knit ones. Love how they presented the father too! I added it to my TBR!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think you’ll regret adding this one, Daniela. It’s won so many awards and is truly a standout. I am definitely going to read it again. So many special attributes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it’s going in your favourites list then it’s going in my TBR! And you know how much I love positive parent-children relationships in books! 😀 Also, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jennifer! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kathy! It’s been a lovely holiday! I don’t think you’ll regret adding this one. I think the atmosphere, especially, will appeal to you! ♥️
LikeLike