Marianne's young life is overshadowed by her mother's mysterious disappearance. At just eight, she is left with a baby brother and a father deep in sorrow, living in a dilapidated house on the outskirts of a quiet village. Tangled in recollections of her mother's tenderness—fragrant herbs, childhood games, and soothing lullabies—Marianne becomes consumed by the enigma surrounding her mother's absence and the secrets she believes her father harbors. Her solace arrives in the form of "Pearl," a medieval poem promising comfort, inspiring Marianne to embark on a quest to visually interpret its verses—a pursuit that eludes completion. Haunted by an unmarked tombstone in a forsaken chapel and the hypnotic pull of the nearby river, her home deteriorates as echoes of the past propel her toward self-destruction. Can the power of art mend Marianne's fractured heart? And might motherhood be the key to her redemption and peace?

Categories

Fiction, Audiobook, Grief, Family, Book Club, Contemporary, Novels, British Literature, Ireland, Literary Fiction

Content Type

Book

Binding

Paperback

Year

2023

Publisher

The Indigo Press

Language

English

ISBN13

9781911648529

File Download

PDF | EPUB

Pearl Plot Summary

Best Quote

“When someone takes their life, they don’t only steal the future out from under our feet, they also desecrate their past. It makes it hard to hold on to the good things about them. And no one deserves to be judged on the worst five minutes of their life, even if those five minutes turn out to be their last.” ― Siân Hughes, Pearl

Review Summary

Strengths: The review highlights the novel's lyrical writing and its profound exploration of grief, particularly the impact of a mother's loss on the protagonist, Marianne. The book's emotional depth and thematic complexity are praised, as well as its suitability for the Booker Prize. The narrative's ability to evoke beauty and sadness is also noted. Overall: The reviewer expresses a strong appreciation for "Pearl," considering it a standout among the Booker Prize longlist. The novel's emotional resonance and literary quality make it a compelling read, and the reviewer anticipates future works by the author. Despite its omission from the shortlist, the book is highly recommended.

About Author

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Siân Hughes Avatar

Siân Hughes

Hughes explores the nuanced intersections of rural life, grief, and identity through her evocative storytelling. Her writing is deeply rooted in the pastoral landscape of Cheshire, England, particularly her home village of Tilston, which serves as a recurring backdrop in her works. This geographical setting is more than a mere backdrop; it shapes the emotional and thematic contours of her narratives. For instance, her debut novel, "Pearl", uses this familiar setting to delve into themes of loss and self-discovery. Meanwhile, her poetry collection, "The Missing", showcases her ability to blend personal experiences with universal themes, further cementing her reputation as an influential contemporary poet.\n\nHer literary method combines poetic language with narrative depth, creating a distinctive style that resonates with readers seeking emotional and intellectual engagement. Hughes's work often investigates childhood and familial relationships, drawing on her own life experiences, such as her return to her childhood village after her mother's death. This profound personal loss has significantly influenced her recent writing, enriching it with authenticity and emotional weight. Her connection to the University of Chester, as mentioned in a guest blog post, highlights her engagement with literary communities, although specific educational details remain undisclosed.\n\nReaders who appreciate rich, emotionally charged storytelling will find Hughes's body of work compelling. Her ability to transform local, personal experiences into stories with wide resonance offers valuable insights into the human condition. This approach not only attracts a diverse readership but also positions her as a noteworthy figure in contemporary literature. While her exact accolades aren't itemized, references to her as an "award-winning poet" underscore the recognition she has garnered within literary circles. Through her work, Hughes connects the personal with the universal, making her books a meaningful addition to any reader’s collection.

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