The Prey

In "The Prey," Yrsa Sigurdardottir weaves a gripping narrative that intertwines the past and present, revealing the haunting effects of unresolved family secrets.

The Plot

When Kolbeinn receives an unsettling phone call to return to his childhood home, he is confronted with the discovery of a child’s shoe bearing the name 'Salvor'. This triggers a series of events that lead him to uncover his mother’s troubling fixation on a sister he cannot recall. As he delves deeper into his family's history, the emotional weight of memory and loss becomes palpable.

Simultaneously, Jóhanna, a member of the local search and rescue team, is investigating the mysterious disappearance of two couples in the picturesque yet eerie town of Höfn. The parallel narratives of Kolbeinn and Jóhanna unfold with tension, revealing a tapestry of dark secrets that bind them together in unexpected ways.

Themes

• Family and Memory: The novel explores how the past shapes identity and the complexities of familial bonds.
• Secrets and Truth: Sigurdardottir delves into the nature of hidden truths and the lengths individuals will go to protect or reveal them.
• Isolation and Connection: Set against the backdrop of Iceland's stunning yet isolating landscape, the story examines the human desire for connection amidst solitude.

Yrsa Sigurdardottir's mastery in blending psychological depth with chilling suspense is evident in this novel, echoing the atmospheric tension found in her previous works such as "The Silence of the Sea" and "The Reckoning." Readers who appreciate intricate plots and rich character development will find "The Prey" a compelling addition to their collection.