Metronome

Metronome by Tom Watson is a profound exploration of isolation, memory, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of an unforgiving landscape. The story follows Aina and Whitney, two individuals who have spent twelve years in self-imposed exile on a remote island after committing a crime that binds them together in guilt and secrecy.

The Plot

Stranded on a croft, their existence hinges on a strict regimen of medication taken every eight hours. As Aina immerses herself in the solace of gardening, puzzles, and the enchanting world of music, Whitney turns her creative energies towards crafting intricate sculptures and detailed maps of their surroundings. Their routine, however, is disrupted when the first shipwrecks begin to wash ashore, heralding a shift in their precarious reality.

As their supplies dwindle, the tension between the two women escalates, forcing them to confront not only their dire circumstances but also the buried truths that have shaped their lives. The narrative deftly unravels the complexities of their relationship, illustrating how love and betrayal are often intertwined.

Themes

• Isolation and Survival: The physical and emotional challenges of living in seclusion.
• Memory and Regret: How past choices haunt the present.
• Art as Expression: The role of creativity in coping with trauma.

"A haunting reflection on the nature of human connection and the shadows of guilt."

Readers who appreciated Watson's previous works or titles like The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman will find a similarly evocative journey within the pages of Metronome.