Spells for Forgetting

Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young is a haunting tale that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the weight of unresolved grief. Set against the mystical backdrop of Saoirse Island, the novel delves into the life of Emery Blackwood, whose world is irrevocably altered when her boyfriend, August Salt, is accused of murdering her best friend, Lily, during their high school graduation.

The Plot

Years later, Emery has carved out a quiet existence, but the return of August, who comes back to bury his mother, stirs a tempest of emotions. Their unexpected reunion forces Emery to confront the lingering shadows of the past, reigniting feelings she thought were buried. As the island community becomes increasingly tense and strange occurrences disrupt the peace, buried secrets and betrayals begin to resurface, challenging Emery's understanding of love and loyalty.

Themes

• Memory and Forgetting: The novel probes the ways in which we hold onto our pasts and the lengths we go to forget.
• Love and Betrayal: It examines the delicate balance between love and the betrayal that can arise from unresolved issues.
• Community and Isolation: Young highlights the complexities of living in a close-knit community where everyone knows each other’s secrets.

Adrienne Young, known for her rich storytelling and evocative prose in works like The Girl the Sea Gave Back, weaves a narrative that captivates readers with its emotional depth and atmospheric setting. Spells for Forgetting invites readers on a journey through the intricacies of heartache and the power of facing one’s demons.