Carys Davies is once again showing her talent in crafting the perfect short novel that combines enough action and character building to satisfy the most demanding reader. If you loved West, published in 2019, you must read Clear. Davies has carefully chosen each word to perfectly describe the remote Shetland Island and its only inhabitant, Ivar, who spends his days caring for the land and his horse Pegi.
Ivar’s solitude is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of John Ferguson, a church minister who is supposed to evict him to clear the island to make space for a flock of sheep. But what at first looked like an unpleasant experience, turns out to be an eye-opening encounter for both men. I cannot stress enough the delicate and sweet way their relationship starts, evolves and changes as they get to know each other.
One of the most important bonding elements between the two men is the language spoken by Ivar, an old Norn dialect. While reading, you will learn alongside John that a dense fog can be called gyolm, or blura, or skump depending on the colour it gets; you will learn that a groma is a light mist but when it rises from the low water it is called dalareek. By researching and using the dialect, Davies has not only shown her love for words but also Ivar’s love for the sea – a love that is soon shared by John as well.
Particularly interesting is also John’s wife, Mary, who deserves a spotlight for being a strong, determined, and smart woman – someone who at first will seem rather annoying but will surprise you for having an open-minded and modern attitude despite living in the 19th century.
Clear is under 150 pages, its chapters short and enthralling: the perfect winter novel to read in one go curled up on the couch with a big cup of tea.
Review by Martina