Clear

Set in the year 1843, Clear by Carys Davies is a profoundly moving tale set against the wild, windswept backdrop of a remote Scottish island. Ivar, the island’s only inhabitant, has embraced a life of solitary existence, far removed from civilisation. His isolation is abruptly disrupted when he discovers a man lying unconscious on the beach beneath the cliffs. This stranger, John Ferguson, is an impoverished church minister tasked with a difficult mission: to evict Ivar and convert the island into grazing land for sheep.

Despite the language barrier and the stark differences between their lives, Ivar extends an unexpected kindness towards John, inviting him into his home. Over time, a delicate and fragile bond begins to form between the two men, manifesting a profound connection that transcends verbal communication. Meanwhile, John’s wife, Mary, remains on the mainland, anxious and eager for news about her husband's mission, unaware of the complexities unfolding on the island.

Against the rugged and timeless backdrop of the Scottish islands, Carys Davies's Clear is an intimate drama that builds with both tension and tenderness. This beautifully crafted narrative delves deep into the human condition, examining the intricate ways in which history’s tides shape ordinary lives. With its haunting and crystalline prose, Davies presents a touching exploration of the distances and connections that define us all. Each page of Clear is infused with surprising turns, making it not just a story but a marvel of storytelling. This exquisite short novel stands as a testament to Davies’s mastery in the literary world, offering readers a moving and unforgettable experience.