SYNOPSIS:
In the lawless, drought-ridden lands of the Arizona Territory in 1893, two extraordinary lives unfold. Nora is an unflinching frontierswoman awaiting the return of the men in her life--her husband, who has gone in search of water for the parched household, and her elder sons, who have vanished after an explosive argument. Nora is biding her time with her youngest son, who is convinced that a mysterious beast is stalking the land around their home.
Meanwhile, Lurie is a former outlaw and a man haunted by ghosts. He sees lost souls who want something from him, and he finds reprieve from their longing in an unexpected relationship that inspires a momentous expedition across the West. The way in which Lurie's death-defying trek at last intersects with Nora's plight is the surprise and suspense of this brilliant novel.
Mythical, lyrical, and sweeping in scope,Inlandis grounded in true but little-known history. It showcases all of Téa Obreht's talents as a writer, as she subverts and reimagines the myths of the American West, making them entirely--and unforgettably--her own.
My Thoughts:
With a gorgeous cover this book draws you in and takes you on a journey through the drought-ridden lands of Arizona. There was abundance description which helped me get to grips with what the territory was like along with how hard it was to live in the American West in 1893.
The story alternates between two characters: Nora Lark, a mother of four, and Lurie, an immigrant and wanted man. I must confess I found it challenging at first to follow the two story lines and because of the detailed writing, this book needed my full attention.
There is an element of the supernatural to the novel which I loved. Although, I found it a slow burner at the beginning its pace quickened half way through. I grew very fond of the camels and adored the relationship Lurie had with Burke.
A very unique story told by the brilliant storyteller, Téa Obreht.
Many thanks to Martina Ticic at Midas Public Relations for inviting me to join the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize longlist blog tour.
