I got the feeling I was actually living the experience with the careful and beautiful descriptions, harrowing in places and difficult to focus on the harder aspects of life - a wonderful book

This was a story of intergenerational trauma, of hurt, of trying to find connection. It was interesting to see the setting of this island off the coast of the UK, and to read about this tragedy (fictional or otherwise) from the perspective of someone knew coming in and discovering it, as well as seeing how they related to it, was really fascinating. This novel contained two narratives that flipped back and forth and I liked that because it allowed the reader to learn more about the general situation and connect the dots before the characters themselves. I think this is a great niche historical fiction novel that everyone would be lucky to discover this year!

I have to say I really struggled with this book and had to admit I got a little confused. I listened to the audiobook and found really liked the narrators voice but unfortunately the quality of the book was rather tinney and it echoed with annoyed me . Also the story made no sense for me. I finished the book and couldn't work out how to write this review. As this has never happened to me before in all the years I had been reading. I actually think this was down to my autism and couldn't work out the logic to the story. I had so many conflictions. So please give this book a go as I believe I am alone in feeling this way about this book. I have to give it 2.5 stars rounded up.

A book with many twists and turns, heartache and butterflies. This book was not what I expected, in the best way. When Tartelin arrives on the island to work for the reclusive Marianne Stourbridge she gets more than she bargained for. There not only to assist with the old woman's care, she is set to work to collect butterflies, the purpose of which becomes clear as Tartelin notices the unusual island wildlife, the the birds have gills and the insects luminous colours. There is also the question of the mysterious island woman, the photo album kept hidden and what caused Marianne to abandon the island all those years ago.
This book had so many turns in the story and at times an overwhelming undercurrent of unease that I could not put it down (in this case the audiobook so just didn't pause.) Flitting between past and present the 2 time lines met at the end to crescendo in a multitude of reveals and an abrupt ending.
On the whole this was an enjoyable book , which didn't seem to fit into one category, fitting in fiction but also with a touch of mystery.
The narration was smooth and added depth and feeling to the tale, bringing the characters to life and aurally engaging.

Haunting, atmospheric and emotional dual timeline historical mystery, centred on young Tartelin Brown in the present day, interspersed with flashbacks to Marianne Stourbridge's life as she grows up on a mysterious isolated island between the 1920s and 1950s.

Hiding from her grief and loneliness, the idea of being cut off from society appeals to Tartelin as she begins working for elderly but determined Marianne to study her island's butterfly population, although Tartelin doesn't appreciate just how isolated and wild the island is until she arrives.

Marianne is set in her ways and reluctant to open up to Tartelin. Gradually the secrets of the women and the island are revealed as Tartelin helps Marianne to come to terms with the past and Tartelin comes to terms with her future.

A poignant and evocative exploration of grief, self-discovery and family secrets. Well narrated and capturing the distinct voices of the characters.

After reading 'The Illustrated Child' by Crosby at the start of this year, and enjoying it, I was excited to read and listen to this one. The Illustrated Child was unique to say the least, so I knew what I may be getting into here.
Firstly, the cover is stunning. Secondly, the writing is beautiful. But the actual plot was a really slow burn, and too much in my opinion.
I have a short attention span (hence why I read a few books at a time in different formats and genres) and this one started great- I was so intrigued by the protagonist's background and the reason to take up her new job, as well as her employer's behaviour. But then I lost my way a little and struggled to regain it.
The research on butterflies was excellent, and Crosby has a huge talent for making the reader fall in love with the surroundings, but I really needed more substance to the plot.
The narrator did a solid job, and a lot of my enjoyment was enhanced by her effort.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. Audio for a review copy, via NetGalley, of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Unravelling’ by Polly Crosby in exchange for an honest review. It is narrated by Katherine Press and has a running time of 11 hours, 9 minutes at 1x speed.

While titled in the USA as ‘The Women of Pearl Island’, I rather prefer its U.K. title as it suggests the unravelling of mysteries.

Following the death of her mother, Tartelin Brown is seeking a new start. She responds to an advertisement: “PA required to assist lepidopterist. Must be able to start immediately. Must not be squeamish.” While she has no scientific background, Tartelin gains the position and travels to Dohhalund, a tiny island off the coast of East Anglia, to join the reclusive Marianne Stourbridge.

The elderly woman, whose family had owned the island for hundreds of years, is wheelchair bound and has recently returned to the island to study its butterflies and moths seeking an answer to a mystery. However, as she is no longer able to capture specimens, she needs assistance; hence the ‘not squeamish’ requirement.

The narrative unfolds over three timelines: in 2018, the novel’s present,1955, and 1927 where fifteen- year-old Marianne learns uncomfortable truths about her family and the island. I actually found it amazing as given these dates, Marianne was 106 years old!

It is a novel that unfolds (or unravels) slowly and is focused upon the relationships between its characters. In addition to Tartelin and Marianne, there is Jacob, a university lecturer studying arachnids on the island, and Nan, another elderly woman who had been a mermaid (aka herring girl) in 1927. Like Marianne, Nan has recently returned after the army lifted the requisition it had imposed on the island since the mid-1950s. Mystery upon mystery!

While scientific observation is a key theme, there is also a subtle quality linked to the lure of the sea, where traditional lore holds sway. Again, there are mysteries to be unravelled.

In addition, Dohhalund, while fictional, is inspired by Orford Ness, which was under the control of the Ministry of Defence for decades and forbidden to the public.

With respect to the audiobook, given the quality of Polly Crosby’s writing, with its lyrical descriptions, it is a novel very suited to the format on its own or as a combined read/listen. Katherine Press has an exquisite, polished voice and I have enjoyed her narration of a number of previous titles.

Overall, I found ‘The Unravelling’ a beautifully written, atmospheric work of literary fiction. It is a novel that may appeal to reading groups that are looking for a novel that is contemplative in its myriad themes, which also includes loss and bereavement, yet remains an accessible read.

Highly recommended.

***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.co.uk in return for an honest ***

Tartelin arrives on the island having answered an ad for a personal assistant to Marianne Stoubridge. The elderly woman lives in Dogger Bank House which has been in her family for generations, as had the island until it was commandeered by the British Army during WWII.

Tartelin is tasked with catching butterflies and moths to add to Marianne's, already extensive, collection. She is particularly interested in the many mutated specimens to be found on the island. It certainly seems to have it's own microecosystem where the norms of nature do not always apply.

As the bond between the two women grows the correlation between their lives becomes more apparent. As we learn more about Tartelin's recent bereavement and need for escape we also learn about Marianne's life and how it is irrevocably changed by the experiments done on the island in the 1950's.

What an absolute gem of a find. I cant remember the last time I was so enthused by a book. It had a Kate Mosse feel to it but the author has put her own unique twist on it. I lived it from beginning to end and was devastated when it ended. I was left wanting more, I want to know what happens to Tartelin next, how the revelations made on the island affect her life going forward. I just adored everything about it.

I will not be recommending this book to others, I will be insisting that they read it.

The Unravelling by Polly Crosby is a beguiling, darkly mysterious dual-timeline historical novel. Crosby expertly weaves two stories; one strand follows a young woman, Tartelin, in 2018 when she accepts a job on a wild and mostly uninhabited island. The other strand takes the reader back in time to the 1920s and into the life of Marianne Stourbridge, a woman who is haunted by the past.
As Tartelin and Marianne's lives intertwine, Tartelin begins to uncover an intriguing history of the island, but the past is not something to be returned to lightly. Marianne carries the scars of her secretive past, and Tartelin must confront her own trauma to truly understand Marianne's reluctance to share her memories.
I listened to this novel on audio, and was captivated by the very first sentences. Crosby writes beautifully, pulling the reader into the story as deftly as the silkworms in her book weave their cocoons. The atmospheric writing reminded me of Diane Setterfield and Hannah Kent, literary and lyrical and deliciously dark. Highly recommended.

This is not my usual read I like a good psychological thriller but I did like this audio book.

After Tartelin Brown accepts a job with the reclusive Marianne Stourbridge, as well as her new employer's secrets she finds herself on an island that has its own secrets too.

Marianne has returned to the island after 60 years to investigate the what happened just before she left

As Tartelin gets to know Marianne the pair strike up an usual friendship and the island works its magic on Tartelin

There is mystery and unusual creatures on the island and it all makes to a good read delving into mysteries of the past, to discover more about a family and to discover the secrets'

Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for a honest review

When Tartelin Brown accepts a job with the reclusive Marianne Stourbridge, she finds herself on a wild island with a mysterious history.

Tartelin is tasked with hunting butterflies for Marianne’s research. But she quickly uncovers something far more intriguing than the curious creatures that inhabit the landscape.

Because the island and Marianne share a remarkable history, and what happened all those years ago has left its scars, and some terrible secrets.

As Tartelin pieces together Marianne’s connection to the island, she must confront her own reasons for being there. Can the two women finally face up to the painful memories that bind them so tightly to the past?

The narration has good pace and flow,and the narrators voices seemed right for the characters they were portraying. I listened to this as an audio book and felt the narrators really helped bring the story to life. The narrator narrated the book beautifully, and I loved the depictions of the different characters.

I enjoyed this book, as it has a mysterious, secretive story, set in different timelines, with different people. The characters are interesting, and I enjoyed the beautiful, well written text of the book.

Tartelin gets a job working on an island for Marianne, helping her to catch butterflies and moths for her projects. I didn't like this aspect of the story; killing insects. But the rest of the story was interesting and I found it magical, emotional and enchanting. I liked the setting of the book and the nature aspects of the book.

The narrator of the book was perfect for the job, and she brought the story to life, keeping it feeling magical and mysterious, with some adventure, tension and suspense thrown in.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The sea is made up of unspeakable sadness

2018: When Tartelin Brown’s adoptive mother passes away, she finds herself alone in the world and at a loose end. An advert in the paper leading her to the remote island of Dohhalund could change that.

1920s: Marianne Stourbridge grows up on Dohhalund, following her father’s work in the fishing and pearl industries.
Ever keen to diversify he employs Nan, a young silk maker, to teach Marianne to raise silkworms in the hope of creating another source of income as well as a career for his daughter.

2018: Now in her 90s, she’s returned to the wild island that she once called home and which framed her formative years. In an old house with no electricity she returns to finish her life’s work, investigating the changes on the island, particularly focused on butterflies.
Tartelin isn’t sure what her new job as a lepidopterist’s assistant will entail apart from catching butterflies for her brusque new employer, but her mother’s artistic upbringing has given her a deftness of hand that will surely serve her well. She soon becomes intrigued by the exasperatingly stubborn Ms. Stourbridge and is determined to find out more about her life, her past, and why this all but abandoned island is how it is.
As Tartelin uncovers the secrets of the island, she also gets to understand more about herself and where she comes from.

I loved the slow satisfying unravelling 😉 of the story and the secrets tumbled out one by one. With a hint of mythology and fairy tale, this contemporary fiction with a dual timeline ticked all the boxes for me.
I was also touched by the message of nature’s power to adapt to and overcome change, as well as a warning to humanity about our exploitation of the earth’s resources.
The characters - Tartelin, Ms. Stourbridge, Nan - and the island itself - are flawed and endearing, frustrating and very very real. This is an atmospheric read which comes across excellently in audiobook form.

Set on a remote British island, Tartelin has accepted an isolated job working for the elderly islander, Marianne Stourbridge, to continue her work hunting for butterflies. Tartelin is escaping the recent passing of her mother and seeking solace in the wildness of Dohhalund, and whilst there she helps Marianne by unravelling the secrets of her past and the island.

Having read and loved Polly Crosby’s debut novel, The Illustrated Child, I was so excited to read this. Polly’s skill at creating a real sense of the environment, weather, nature and feel of the surroundings was stunningly written. You feel like you are there; the sea air whipping through your hair, the marshlands squelching between your toes and the wildness of the island making you want to explore.

The storyline has a lots of intrigue, there’s the feeling of unease and mystery while you discover secrets along with Tartelin. The characters are well written as well, although Tartelin’s nosiness would annoy me if I knew her!

I LOVED this stunning book by Polly Crosby. It is so beautifully written and evocative that you feel as though you're on the island. The author's lyrical way with words creates such an atmosphere and pulls you through the story effortlessly with titbits about what happened with Marianne. This isn't my usual genre but I glad I tried it and would now like to read Polly Crosby's previous book. Highly recommend.

Firstly Thank you to netgalley for a pre publication copy of this book

Wow wow where do you start and not give anything away
An isolated island and a secret that nobody wants to talk about what's not to like about this storyline
If you love nature and amazing descriptions of the coastal areas wrapped up in a dual Timeline until you discover the secret
This book is highly recommended and stayed with me long after the final chapter

The Unravelling is a duel time novel set on a remote island called Dohhalund. In 2018, Tartelin has been employed by Marianne to help her with her daily care needs and her research into different species of moths on the island. The book also moves back in time to describe Marianne’s childhood on the island and how her family became involved in silk production.
This novel is incredibly well researched and is very informative on the subject of moths and silk production. It also spends a lot of time describing the detail of every character’s thoughts, and individual scenes, at the expense of plot development and pace.

This is an exquisite charming audiobook - depicted via a dual time line. Tartelin has answered an advert to work for the elderly Marianne Stourbridge as a curator for moths and butterflies on the island of Dohhaluna. Tartelin begins to uncover the stories gradually about the history of the island and in particular Dogger Bank House and the young Marianne as she grew up. There are such beautiful descriptions within this book and the narrator Katherine Press uses her skill to bring this gorgeous book alive! A wonderful listen! Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for a chance to experience this beautiful book.