“I could hear my grandmother’s time-worn voice recounting the oldest of Saoirse’s legends: That if you left the island, it would always call you back.”
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young is a lyrical tale of heartbreak, betrayal and the ties that bind us and it left me craving more. Years ago a tragedy rocked the tight-knit island community of Saoirse- a tragedy that left an indelible scar in their collective history… the unsolved murder of the young and rebellious Lily Morgan. The circumstances surrounding her death were remarkably peculiar and the intense and secretive locals still harbor daydreams of vengeance. Deep down in their bones they know that the island demands a sacrifice.
The story begins with the return of August Salt, prime suspect in Lily’s murder. Upon his mother’s passing, he reluctantly sails to Saoirse to scatter her ashes and settle affairs. But August’s arrival is a catalyst that brings the seething emotions of the community to a boiling point. His presence opens a veritable Pandora’s Box of painful emotions for old flame Emery Blackwood, owner of the local herbal apothecary.
As new evidence surfaces, Emery takes it upon herself to doggedly investigate Lily’s death, only to call into question everything she thought she knew. How well did she really know her best friend? Or the man she considered the love of her life? And why does she wake up covered in sweat, plagued by troubling nightmares involving drowning?
I found myself effortlessly swept away by the eerie and mystical ‘Spells for Forgetting.’ I was utterly beguiled by the charming characters, cozy narrative and poetic writing style. The island setting was a standout for me- a character unto itself- with its rock-strewn beaches, looming pines and stormy weather. I was also smitten with the witchy elements of the novel. The use of spellcraft, tea leaf readings and herbal medicine added a whimsical yet foreboding ambience that proved irresistible.
I do wish the mystery aspect of the story had been emphasized a little more and the romance a little less, but that’s more of a personal preference. Young created something heartfelt, mystical and surprising in Spells for Forgetting. It would be a pleasure to read curled up with a pumpkin chai latte on an autumn afternoon.
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Make sure to pick up a copy of Spells for Forgetting at a bookstore near you!
A special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
