A delightful novel, set in the typically English village of Nun’s Drift. It follows the stories of four individuals, across a year in village life, each with their own reason for being there, with each of their life journeys intertwining to reveal deeper themes.
For me, structure is such a vital part of a story, and the structure used here is one if my favourites. A deep dive into one character at a time, allowing the reader to really get to know them and their motivations. In this case it repeats this with four characters, allowing us to see how they relate, cross over and fit into each other’s story.
Each is in a certain season of life when they are searching, and the answer to their search is ultimately the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Not all of them are happy to see this as the answer, not unusually. Their searches are triggered by trauma, insecurity, loss of religion (fascinating to consider that losing faith in a religion can lead to finding faith in Jesus) and a drive to be perfect.
The characters all encourage empathy from the reader, showing the truth that pretty much everyone has a story to tell, a reason why they are where they are and a reason why they should be forgiven and accepted.
My only criticism of this book can be that it is too short! I would love to have spent much more time with each of them, really getting under the skin of their motivations and hearing more of their journey.
It is a story about community, people of different shapes and sizes rattling along together finding peace and harmony in a small peace-bringing village, with the church at the hub.
Nun’s Drift, by Sheila Jacobs, is available here.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.
