Elmet by: Fiona Mozley

Elmet

by: Fiona Mozley 

Review

Upon finishing this book I was struck with an incredible sense of awe and joy to have found this novel. This novel is Mozley's debut to the literary fiction scene, having been recognized on such a large scale is praise enough, but this novel blew me away! 

Mozley creates a vibrant and tangible atmosphere in which her story unfolds, rural Yorkshire England in a recent time leapt from the page into my living room. The copse in which this story unfolds is vividly portrayed through simple and concise prose. Being a nature lover myself I was able to identify immediately when Daniel and his sister Cathy began to describe their attachment to the small plot of land which their Daddy has built their home upon. Some scenes which still stick with me include:

• Their rustic Christmas tree in the copse with oil lanterns
• Daniel's chores such as raking muck from the path
• Bonfires to bring communities together

This story is best consumed blind, knowing any aspect of the story may give too much away. Though the basic premise is that a father brings his two children out of society and school to grow up in a rural community learning only from him and the lands around, it follows their daily trials and tasks. Though yes I know it may sound boring at this point in time, following the daily life of ordinary working class people, but I assure you you will come to love the characters and their quaint way of life before it is turned upside down. If you are looking to pick this up you will have to order from a UK website because it is not yet out in the US. 

This book discusses themes that are interesting and unique to the UK and can yet be molded to help everyone around the world. 

Themes such as: 

• Familial bonds 
• Land ownership
• Low income housing, and the treatment of those who live there 
• Community bonds
• Human's relationship to the land

Each theme is explored with beautiful language, though at times it is hard to imagine a child of Daniel's age and schooling to use such florid language. This use of beautiful language and exquisite descriptions made the reading of this rather slow burning story a pure joy. This novel finished on an explosive scale which will bring your reading experience into a completely new direction. 

This novel was hard to review being that it relies so much on an element of surprise, though I urge everyone to try reading at some point. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Happy Reading!