"Surging out of the sea, the Bass Rock has for centuries watched over the lives that pass under its shadow on the Scottish mainland. And across the centuries the fates of three women are linked: to this place, to each other.
In the early 1700s, Sarah, accused of being a witch, flees for her life.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Ruth navigates a new house, a new husband and the strange waters of the local community.
Six decades later, the house stands empty. Viv, mourning the death of her father, catalogues Ruth's belonging and discovers her place in the past - and perhaps a way forward.
Each woman's choices are circumscribed, in ways big and small, by the men in their lives. But in sisterhood there is the hope of survival and new life. Intricately crafted and compulsively readable, The Bass Rock burns bright with anger and love." - Taken from the inside flap.
[WARNING: Contains sensitive topics that some readers may find distressing!]
Evie Wyld is one of my favourite authors, so the decision to read this was a no-brainer. This book blew my mind, and considering this month was International Women's History Month, we celebrated Mother's Day and International Women's Day, combined with the awful events occurring in the news about attacks on women, The Bass Rock was completely appropriate. Filled with so much emotion, there were so many powerful paragraphs, and Wyld does not let any male off easy! She has some passionate views on violence against which I believe everyone should learn or at least read about.
The novel begins with a young Viviane walking on the beach with her mother looking for shells, when Viviane spots a suitcase with a dead woman inside. This is just the first incident of horrific events in the novel. Every man's purpose in this book is to take on the role of the villain, which may reflect our society. From women accused of being witches centuries ago, to women being raped and murdered by partners or strangers on the street, women are, and never have been, safe. Jealous exes, angry fathers, sexual partners who take it too far, it is no wonder Viv's friend Maggie has such strong and negative opinions on men. Some of her speeches left me shocked and seriously questioning the every-day things our society considers "normal".
The wonderful characters in this story intertwine and overlap lives. Ruth is Viv's step-grandmother, being undermined by her new husband post the Second World War, looking after his two teenage boys, she is incredibly strong. While trying to settle into her new home, Ruth occasionally crosses paths with a young ghost girl. The girl haunts the house long into the future when Viv house-sits for her uncle, attempting to sell it. This girl is called Sarah, a young woman from the 1700s accused of witchcraft. Sarah represents every woman throughout history, becoming a theme in the book, as well as the theme of wolves - this is mentioned every time there are hints of toxic masculinity of traits of this in the men. A lot of foreshadowing found in this novel, which correlates to real-life history. The treatment of women has hardly changed, other than women's behaviour; relationships do not last as long anymore since women are more independent financially, socially and mentally.
With absolutely no spoilers, I urge everyone to read this book, but approach with caution as many may find some events uncomfortable or rage inducing - I had to put this book down a few times and go for a walk to calm down. Each section ends with a short anecdote of a woman being attacked by a man, securing the message of this book: toxic masculinity and its effects on women.
A definite stars. One for its characters who I loved and wished I could protect. Another for the plot as I was gripped, page to page. A third star has to go to my love for the author, I adore her writing style and that would bring me to the fourth star for the narrative - two characters speak in first person, Ruth's chapters are in third. Joseph's perspective allows the reader to connect with a male and get an insight to his views on women. A final star for its relevance to today, especially after the momentous month this has been for women's rights and safety. I do not think this book will ever be outdated, unfortunately. Beautifully written, shockingly surreal and real at the same time, Wyld knows how to write a heartbreaking novel.
★★★★★
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