Pages: 377
Published: 14th October 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Content warnings: Child death, sexual harassment
Alone in the world, Elspeth Swansome has taken the position of nanny to a family on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea. Her charge, Mary, is a troubled child. Distracted and secretive, she hasn’t uttered a word since the sudden death of her twin, William—just days after their former nanny disappeared.
With Mary defiantly silent, Elspeth turns to the islanders. But no one will speak of what happened to William. Just as no one can explain the hypnotic lullabies sung in empty corridors. Nor the strange dolls that appear in abandoned rooms. Nor the faint whistling that comes in the night…
As winter draws in and passage to the mainland becomes impossible, Elspeth finds herself trapped. But is this house haunted by the ghosts of the past?
OR THE SECRETS OF THE LIVING..?
This is a wonderful example of how to tell a ghost story which combines an ominous atmosphere and a plot that creates many mysteries. With the aid of some deeply evocative writing and complex, well developed characters who build fascinating relationships, the Gothic vibe and swift pacing throughout make for a fully engaging read.
For anyone who has read other books in this genre there are some familiar elements that appear along the way, but it still manages to retain a healthy slice of originality as the author introduces some intriguing sub-plots that are embellished by well executed twists. The attentive way that topics such as grief and the loss of a sibling are explored among multiple characters also provides a powerful additional layer.
Feeling alone after the death of her sister Clara the previous year, Elspeth Swansome moves to the island of Skelthsea to become governess to an orphaned nine-year-old girl called Mary, who lives at Iskar house under the care of her aunt, Miss Gillies. It is only when she arrives that Elspeth is told that Mary has been completely mute since her twin brother William was gradually found dead on the rocks and her former governess Hettie left without warning.
Despite Mary’s perpetual silence, Elspeth quickly strikes up a bond with her and becomes uneasy at the young girl’s occasional nightmares and seeming ability to see things that are not really there. It turns out that talk of ghostly activity at Iskar is not unheard of at the island, with Hettie being accused of being into witchcraft, so Mary’s fear may not be totally misplaced after all.
Furthermore, Elspeth is highly suspicious of Miss Gillies’ maid Greer, who treats her with undisguised hostility from the moment she arrives. As she tries to learn more about past events at the house and discusses her concerns with some of Skelthsea’s other residents, some strange things happen that leave her desperately wanting to leave the island, but she cannot bring herself to abandon Mary.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the plot is that it poses several questions where on the face of it the answers are seemingly clear-cut, only for the real truth to emerge later, and none of those revelations feel in the least bit contrived. It means you cannot assume anything, and that is underlined by the twist at the beginning of part two, which gives the story a whole new degree of menace.
The haunted house aspect is pleasingly subtle, with the presence of ghosts implied rather than shown, although we are left in no doubt that they are certainly there. It was lovely to see the close relationship and understanding that exists between Elspeth and Mary, which is the heartbeat of the story and acts as an antidote to the fraught atmosphere at Iskar. As a result, you grow to care for them both.
Everything is written in the first person from Elspeth’s perspective, and her narration superbly conveys the palpable tension and sense of the unknown that lurks at every turn. She is likeable and well developed, with outstanding portrayal at the loss she feels at Clara’s death and the loneliness she experiences on the island. That moment when she wants to leave Skelthsea; you are at the same time feeling her pain but also desperate for her to stay and take care of Mary.
There was always going to be more to Mary than what is on the surface, but as it goes on it was a little surprising just how far that goes. She is clearly terrified of her surroundings after recent events, and there is rarely a time that you as the reader are not worried for her. Meanwhile, Miss Gillies was a curious character for different reasons. She came across as kind and conversational, but the writing sometimes suggested she had a darker edge to her.
It is hard to like Greer as she is bitter towards Elspeth and gives off a very uncomfortable vibe, but you always suspect she is quite complex. Mrs Lenister is much more affable and some of her memories about events that happened at Iskar are among the most compelling parts of the book. As for Bridget, she is friendly but intrusive, whereas Reid Paterson was just a nasty person all round.
Iskar and indeed the whole island of Skelthsea made for a creepy setting, particularly during the scenes that take place at night as it brings about a sense of looming danger. The discussions of witchcraft and also the fact that boats to and from Edinburgh are so infrequent creates a real sense of isolation, with the spectre of death everywhere you look. It was very well done and as mentioned before in terms of the plot – subtle.
The writing flows nicely and pulls you in straight away, which makes it really easy to connect with the story and the characters. What also works in its favour is that it is fairly concise while still generating that arresting atmosphere, and it shows rather than tells. The ending may leave one loose end a tad unresolved, but the final twist is effective and may come as a surprise for some.
Overall, a fantastically executed book that would be perfect for anyone who loves Gothic historical fiction. The characters are all interesting and the plot never feels slow, so it is not the easiest one to put down; even more so as the tension gradually builds and Elspeth becomes more fearful for hers and Mary’s safety. An absorbing read that excels in all areas.
Rebecca Netley apparently grew up in a house full of books and music, helping her develop a writerly passion. The Whistling is her debut novel and it won the Exeter Novel Prize. Her next book, entitled The Black Feather, will be released later in 2023.
Netley lives in the UK with her husband and children. Following The Whistling, her upcoming books will definitely be going on my TBR.
One of those books where there is no one outstanding element; instead everything is executed tremendously well in equal measure, and I fully connected with the story and its characters.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stephen Reads Books 