Author: Boyne, John

Pat brought this home from the library but it was due back before I had finished it. Knowing it was only a two-week loan I added my name onto the list and waited for it to come back to me.

There are four stories in the book, each with their own plot line, and each of the stories are connected in one way or another. The connections weren’t always obvious and I enjoyed finding them.

Water tells the story of a woman whose husband has been convicted of the rape of several young girls in his care. One of her daughter’s has died by suicide and the other doesn’t want much to do with her mother. Willow has come to an isolated island, off Galway, in order to sort herself and her life out.

Earth tells the story of a young man from the island who longs to be a painter but lacks the talent. Evan does, however, have an innate ability in football. After trying unsuccessfully to realize his dream he gives up and joins a professional football team. All does not go well for the naive man and his life takes on a downward spiral in spite of the money he is making.

Fire tells the story of a doctor who specializes in treating burns. Freya had a traumatic experience in her less-than-ideal childhood and that trauma has followed her through into adulthood. In spite of her successful career she continues her habit of picking up and molesting young boys.

Air tells the story of a child psychologist who has moved from London to Sydney, Australia. He is in a dysfunctional marriage that seems to suit both parties. When their marriage breaks up Aaron is left to raise their son. His ex-mother in law’s funeral brings them all back to the island where their secrets are revealed to their son.