Description
Book SynopsisThis is the story of two women, Nula and Maggie, joined by old family history and love for the same little boy.
Nula, struggling with her new baby and feeling alone in her marriage, employs her cousin Maggie as a nanny when she returns to work. But it''s not long before Nula finds herself theatened by Maggie''s close bond with her son, Samuel.
Nula''s outwardly perfect house crackles with unspoken jealousies and rivalry until Maggie''s intense love for Samuel tips into obsession and she decides her only option is to abduct the child. As Maggie makes her desperate bid for safety, the women''s shared past of trauma and loss comes to the fore once more.
WINNER OF THE JERWOOD FICTION UNCOVERED PRIZE 2015.
Trade ReviewRoberts writes fantastically well about motherhood and the magical, other-worldly atmosphere of Anglesey * The Times *
More than just a piece of mummy lit, it's particularly good on the multiple tiny stories of hurt and resentments that can make up a family history. * Metro *
There's little more engrossing than a top-notch psychological thriller. Bethan Roberts's latest novel doesn't disappoint – it's satisfyingly creepy and stimulates that delicious paradox: goose-pimples in summer. * The Independent *
A sharp examination of what it means to be a mother...What makes
Mother Island stand out from the crowd, though, is the compassion the author shows for her central characters...A thoroughly cracking read * Big Issue *
Cleverly constructed… Skilful unravelling of events… Uncomfortable and gripping in equal measures -- Juanita Coulson * Lady *
