Our Fathers

by Rebecca Wait

One day when Tommy was eight years old his Father shot his brother Nicky, his baby sister Beth and his Mother. Then his Father turned the gun on himself leaving Tommy as the soul survivor, hiding in a cupboard. Unsurprisingly Tommy has had a difficult time living with this this. Now in his 30’s Tom has returned to the remote island of his childhood, Litta. Will this help him lay the demons to rest or will it stir up people’s memories?

This is a gentle book – surprising considering the dreadful murders. Tom has been running all his life but has now returned to face his past. However, this isn’t a swift acting, seeking out of the truth. This is more about him coping with being the survivor. He isn’t poking and prodding everyone seeking out reasons but rather walking the desolate island and sitting in the silent company of his Uncle, Malcolm, who has his own regrets from the past.

I loved this book. It is hard to explain what kept me reading – it certainly wasn’t the action as this story moved slowly much like the island it is set upon. The characters, however, are quite wonderful. Who can’t but feel for this man who has lived with his Father’s actions for most of his life? The taciturn Malcolm who is a man of few words but who feels that he failed the young Tommy. Then there are the neighbours – should they have noticed clues? Should they have intervened within the family? Those dilemmas at the time which still haunt them.

This is a very moving story. Everyone is a sum of their past and of people’s actions & inactions. So noticeable in this case but so true of us all. The depth of feeling and beautiful description combined to make this a wonderful book which I am glad that I read.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

A thank-you to Rebecca Wait, Quercus Books and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
This is a most moving and gripping novel touching the subject of family violence, both verbal and physical, and of consequences of surviving a horrific tragedy witnessed as a child. Is violence towards family members something one cannot escape from in adult life, having experienced it in childhood?
This is not a murder mystery, but everything that is revealed gradually regarding several families living on a small island in the Hybrides, did keep me on the edge on my chair. The island itself, with its severe weather, harsh living conditions it offers, terrain and isolation from the mainland, is atmospheric and is a character itself in the novel.
Writing and narration are superb, and truly deserve high praise.