It's a chilling dystopia depicting a future where climate catastrophe is imminent. And Ivy Cunningham, now in her seventies, an environmentalist who has fallen out of favour is recruited for a trip to Antarctica by a millionaire who wants to save the planet .
The trip becomes a metaphor, in a Heart of Darkness kind of way, for Ivy as she hopes to salvage her reputation and reconnect with her seemingly estranged son.
Parallel to story of the journey to the Antarctic is the story of Ivy's life and relationship with Bree. Poignantly, we learn of how ambition and love can conspire to test the foundations of an intimate rapport. But there is also something of the eco thriller to as Ivy investigates both her fellow passengers and their intentions.
With a beautifully constructed narrative that is as unsettling as the katabatic storm that engulfs the ship, aptly called The Lone Star, Hale allows us to accompany Ivy on her journey as she fortifies herself with guilt and alcohol. I found it hard to warm to her, in fact I don't think I really engaged with any of the characters except Bree! But that may be intentional.
It's a cerebral book, there is some action but I feel the author's intent is to get us to think. And from my own perspective she's certainly succeeded in that! With the climate crisis much to the forefront of our news these days, it’s a very pertinent book.
Thanks to Canongate Books for a gifted copy.
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