Wild Dark Shore - a family on a remote island faces climate change and danger.

Dominic Salt and his three children are the last inhabitants of Shearwater Island. Situated between Antarctica and Tasmania, the island houses a seed vault intended to replenish food supplies in the event of a global disaster. Until recently, a team of climate change researchers also lived there. However, due to rising sea levels, the outpost is shutting down and Dominic, its caretaker, is getting the seeds boxed up awaiting a ship to arrive which will transport the seeds to a new location and rescue his family. During a violent storm, a woman named Rowan washes ashore after the ship she was on is destroyed. Injured, the family comes to her aid. With all communications systems no longer working, she too must wait for the ship to be rescued. As Rowan recovers, she grows close to the children, especially 9-year-old Orly, a brilliant boy with almost encyclopedic knowledge of the seeds, while concealing her true purpose for heading to the island. Dominic doesn't trust Rowan, and it is clear to her that the entire family harbors their own secrets. 

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is a beautifully written book that successfully blends multiple genres. It combines literary fiction, psychological thriller, and climate fiction. The heart of the book is the strong bond of the Salt family. Dominic, a widower, will do anything to protect his children. The remote setting of the island comes to life with its cold and wet weather conditions and its wondrous sea animals. The message about our planet's climate crisis comes through loud and clear.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Literary Fiction | Psychological Thriller | Climate Fiction.

Publication Date: March 4, 2025.

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