“The Alone Time” – When Fiona and Violet Seng were just children, their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness during a family vacation. It claimed the lives of their parents and for twelve weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued. (Amazon, 2024)
Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona uses their experience to create controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.
Now a strange woman claims to know the truth surrounding the crash and Fiona and Violet must work together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves before any other secrets emerge from the woods. Seeking the truth, Fiona and Violet go back to the scene of the crash to face the painful truth once and for all.
Review:
Elle Marr’s “The Alone Time” explores the psychological complexities of isolation and fear, crafting a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The narration switches between the points of view of Fiona, Henry, Janet, and Violet to give readers deep insight into the character’s mindset; though the non-linear narrative gets confusing at times. At best, it reminds us of how unreliable our childhood memories tend to be.
Marr’s skillful prose weaves a chilling atmosphere, drawing readers into Fiona and Violet’s increasingly fragile mental state as they confront both external threats and their own inner demons. The narrative is rich with suspense, as layers of mystery unfold with each page turned, leaving a trail of unanswered questions that compel the reader to keep reading. The language is rich and descriptive: “Branches extend toward us as if welcoming us into their lush grave..”
The character development is nuanced and makes the characters relatable, particularly Violet’s journey from vulnerability to strength as she fights to reclaim her sense of security. With themes of survival, family, and resilience, the author paints a vivid portrait of women pushed to their limits and beyond. The numerous plot-twists make this a first rate thriller.
Overall, “The Alone Time” is a masterful thriller that combines atmospheric tension with profound emotional depth, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense. Marr proves herself a formidable storyteller with this gripping tale of fear and redemption in the wilderness. It is recommended for readers who enjoy suspense thrillers with complex characters.
“After a certain level of trauma is reached, the only choice we have is to either feel the pain in all its depth and depravity or choose numbness-ice to assuage the heat.”
*The author received a copy of this book through Amazon First Reads. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
SA Examiner 