Nell

Nell is one of the novel’s two protagonists. She is in her twenties and living in Dublin. At the beginning of the novel, she works as a ghostwriter for an influencer named Meg, crafting social media posts and travel content about destinations she has never visited. This job highlights Nell’s lack of personal agency and her disconnection from her own voice. Over time, however, she starts a blog for anxious travelers, an endeavor that marks a significant turning point. By writing about her own experiences and vulnerabilities, Nell begins to embrace her authentic self and communicate her thoughts directly, a process that helps her build confidence and find a sense of purpose.

Nell’s journey is shaped by her emotionally abusive relationship with Felim, which initially diminishes her sense of self-worth but ultimately pushes her to grow. Her love for Felim blinds her to his controlling...