Shearwater Island

Shearwater Island functions almost as a character in its own right, its isolation and rugged environment shaping the lives and relationships of everyone who lives there. The dramatic cliffs, shifting weather, and rising seas reflect both the physical dangers and emotional pressures the characters face, while its natural beauty fosters moments of wonder and connection. The island’s ecosystems, from seal colonies to penguin habitats, reinforce the novel’s ecological themes, making the setting a constant reminder of both vulnerability and resilience in the face of environmental and personal crises.

Rowan’s House

Rowan’s house, destroyed by wildfire before the main events of the novel, represents both personal loss and the fragility of human life in the face of climate change. Its absence casts a shadow over her character, shaping her reluctance to form attachments, while also highlighting the consequences of environmental catastrophe. The memory of...