I fell in love really hard with this book.
The Visitors by Simon Sylvester is magical, haunting, beautiful, angsty, and dreamy. Really all of my favorite adjectives. This is one of those rare books where I was as, if not more, fascinated by the characters and their development as I was into the plot. The story follows Flora, in her final year of school, itching to escape her stifling island life on (the fictional island) Bancree. Flora's prediction of a boring final year is interrupted by two mysteries: a unexpected new neighbor and the disappearances of some local men. Her tentative investigations overlap with a writing assignment on local mythology - her chosen subject is selkies. As she bonds with the new neighbor, Ailsa, the story dips and twists into a fatastically unexpected conclusion.
I went for a Flo-ish outfit with this Book Style. I had to find a red skirt, to represent the one Ailsa gifts to Flo. I paired it with a "Storyteller" bralette (which features a print reminiscent of a bandana) and a "Flora" tank. Fish print tights and "Ailsa" boots take care of the lower half. A plaid cardigan is a nod towards the traditional plaids of the Scottish setting and will keep you warm on the blustery Scottish coast. I had to include something from
Song of the Sea because of the selkie connection and found an adorable backpack that Flo would've found perfect for carrying her collected notes in. The jewelry includes a driftwood necklace, a "Flora" bracelet, a whisky quartz ring, and a set of "Hope" earrings.
If you're looking for your next read and want something transportive with a touch of magical realism, please give this one a shot.
