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Dominic and his 3 children are caretakers on Shearwater, a remote island near Antarctica, home of the world’s largest seed bank. Once filled with researchers, they are the last remaining inhabitants. The rising seawaters will eventually flood the island, and Dominic’s job is to pack up the seeds to be transported to safer ground. A rescue boat is expected within a few months.

During a severe storm, a woman, Rowan, washes ashore. It's not a place that sees a lot of traffic so her presence is a mystery. Her reason for making the trip is eventually revealed and exposes secrets on both sides. Meanwhile, Dominic and his children nurse Rowan back to health, who was left barely alive.

Deeply atmospheric, with beautiful writing, there are traumas and mysteries to be revealed. I felt deeply for these characters and their relationship with one another, which makes up the bulk of the novel.

I won’t say much about the plot as it’s best discovered for yourself. The audiobook narration was phenomenal and captured the mood of the book perfectly. I felt the isolation, the desperation, and the love of this family. I was transported to the island and deeply moved. The events of the last chapters were harrowing and heartbreaking.

Words fail to convey how this book made me feel, and I always rate according to genre, how long a book stays with me, and how it makes me feel. It's a rare author who can evoke these emotions without manipulating the reader. This one is an easy 5+ stars.

�� I received both the e-book and audio digital copies via NetGalley. I listened exclusively, and highly recommend that format.