ISBN: 9780525520429
Author: Julia Phillips
Publisher: Vintage
Price: RM40.60 (Ebook)
“It hurts too much to break your own heart out of stupidity, to leave a door unlocked or a child untended and return to discover that whatever you value most has disappeared”
“DISAPPEARING Earth” takes readers on a gripping journey through the remote landscapes and intimate lives of those dwelling on the Kamchatka Peninsula. In her book, Phillips crafts a masterful narrative that blends mystery, human connection, and the haunting beauty of a land often overlooked.
The book starts with the two sisters, Alyona and Sophia, going missing from a beach in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This event kicks off a journey into the lives of different people living in this remote part of Russia. As the story unfolds, we get a peek into their emotions and experiences, painting a vivid picture of life in Kamchatka. Phillips connects these stories, creating a rich narrative that explores the intricacies of human existence in this unique setting.
A key aspect of the book is how Phillips vividly describes the landscape of the peninsula. She brings to life the rugged coastline and snowy mountains, making the setting feel like a character itself — observing the highs and lows of the people who call it home. With her captivating writing style, Phillips takes readers on a journey to this distant place, showing them its raw beauty and tough challenges.
The main theme of the book is how everyone is connected. Phillips shows this through a mix of characters and how their lives overlap and affect each other. Whether they meet by accident or share experiences, these connections show the strong ties within the community. This highlights how everyone wants to connect and understand each other, especially during hard times.
The characters in “Disappearing Earth” are deeply developed and feel very real. From a mother mourning her loss to a young woman struggling with who she is, each person’s viewpoint shows how complicated life is in Kamchatka. Phillips handles
different perspectives well, giving readers a clear picture of the community’s diverse experiences and viewpoints.
While the book is definitely mysterious, it goes beyond just being a mystery story. It touches on bigger ideas like dealing with loss and being strong in tough times. It paints a picture of a community struggling after a tragedy and shows how hope can keep people going. Phillips’ book is a great example of storytelling — a story that sticks with you, showing how we’re connected and the hidden things that can break us apart.
In the book, Phillips keeps things exciting and tense, making readers want to keep reading. As the search for the missing girls goes on, things get more intense, and you start to see how connected everyone in the community is. Each chapter reveals something new, pulling you further into the relationships and stories that make up life in Kamchatka.
Besides its interesting story, the book stands out for how it looks at identity and fitting in. Phillips does this by showing characters from different backgrounds and how they deal with who they are. She shows the tough parts of figuring out where you belong, especially for people who are not part of the mainstream. Whether it is indigenous folk facing challenges or immigrants trying to fit in, Phillips handles the topic of identity and belonging well, showing she understands it deeply.
This book stays with you even after you finish reading it. With its interesting story, well-developed characters, and vivid setting, it shows how stories can reveal things we do not always see. Whether you like literary fiction or mystery, there is something to love in this exceptional novel. Phillips proves she is a talented writer to keep an eye on, and “Disappearing Earth” is an impressive book that introduces a strong new voice in today’s literature.
