Lili Wilkinson, Deep is the Fen, Allen and Unwin, April 2024, 396 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780593562703
Although her village home of Candlecott seems sleepy and safe, for Merriweather Morgan something just doesn’t seem right. Merri senses that the society of the Toadmen, that the men of the town claim is just a social gathering, has a darker and more threatening agenda. When she finds out that Teddy, one of her best friends, is planning to join, her plans for a blissful last summer of childhood spent with him and the third member of their trio, Sol, quickly begin to dissolve.
Merri journeys into the deeply atmospheric, swampy vibes of Deeping Fen to disrupt Teddy’s initiation into the secret society, leaving the warmth and familiarity of Candlecott. To do so, she reluctantly teams up with Caraway—once her academic rival and the very definition of everything she dislikes. As her relationship with Caraway evolves, and the mission becomes increasingly dangerous, Merri begins to realise that the world isn’t black and white, but full of grey – and sludgy greys at that! Her journey, filled with adolescent mistakes and missteps, makes her character feel real, and young adult readers will relate to Merri and find her likeable and frustrating in equal measure; just like any teenager.
Deep is the Fen is set in the same world as Wilkinson’s previous publication A Hunger of Thorns, but Merri could not be more different from Maude. A firm believer in the anti-witch rhetoric of the government and corporations who manage magic and maintain control, Merri’s story reveals a different side of the ways in which this world works, and her growing awakening to reality echoes her developing maturity. Wilkinson’s fans will appreciate the crossovers between the two titles, and it will be interesting to see if the series evolves further – there’s certainly plenty to explore!
Wilkinson has crafted a very readable YA title that is a must have for every library with borrowers aged 13 and older. The fantasy elements blend well with the coming-of-age story, there is just the right dose of disgusting toe-curling horror, humour, and warmth, and the pacing will keep readers engaged until the end…and make sure you read right to the end; as Wilkinson has included a post credits Easter egg that is worth it! As well, there are teaching notes available at the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Kay Oddone
