Isla Morley draws from her experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and her subsequent life in diverse cultural settings around the globe. Her writing delves into the depths of the human experience, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human connection. Through rich, evocative prose and keen insight into the human psyche, Morley crafts narratives that resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impact. Her novels are marked by meticulously developed characters and a strong sense of place, reflecting her own journey through varied landscapes.
Inspired by the true story of the "Blue People of Kentucky," this luminous narrative explores profound themes of identity, love, and family. Through its characters, the book delves into the complexities of belonging and the bonds that tie us together, offering a unique perspective on the human experience shaped by both societal perceptions and personal connections.
In 1937, there are recesses in Appalachia no outsiders have ever explored. Two government-sponsored documentarians from Cincinnati, Ohio -- a writer and photographer -- are dispatched to penetrate this wilderness and record what they find for President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration. For photographer Clay Havens, the assignment is his last chance to reboot his flagging career. So when he and his journalist partner are warned away from the remote Spooklight Holler outside of town, they set off eagerly in search of a headline story.
Set against a backdrop reminiscent of a Hitchcock film, the story explores themes of human resilience amidst madness. It weaves a chilling narrative that captivates and unsettles, making it a contemporary horror classic. The deft storytelling immerses readers in a haunting experience, illuminating the darker aspects of the human condition while showcasing the strength that emerges in dire circumstances.
Isla Morley's debut novel explores the profound fear surrounding the death of a child.