Review of Sundial by Catriona Ward: A Thrilling, Psychological Puzzle
Sundial by Catriona Ward is a dark, haunting psychological thriller that navigates the complex dynamics of family trauma, inherited guilt, and generational trauma. After her critically acclaimed The Last House on Needless Street, Ward delivers another unsettling, twisted narrative, further solidifying her reputation as a master of psychological horror and suspense.
Plot Overview
Sundial tells the story of Rob, a woman with a seemingly normal suburban life but a dark, mysterious past. The novel begins with Rob becoming increasingly concerned about her eldest daughter, Callie, who exhibits disturbing and erratic behaviors. Callie’s strange obsession with collecting bones and her unsettling temperament remind Rob of her own troubled upbringing. Fearing that her daughter may harbor dangerous secrets, Rob takes her to Sundial, a remote desert compound where she grew up, to confront the family secrets that have haunted her for years.
The novel alternates between Rob’s past and present, weaving together a tale of psychological torment, manipulative relationships, and buried truths. As Rob revisits her own childhood, she reveals her upbringing at Sundial, where experiments, trauma, and deception played out in the desert landscape. The deeper she delves into her past, the more unnerving the truth becomes, and she begins to question whether her daughter is truly the problem or if it’s Rob herself.
Themes
At its core, Sundial is a story about family, the complexity of parent-child relationships, and the question of how much of our past shapes who we become. The novel explores the nature versus nurture debate—whether certain tendencies are inherited or learned—and how parents’ unresolved issues are passed down to their children. This theme is brought to life through the contrasting personalities of Rob and Callie. Rob’s fear of her daughter is rooted in her own experiences, forcing her to confront the painful truth of her upbringing and the impact it has had on her parenting.
The desert setting of Sundial plays a key role in the novel, serving as a metaphor for isolation, desolation, and emotional barrenness. Ward uses the barren landscape to mirror the psychological desolation experienced by the characters. The arid, unforgiving environment heightens the tension and amplifies the feeling of unease that permeates the story.
Another significant theme in Sundial is the unreliability of memory. Ward presents readers with fragmented recollections, leaving us to question the accuracy of Rob’s perspective. The way the story unfolds keeps readers on edge, unsure of what to believe, much like Rob herself as she grapples with the truth of her past. This sense of disorientation is a key element of the novel’s suspense.
Writing Style
Ward’s writing in Sundial is both captivating and unsettling. She has a talent for creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense that keeps readers engaged. The narrative is multi-layered, with flashbacks and interspersed diary entries, adding depth to the plot and revealing the dark secrets of the characters’ pasts. Ward excels at building psychological tension, and she masterfully captures the slow unraveling of a mind under stress.
The novel’s non-linear structure requires readers to piece together the truth as the story progresses, much like a psychological puzzle. This technique creates a constant feeling of uncertainty, heightening the reader’s anticipation of the impending revelation.
Ward also excels at creating complex, flawed characters. Rob’s internal struggles, her deep-seated guilt, and her fears about her daughter’s behavior are portrayed with raw emotional intensity. Callie’s character, with her eerie and unsettling tendencies, adds a chilling dynamic to the mother-daughter relationship, making it the focal point of the story’s tension.
Character Development
The character development in Sundial is one of its strengths. Rob is a deeply flawed protagonist, whose decisions and actions often stem from trauma and fear. Her journey of self-discovery and her attempts to protect her daughter are laced with ambiguity and questionable morality. As the story unfolds, Rob becomes an increasingly unreliable narrator, making the reader question her perceptions and motivations.
Callie, on the other hand, is a brilliantly portrayed character who embodies innocence and menace in equal measure. Her unpredictable behavior keeps readers on edge, and her dynamic with Rob is both unsettling and heartbreaking. The nuanced depiction of this fraught relationship adds depth to the novel, making it more than just a psychological thriller—it’s a deeply emotional exploration of the mother-daughter bond.
Twists and Turns
Ward’s skill at weaving suspense and surprise into her narrative is evident throughout Sundial. Just when readers think they have a handle on the truth, Ward pulls the rug out from under them with unexpected twists. The psychological complexity of the story leaves room for multiple interpretations, and the final reveal is both shocking and thought-provoking. The sense of unpredictability keeps readers engaged until the very end, making Sundial a gripping read from start to finish.
Verdict
Sundial is not your typical psychological thriller. It’s a richly layered exploration of family trauma, guilt, and the fragile line between love and fear. Ward’s ability to create a claustrophobic atmosphere of dread, combined with her complex characters and intricate plotting, makes Sundial a standout in the genre. While it may not be for everyone—its dark themes and disturbing elements can be unsettling—fans of psychological horror and suspense will find Sundial to be an unforgettable, chilling read.
In summary, Catriona Ward delivers yet another dark, thought-provoking tale that delves into the complexities of human relationships, memory, and the scars left by family trauma. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a hint of horror, Sundial should be at the top of your reading list.
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