Spiderweb Alley: Book One of The Elverie Road
by Verlyn Flieger
The Gabbro Head Press


"A little sanity is what we need right now, a good dose of the ordinary. Come on."

Mick and Kath are a couple who share a strong and passionate connection, evident through their meaningful gazes. Kath is passionate about fairy tales and enjoys sharing her knowledge with Mick. However, in recent times, Kath has struggled to maintain a grip on reality. Mick believes that her symptoms, including sleep deprivation and hunger, may be indicative of an illness, leading to hallucinations and waking dreams. Kath, on the other hand, firmly believes in the reality of what she sees and rejects the idea that she is unwell. As her condition worsens, she frequently passes out and believes she has entered another world during these episodes. Mick and Kath must work together to unravel the mystery behind these occurrences before it's too late.

In her book, Flieger explores the theme of reality versus insanity. The author raises the question of what can be trusted when reality and insanity are intertwined, leading to confusion and uncertainty about what is true. Readers are taken on a journey alongside the characters as they attempt to uncover the truth. This narrative device is compelling as it creates a sense of collaboration between the characters and the readers in solving the mystery. Each character has a distinct voice that sets them apart, and the dialogue provides insight into their personalities. For example, Mick is portrayed as a caring romantic partner who is ready to assist his significant other. Readers will be captivated by this book due to its plethora of unexpected plot twists and turns, creating an experience that will keep them thoroughly engaged and eagerly turning pages.

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