This is a mystery novel that has a sci-fi or dystopian twist to it. The story unfolds further and you start to notice the cracks, things are not as they seem but quite what they are I wasn’t able to put my finger on, following Ben in this story finally led me to a truth that I didn’t expect. THere are ethical questions raised within the story and this is a great way of interacting with the reader and made me think about options, dilemmas and principles. This is quite an addictive story and it does have a dystopian feel to it, but not overly so and this makes it more accessible. There is however an underlying ominous feel, is everything as good as it seems or is it too good to be true? It has a good feel, almost like a utopian society where everyone works together. While he still waits for her to return from another job he is shown and welcomed to the island. Once there he is surprisingly welcomed as it seems that Cara is respected there. A dangerous journey to undertake with no idea what he will find when he gets there. Travel and work are via permits.īen finally has enough of waiting for Cara so decides to make his way to The Sanctuary. There are benefits to these hubs as those who cannot afford to live in them can work in them. He however is happier in the city in his small flat. He has visited Villages to paint portraits for the wealthier residents. The main island is known as Sanctuary Rock, a remote island that has a strict and limited access system.įor Ben, this is a society or system that doesn’t quite sit well with him. This story is set around a two-tier society, those that can afford to live in Villages, and those that can. Cara likes her job a lot and she likes the importance that it offers her. She works on an island with no phone signal and communication is by letter. When Ben’s fiance Cara doesn’t return from her work trip, Ben gets worried. But the journey there is a harsh and challenging one, and when he does arrive, a terrible shock awaits him.Īs Ben begins to find his way around Pemberley’s perfect island, he knows he must also discover – what has made Cara so determined to throw her old life away? And is Sanctuary Rock truly a second Eden, as the mysterious Sir John claims – or a prospect of hell? Now she has decided to break off their engagement and stay there for good.īen resolves to travel to the island to win Cara back. For six months his fiancée Cara has been living on the remote island of Sanctuary Rock, the property of millionaire philanthropist Sir John Pemberley. In a disintegrating and increasingly lawless land, a young man is travelling north.īen is a young painter from the crowded, turbulent city.

This is the 9th book I have read in my #20booksofsummer reading challenge. I had requested this book from Penguin Books via NetGalley as the title and synopsis interested me.

I am delighted to share my review today for The Sanctuary by Andrew Hunter Murray.

The last day andrew hunter murray plot