In the caves of the ancients, the witches' waters, the minds of those searching and even in the pits of deepest space; there lies one reoccurring image- the spiral. Infinite and eternal this shape bears witness to four stories: a girl of the first humans, painting magic in the dawn; Anna who is accused of being a temptress – a witch, listening to the whispers of the waters of Golden Beck; a doctor trying to cure a mad poet, not knowing if he's insane himself; and far into the future Bowman setting on a journey that will change his destiny…
Sedgwick is an undeniably talented writer, shown simply by the sheer diversity of the interweaved stories in this book. In particular, I enjoyed Quarter 1 'Whispers in the Dark', as written in a simple poetic verse it seemed both a beautiful and interesting style of storytelling.
In addition, the magic in 'Whispers in the Dark' enraptured me, as the ghostly image of the unknown is interloped with the reiterated spiral. However, as I progressed through the quarters this magic developed a sour taste. For, despite being enchanting, this book also has the power to disturb.
For example, in Quarter 4, Bowman is appointed with the responsibility to transport a cargo of humans to a new life in deep space, but on the way the truths he discovers will change his destiny forever. The mere mention of this ending sends shivers down my spine!
Sedgwick should also be congratulated on some mesmerising minor characters in his tales. Such as the mad poet Dexter in Quarter 3, homed in the New York mental asylum, who's only downfall is his knowledge.
Overall, this book was incredibly clever in linking four stories, each which plays upon the human fear of the unknown. A triumph – set to wonder and beguile its readers.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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