Daisy Johnson, the youngest writer ever to be shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2018 for her debut novel 'Everything Under', is receiving critical acclaim for her new release, 'Long Wave'. This latest work is described by critics as potentially her strongest to date, offering a nuanced and subtle exploration of themes that have long permeated her writing.
'Long Wave' centres on the intertwined lives of three generations of mothers. The narrative begins with Ori, discovered as a child after being left on a remote island off the English coast. Her mother, Ruth, witnessed a mysterious incident involving a mother and baby in a river at a young age, an event that continues to haunt her. Ruth's own mother, Edith, imprisoned her due to the societal shame of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. These complex relationships form the backbone of a story rich with secrets and unresolved questions, which Ori confronts fully in adulthood as she navigates new motherhood.
Johnson's distinctive literary style, which seamlessly blends vivid, almost mythical imagery with an unflinching grounding in everyday reality, is particularly evident in 'Long Wave'. The narrative juxtaposes elements such as 'mountain hares with thick white coats who have never seen a human even in their dreams' and a semi-derelict lighthouse, with the mundane details of 'pavements that are sticky with Calippo and crushed cigarettes' and the sterile environment of 'blue NHS hospital curtains'. This juxtaposition creates a 'sublime' effect, according to early reviews, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.
A notable aspect of 'Long Wave' is Johnson's precise and empathetic portrayal of early motherhood. Her language captures the overwhelming fatigue of the postpartum period, describing it as 'like a suffocating, papery snow'. She delves into the intricate sensations of a baby's first movements, the vulnerability of the fontanelle, and the physical and emotional demands of breastfeeding, conveying the profound impact of these experiences. While Johnson has previously incorporated supernatural elements into her exploration of how past relationships can linger, 'Long Wave' finds its strength in the robust emotional scaffolding of its characters' inner lives, with less reliance on the uncanny.
Consistent with her previous works, Johnson maintains an interest in characters living on the fringes of society. 'Long Wave' expands this focus to include surrogate and adoptive families, alongside the central biological mothers. The novel also touches upon the concept of communal childcare, as Ruth and a former colleague, JP, explore the idea of a shared household where women support each other in raising children, highlighting the societal pressures and challenges faced by parents.