There is a lot of praise for this debut novel by Adelia Saunders and they’re not wrong. Indelible is an interesting journey into the lives of its three main characters.
Magdalena has a strange gift: she can read a person’s past, present, and future by the writings on their skin only she can see. Because of this, Magdalena decided long ago not to wear her glasses all the time. Even when she has bruises on her body from bumping into things, Magdalena finds this as a better option than constantly seeing the secrets of the people she meets.
One day, however, Magdalena meets a young man who has her name written on his skin. Neil is studying history in London, and is only meeting Magdalena because of a request from his father, Richard. Their meeting, however brief, sparks a connection between the two. Neil can’t stop thinking about Magdalena even after they’ve parted ways.
Meanwhile, Richard is on a quest of his own, trying to find the real whereabouts of his mother in Paris. He is determined to prove that the eccentric author did not abandon him as a child. His obsession causes friction between him and his son, Neil, and they don’t talk to each other as often as they should. When they do, they are at always at odds with each other.
All three lives intertwine as the book progresses, their paths eventually converging.
Indelible starts slow, letting you into the lives of the characters in small morsels. This is not for those who love fast-paced narrations. But for those who are patient, Indelible creates a seamless connection between three people who are walking their own path. When their lives intertwine, there are moments of surprise when you finally figure out the significance of certain clues in the book.
Although I enjoyed following each character’s journey, I would have wanted to read more about Magdalena and her gift. It is this intriguing premise that pulled me to read the book in the first place and I wanted more of her story than anyone else’s.
Still, Indelible is an intriguing read. Great for readers who love intricate plot embroidery.
Kristyn M. Levis is a freelance writer, author and photographer based in Sydney. She is currently the managing editor of Her Collective. Her first novel, The Girl Between Two Worlds, was published in 2016. Book two is set for release this year.