Spells for Forgetting

Saoirse Island is the primary setting of Spells for Forgetting, yet it fills a much greater role than a simple backdrop. The island is often personified and given the illusion of a human voice; this illustrates the islanders’ deep connection with the land. The first example of this is in the novel’s very first line: “There were tales that only the island knew” (3). This line directly foreshadows the moment much later when Saoirse Island tells the “tale” of Lily’s death. The first chapter bookends this image by saying, “Saoirse had secrets, yes. But so did we” (8). Immediately, the novel sets up the island as the story’s overarching framework.

Like many island communities, the residents of Saoirse Island are dependent on tourism. In addition to its natural Pacific Northwest beauty, the island is characterized by its inherent magic. Tourists visit in order to briefly touch a bit of the magic that its residents live with every day. However, the relationship between the island and those who live there is deeper than it first appears; the island is viewed as a revered land spirit or deity. This relationship echoes historical accounts of druidic land worship. Even though there are few people on Saoirse Island who actually like the island, they acknowledge its sacred power.

One of Saoirse Island’s defining features is its ability to reach out and draw back those who were once connected to it in some way. August experiences this most directly as he and his deceased mother are pulled back to the island. He grew up believing that his father was able to leave, but it’s later revealed that he was killed. This means that there’s not a single person in the story who was able to leave and stay away permanently. Even after August and Emery run away and build a new life elsewhere, the island continues to call them back through their children. As a motif, Saoirse Island thus functions in parallel to the theme of The Influence of Ancestral Heritage.