Exploring Motherhood: The Complexities Revealed in ‘Undercurrent’

Unraveling Secrets and Struggles: A Dive into Sarah Sawyer's Debut Novel

The literary world is buzzing with the release of Undercurrent, the compelling debut novel by Sarah Sawyer, an English teacher at a boarding school nestled in the picturesque landscapes of western Massachusetts. This book promises to be more than just your typical mystery; it delves deep into the complicated dynamics of motherhood and the often-destructive secrets that families harbor.

At first glance, Sawyer’s novel presents the story of a missing girl, Deecie, who vanished under mysterious circumstances in 1987 in Austin, Texas. However, as this narrative unfolds across two timelines—1987 and 2011—it becomes clear that the author aims to peel back the layers of each character’s life, revealing how deeply intertwined their fates really are.

In the neon glow of the ‘80s, we are introduced to Bee and her twin brother Gus, two fifteen-year-olds navigating the tumult of adolescence when Deecie suddenly disappears. Their mother, Mary, is a complex figure trapped in an unhappy marriage, yearning for fulfillment outside the confines of her home. Her passion for community theater becomes a temporary escape from her discontent. Meanwhile, Gus’s best friend Leo lives nearby with his own mother, Diana. Diana is a determined woman juggling the dual struggles of single motherhood and ambitions of becoming a college professor, especially after her recent separation from her husband.

As the narrative shifts to 2011, we find Bee grappling with the demands of new motherhood in Portland, Maine. The exhaustion and challenges of caring for her infant, Attie, weigh heavily on her as she faces her own isolation from Gus and Leo. Memories of Deecie’s unsolved case flood back when Leo unexpectedly reaches out, igniting a fire within Bee to delve into her tumultuous past. Her need for closure regarding Deecie’s disappearance leads her back to Austin, where she is shocked to find her brother Gus at their mother’s home.

What unfolds is a tender exploration of how the echoes of the past linger in the present. Bee’s quest for answers about Deecie intertwines with the relationships she had once taken for granted, prompting readers to question not only what happened to the missing girl but also how the secrets kept by mothers—Mary and Diana—form the bedrock of their children’s lives. Each character carries invisible burdens, weighed down by the protective choices they made and the uncomfortable truths they’ve chosen to ignore.

The dual timelines highlight the stark contrast in the lives of the characters over 24 years. In 1987, fears and assumptions swirl around the boys—Gus and Leo—who were in the field the night Deecie vanished. Their silence speaks volumes, leaving readers to wonder what they might know and why they have been unwilling to share. This silence serves as a narrative thread that ties together the events of their teenage years with Bee’s maternal struggles in 2011.

Sawyer’s profound storytelling captures the essence of motherhood. It skillfully raises the question: To what lengths will a mother go to shield her children from the complexities of life? The pain and sacrifices endured by Mary resonate throughout the book, positioning her as a pivotal character who represents the emotional weight of taking on the role of protector, even when faced with despair.

As the climax nears, the secrets of both families unravel, revealing the harrowing truth behind Deecie’s fate. Undercurrent is less a traditional mystery and more a poignant reflection on family—how love can intertwine with pain, how the past can cast long shadows on the present, and ultimately, how the act of protecting one’s family can lead to unintended consequences.

For fans of emotionally rich narratives and intricately woven plots, Sarah Sawyer’s Undercurrent invites readers to reflect on the weight of secrets and the enduring bond of family. It underscores a universal truth: our past shapes us in ways we may not always understand, and confronting it may be the only path toward healing.

With its compelling exploration of themes that resonate deeply with many, this novel is surely not one to miss. Dive into the world of Undercurrent and discover the powerful story behind a missing girl and the mothers who shaped her fate.