A convoluted and constantly changing narrative that will keep you on your toes!
Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin
Australian author Lili Wilkinson has been very busy since 2006, publishing over 20 novels, mostly for teens, as well as picture books, anthologies and short stories.
Unhallowed Halls is the story of American teenager Page Whittaker. She has always been on the outer, finding it difficult to make friends. After her one and only friend was involved in a deadly incident at her old school, she receives, out of the blue, a scholarship to Agathion College, situated on the Scottish moors. Agathion College is an exclusive boarding school for wealthy misfits. All seems well at first and she is excited for the chance to start again where nobody knows her past. There is a huge library of books to read, which happens to be Page’s favourite pastime, and she slowly begins to make friends with some of the other students. But all is not what it seems and Page soon discovers there are deep secrets being held by both students and staff. Who can she trust, and will her past become an issue?
Page has always felt unloved and never really had anyone on her side, and so starting again at a new school on the other side of the world where nobody knows her seems perfect. But as she realises her new friends have secrets to which she is not privy, she desperately wants to find out what they are.
There are strict Magisters who rule with an iron thumb. Teachers are only at the school during the day and students have lots of free time. The school rules are archaic: no technology, few formal lessons, and only the ancient classics are studied.
There are two distinct parts of this story. The first half is more about relationships, learning the ropes and Page finding her place in the new school. It gives us a promise of interesting characters, and trying to fit in. Teenage life is also normalised with down-to-earth problems such as painful menstrual cramps: something not everyone may be comfortable discussing, but an integral part of life for many women and girls.
The plot does an abrupt turn in the second half when it becomes more frantic and fantastical. At times it becomes confusing and much darker, when demonic supernatural themes are introduced. We also have pre-Christian, Celtic, and pagan beliefs all jumbled together. It almost seems like it is written for two distinct groups of people. The reader will need to suspend their belief in all things ‘normal’ when the whole world seems to go crazy.
For those interested in classical literature, there are many references throughout the story, including quotes from Greek philosophy to myths and legends. Added to this we have magic and then in the second half, horror and betrayals. The gentler first half leads into Page frantically trying to save those she loves.
Page is a great central character and the reader is able to identify with much of what she is going through in the first half: friendships, love lost and maybe found again, and betrayals. Her new friends are a mixed bag and those new to a school or any social setting with recognise her battle.
Queer and trans characters make this a LGBTQIA+ inclusive novel. Working out where you fit in the world is something with which most teens can identify. But mostly Unhallowed Halls is about staying true to yourself, and trusting in your capabilities and gut feelings.
If you are able to switch your thinking half way through, and suspend belief, you will enjoy this new story from Wilkinson.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: February 2025
RRP: $24.99
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