Kala by Colin Walsh
In 2003, a group of tight-knit friends find their lives changed forever when the charismatic Kala just vanishes. 15 years after these events and the group meet up again in the Irish town they grew up in, just when human remains are found nearby, followed by another double disappearance.
Disappearance
There are two timelines in the book - the first is an idyllic summer when our narrators Joe, Mush, and Helen are teenagers in Kinlough. Colin Walsh really captures the intensity of relationships in a close group of friends, and the tribulations of being a teenager. This timeline shows the build-up to Kala's disappearance.
Kala is a magnetic character, and we learn about her from the three narrators and the different things she meant to them. But there are dark shadows in her past, which add to her aura of mystery, and as we read on we wonder how much of a part they play in her disappearance.
I really enjoyed the teenagers timeline - the first kiss, discovering new music, parties and alcohol. The sneaking around, the sense of life really starting, beginning to sense escape from a place that could feel claustrophobic. Just nailed it, as good as I’ve read in a while.
In the present-day timeline, Joe is a successful musician but struggling with addiction. He's hoping he can reconnect with the people and places of his past. Helen lives in Canada, where she works as a freelance journalist with moderate success, and has returned, somewhat reluctantly, for a family wedding. And there's Mush, working in the family cafe, hiding from the world.
Relationships
I enjoy books where there is a tangled messy root of relationships, between friends, family, and cousins. I did refer to the character lists a couple of times, but part of the enjoyment comes from working out the relationships between the characters.
Kinlough is a large Irish town, and you become familiar with its landmarks, I found it easy to picture the square, the cafe and pub, the river bank. And the different characters and personalities that can be found in every town, and the darkness that sits close to the surface. You don’t have to go far to find it.
I really enjoyed the dialogue in ‘Kala’, it really added a layer of authenticity to the book. I could clearly hear the voices in my head, which is always a major plus for me in a book. Gives the characters depth.
I also like a book where the baddies are just that, motivated by greed, and instilling fear. There are proper bullies, especially those in the teenager's timeline. This reminds me that there is animal cruelty in this book and some dark themes explored, so be warned.
I’m reluctant to discuss the themes and topics explored in this book, as it will give the game away. Except to say there will be some subjects familiar to Irish readers, and small towns can hide a lot of big secrets.
Thriller
My own preference in a thriller is for a slow build-up - lets me get to know the characters, become immersed in the story, and start to think about possible suspects. I don't need all-out action from the start - I like a mystery to bury its hooks into me without me knowing it. It’s not that there’s nothing happening in the early part of ‘Kala’ - plenty of clues and red herrings to keep you interested.
Colin Walsh knows how to crank the tension up, as the two timelines converge in a proper payoff for a slow-burning thriller. You couldn't have prised the book out of my hands for the last hour I spent with it - completely riveted.
Summary
‘Kala’ is a cracking debut novel, an engrossing literary thriller that will keep you hooked. Great dialogue, rounded and interesting characters (especially as teenagers) and a plot that kept me guessing right to the end. Not surprised to see this on the Irish bestseller lists.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
July 25, 2023 by Doubleday