Eggs, Mystery, and Time-Warped Intrigue
When I first picked up “The Impossible Thing”, I wasn’t expecting to be completely enthralled by the world of rare seabird eggs and the eccentric people who covet them. And yet, Belinda Bauer has somehow crafted a dual-timeline novel that is equal parts mystery, history, and emotional drama.
Plot Summary
The novel unfolds across two timelines—one set in the mid-war years of the early 20th century and the other in present-day Wales. In 1926, tiny Celie Sheppard, neglected by her family and desperate to improve their dire circumstances, takes a reckless plunge – literally- down a cliffside to gather seabird eggs. Among them, she discovers the fabled Metland Egg, a rare, strikingly red egg that soon becomes the centre of a decades-long obsession.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Patrick Fort returns in an entirely new mystery. When his friend Nick and Nick’s mother are found bound and robbed, the stolen item – a scarlet egg housed in an intricately carved box—sets Patrick and Nick on a quest that leads them deep into the shady underworld of black-market egg collectors.
Themes
ThemesThe novel seamlessly weaves together a number of compelling themes:
- Greed vs. Survival – The obsession with rare eggs spans generations, revealing how desperation and greed often blur the lines between right and wrong.
-
Environmental Consequences – The impact of human interference with wildlife is a sobering undercurrent throughout the novel.
-
Friendship and Loyalty – Patrick and Nick’s dynamic adds a refreshing contrast, infusing the mystery with wit and genuine warmth.
-
Class Struggles & Family Ties – Celie’s story is a poignant exploration of how circumstances shape identity, opportunity, and self-worth.
What Worked for the Book
What Worked for the BookBelinda Bauer delivers an utterly engaging and unconventional narrative. The historical chapters are heavy with tension and emotion, while the present-day sections offer brilliantly sharp humour thanks to Patrick and Nick’s banter. The story never feels predictable, and the pacing – helped by Bauer’s sharp, clean prose – makes it compulsively readable. Even if egg collecting doesn’t sound like your kind of mystery, trust me, Bauer makes it utterly gripping.
Who Might Enjoy The Impossible Thing
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction with a mystery twist, character-driven narratives, and offbeat crime novels that feel refreshingly different.
Final Thoughts
I never thought I’d be this invested in the illegal world of egg collecting, but here we are – completely hooked. The way Bauer juxtaposes past and present, tragedy and humour, makes for an unforgettable read. If you’re looking for a mystery that’s literary, emotional, and brilliantly original, The Impossible Thing is absolutely worth your time.
Thank you Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book.
About the Author
Belinda Bauer (author) – Wikipedia
