The story in one page
Damaris, an eighteen-year-old with striking red hair and a bulldog named Wellington, navigates the social circuits of Egypt. Despite the earnest devotion of Ben Kelham, she remains restless and cryptic. After a mysterious fortune-teller warns her against the desert's treacherous allure, Damaris disappears into the sands to conceal a secret sorrow. Ben pursues her across the dunes, eventually finding her as a massive storm threatens to consume the landscape. Amidst the swirling sand, he rescues her and finally reconciles with her past, leading to a desperate ride toward safety as their secrets are buried beneath the desert floor.
Who's who
- Damaris
A young, red-haired woman navigating Egyptian society and personal secrets.
- Ben Kelham
A persistent suitor who follows Damaris into the desert.
- Wellington
A loyal bulldog who attempts to return a book to Damaris.
What it's really about
- Desert Allure
- A place of both romantic passion and fatal danger.
- Secret Grief
- Pain that forces a woman into the wilderness.
Why it's memorable
- Damaris wearing a hawk-shaped brooch above a simple satin dress.
- Wellington the bulldog trotting across the desert carrying a book.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Ben rescues Damaris from the desert as a massive sandstorm buries her past and secret child forever. He pledges his love, leaving no need for forgiveness for her long-held silence.
For your book club
- Why does Damaris prioritise her bulldog over potential suitors?
- How does the desert function as a character rather than scenery?