Ten years after introducing readers to Patrick Fort in her acclaimed novel Rubbernecker, Belinda Bauer resurrects this uniquely fascinating character in The Impossible Thing. This remarkable historical crime thriller weaves together two timelines: the 1920s Yorkshire coast, where the mysterious “Metland Egg” makes its first appearance, and present-day Wales, where Patrick finds himself entangled in a century-old mystery involving rare birds’ eggs, obsessive collectors, and unexpected violence.
Bauer has crafted a narrative that’s simultaneously a gripping heist story, a moving historical drama, and an exploration of neurodivergent perception. The novel’s dual timeline structure allows her to examine how obsession transcends generations, creating a rich tapestry where past crimes reverberate into the present with devastating consequences.
The Enduring Mystery of the Metland Egg
At the heart of this novel is the Metland Egg itself—a blood-red guillemot egg that defies natural explanation. In 1920s Yorkshire, we witness a poverty-stricken young girl named Celie Sheppard retrieving this impossible natural wonder from beneath a cliff overhang at Metland Farm. Unlike the mottled, marbled eggs typically laid by guillemots, this egg is uniformly red, making it the most coveted prize among wealthy egg collectors.
Bauer’s fictional creation feels so authentic that readers might find themselves Googling “Metland Egg” to determine if it actually existed. This blurring of fiction and reality enhances the novel’s sense of historical authenticity, even as Bauer acknowledges in her author’s note that while the tradition of “climming” (men being lowered on ropes to collect birds’ eggs) was real, she’s embellished certain elements for dramatic effect.
The present-day storyline follows Patrick Fort—whose literal-minded perspective and difficulties with social interaction suggest he’s neurodivergent—and his friend Weird Nick as they attempt to recover Nick’s stolen egg, only to discover they’ve stumbled upon a lost collection worth a fortune. What begins as a simple quest to retrieve stolen property evolves into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with obsessive collectors willing to kill for their prize.
Character Development and Narrative Structure
Bauer’s greatest strength lies in her character development. Patrick Fort returns as complex and compelling as he was in Rubbernecker. His literal interpretations of figurative language provide both humor and insight, while his methodical approach to problem-solving drives the contemporary investigation forward. Readers familiar with Patrick will delight in his growth while newcomers will find him an engaging, if unusual, protagonist.
The historical characters are equally vivid. Celie Sheppard’s journey from neglected child to young woman is rendered with compassion and nuance. Her relationship with Robert, the “idiot” farm boy who looks after her, unfolds with tender restraint. Meanwhile, George Ambler, the egg broker whose greed knows no bounds, emerges as a villain whose comeuppance feels both shocking and inevitable.
The narrative alternates between past and present, with chapters focusing on different time periods and perspectives. This structure allows Bauer to create suspense by withholding key information until precisely the right moment. As the two timelines converge toward their respective climaxes, the connections between them become increasingly apparent, creating a satisfying narrative symmetry.
Themes of Obsession, Exploitation, and Nature
The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer explores several interconnected themes:
- Obsession – From egg collectors to Patrick’s fixation on teaspoons, the novel examines how obsession can both drive people to extraordinary achievements and destroy their lives
- Exploitation – Whether it’s birds being robbed of their eggs, a young girl being used for her small size, or a housemaid being abused by her employer, exploitation permeates both timelines
- Human relationship with nature – The novel questions our right to claim natural wonders as possessions, ultimately suggesting that some things belong only to themselves
These themes are woven together with remarkable subtlety, never overtaking the propulsive plot but enriching it with moral complexity.
Prose Style and Pacing
Bauer’s prose is economical yet evocative, particularly in her descriptions of the Yorkshire cliffs:
“Celie had expected a cliff, but all she could see was a towering wall of birds. It was nearing dusk and most were back to roost, where a roost was any ledge that would hold an egg. Three inches would do for some of the birds, and the chalkface was dense with them, huddled wing to chocolate wing.”
The pacing is expertly handled. The historical sections unfold with deliberate care, allowing readers to immerse themselves in early 20th-century Yorkshire. The contemporary storyline moves at a brisker clip, with Patrick and Nick’s investigation gaining momentum as they get closer to the truth. This contrast in pacing complements the thematic differences between the timelines while ensuring that neither section feels superfluous.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Patrick Fort’s characterization – His unique perspective makes him an unconventional but compelling protagonist
- Historical detail – The practices of “climming” and egg collecting are meticulously researched and vividly rendered
- Moral complexity – There are no simple villains or heroes, just people driven by their desires and limitations
- Converging storylines – The way the historical and contemporary narratives connect creates genuine suspense and emotional resonance
Weaknesses:
- Some plot conveniences – Occasionally, characters make discoveries that seem too fortuitous
- Underdeveloped antagonists – While Dr. Connor and Finn Garrett are interesting, their motivations could have been more fully explored
- Limited female agency in the historical sections (though this accurately reflects the period)
- Predictable twists – Some revelations, particularly regarding character relationships, are telegraphed early in the narrative
Comparison to Other Works
For readers familiar with Belinda Bauer’s earlier work, The Impossible Thing will feel both familiar and fresh. It shares with Rubbernecker a protagonist whose unusual perspective becomes his greatest strength, but its dual timeline structure and historical elements mark new territory for Bauer.
The novel also calls to mind other works that blend historical detail with crime fiction, such as Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie series or Dennis Lehane’s The Given Day. Its focus on rare natural objects and the obsessive collectors who pursue them bears comparison to Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, though Bauer’s approach is less literary and more plot-driven.
Final Assessment
The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer is a captivating blend of historical drama and contemporary crime thriller. Bauer has created a narrative that works on multiple levels: as a return to the world of Patrick Fort for fans of Rubbernecker, as a standalone historical mystery for newcomers, and as an exploration of the sometimes destructive human desire to possess nature’s wonders.
While the novel occasionally relies on convenient plot developments and some character motivations remain underdeveloped, these flaws are overshadowed by Bauer’s masterful storytelling, memorable characters, and the haunting central image of the blood-red egg that drives the action across a century.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Belinda Bauer or new to her work, The Impossible Thing offers a compelling reading experience that combines the pleasures of historical fiction with the tensions of a modern thriller. It confirms Bauer’s status as one of the most original voices in contemporary crime fiction.
For readers who enjoyed this book, Bauer’s earlier novel Rubbernecker is essential reading, offering a deeper look at Patrick Fort’s character. Fans might also appreciate her standalone thrillers Snap (longlisted for the Booker Prize) and Exit, which demonstrate her range and versatility as a crime writer.
