Michelle Lawson

The Wicked Game Michelle Lawson

The Wicked Game is a contemporary story where the grey damp of northern England competes with the exotic backdrop of Nepal. Where the line between adventure and obsession becomes blurred.

On a mission to change her predictable life, recently divorced Kate sets up a small business buying items from Nepal to sell back home. In colourful Kathmandu she meets Chandra, a charismatic young trekking guide. They embark on a relationship where Kate becomes transformed by her adventurous affair, but is nevertheless realistic about the short-term nature of the liaison.

Once Kate is back in England, Chandra pursues her with ideas for making a life together. Gripped by the thought that someone like Chandra could find her desirable, Kate becomes preoccupied by his vision of their future as a couple. She makes several trips back to Nepal, where Chandra's behaviour becomes inconsistent and Kate finds it increasingly difficult to understand her place in his world. Yet she continues to invest hope in the relationship and chooses to ignore ominous signs that something else may be going on. When she finally comes face to face with reality, Kate agonises over how much she is willing to give and whether the cost of maintaining such a relationship can ever be worth it.

With its themes of vulnerability, obsession and manipulation, The Wicked Game examines how easily we can be persuaded to believe an alternative version of reality.