Stromboli

Hundreds of thousands of readers enjoy the weekly column written by writer couple Sara Zomer and Karel van Bohemen, in which they appear to offer candid glimpses into their family life. But behind the façade of their bohemian lifestyle, a daily existence steeped in jealousy, resentment and even violence has been festering for years. After yet another explosive nighttime argument, Sara has had enough and decides to leave Karel.

Before long, Sara finds herself alone — nobody wants anything to do with her anymore. In an attempt to get her life back on track, she books a retreat on the idyllic Italian volcanic island of Stromboli. Under the guidance of a world-renowned guru, she joins a colourful group of fellow participants in role-playing sessions and exercises that push boundaries ever further.

What was supposed to be a fresh start soon becomes a descent into the darkest corners of her past — parts of herself she would rather have kept hidden.