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There are currently 57 member reviews
for The Edge of the Earth
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Barbara G. (Lisle, IL)
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth could be enjoyed by young adult to adult readers, especially those with an interest in history, biology, feminism and anthropology. The heroine is educated, plucky and resourceful. Book clubs also would find it a good generator of discussions on self-determinism, freedom of expression, and male-female relationships, with a special emphasis on moral questions of treatment of others. Though not written in the same vein, the subtheme of the book was like Hornblower's stories of adventure for young men, but this for a young woman breaking free of family expectations to find her own way.
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Ann J. (Brenham, TX)
The Edge of the Earth
Christina Schwarz is an outstanding storyteller. The Edge of the Earth is a beautifully crafted story set primarily in a desolated, remote, lonely lighthouse site. Of course, there is more going on among the characters than the simple story line might suggest! The descriptions of nature, the ruggedness of the spot and the beauty of the aquatic natural world are outstanding. The characters are well drawn. I particularly enjoyed the protagonist's view of Oskar, her husband, who presented her with some extremely human conflicts. I thoroughly enjoyed The Edge of the Earth.
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MaryEllen K. (Albany, NY)
The Fog and the Sea
I loved the detailed descriptions of the settings in this novel. I was able to sustain vivid images of the ocean, morrow, lighthouse, tide pools, cave, and artifacts. There were passages I found myself re-reading because of the beauty of the language. I empathized with Trudy's initial difficulty in adjusting to the isolation and lack of material comforts at Point Lucia, yet I came to appreciate her satisfaction with the life she made for herself. The plot itself was not quite as riveting as I had initially imagined it would be, and yet I was compelled to read this entire book in one sitting, always wanting to learn more about the mysterious character who is introduced mid-way through the book.
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Barb W. (Mechanicsburg, PA)
A very good read
I've never read anything by Ms. Schwarz before, so I didn't know what to expect from this book. I love historical fiction, especially those stories that really draw you into the lives of the characters. Add a bit of mystery -- another favorite genre -- and a lighthouse, and I was hooked. Once I got into the book, it was hard to put it down, as I wanted to find out what happened next. I will be recommending "The Edge of the Earth" to fellow readers!
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Angela J. (Highlands Ranch, CO)
The Edge of the Earth
I loved her previous novel "Drowning Ruth", I was expecting something along those lines. Unfortunately, it wasn't. At times, it was like reading a textbook on marine life. The book was plodding, and the characters weren't well developed.
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Cheryl W. (Crosby, MN)
Easy read
I sometimes enjoy this type of book. Just a book to read. Trudy passed through many trials. I loved the lighthouse and Big Sur descriptions but characters needed more development. Not a recommendation for me.
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Diane L. (Huntsville, AL)
Titanic meets Island of the Blue Dolphin
What was disappointing to me was the predictability of this plot.
Trudy is a highly educated young woman at the turn of the century who begins to become self aware that the planned course of her life (finish college, then scrap that and get married to a nice but stolid, unimaginative young man) is more constrictive than she would like. Enter Oskar, a passionate, brilliant romantic who has prescient ideas about the future. Does any of this sound familiar?
Of course Trudy ditches the seemingly looming boredom of her life and latches her fate with Oskar. He has obtained a job as a lighthouse keeper off the remote coast of California. This position is attractive to Oskar because he will have plenty of quiet time to work out his latest great idea. Although it is because of Oskar they make this leap into the unknown, it is Trudy who falls in love with the island.
Initially Trudy thinks that she, her husband and another family are the only occupants on the island. Then mysterious homemade gifts begin to appear for Trudy. The children have been telling her stories about a "mermaid" that Trudy has initially put down as over-imaginative minds. But, could there be some truth to their tales? Enter The Island of the Blue Dolphin.
These two stories crash together in a predictable climax. Although this story is nicely written, it's not worth more than a casual read.
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