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Amy M. (Kirkland, WA)
A challenging novel
This is an ambitious, well-structured book - but not actually an enjoyable one. It's a tough one to review because the writing is nearly flawless, the characters and their struggles incredibly vivid. Perhaps that's why I wasn't absorbed - the struggles. I'm not one who needs happy endings, but I wasn't compelled by these interweaving narratives. I was impressed by the author's skill, but I just wasn't drawn into much of the gritty subject matter without a broader narrative arc.
Mary Jane D. (Arlington Heights, IL)
Good first novel by Sara Taylor
The Shore was a good but bit confusing first novel of a young writer. The interconnected stories tell the tale of the characters and personal lives of those who lived on a small island near Virginia. The time frame is very ambitious covering the 1800's all the way to 2143. I found that just as I was getting involved with a character and story line it ended and new time frame began. It was confusing because the story is not told chronologically and sometimes I couldn't figure out who was talking in the first person narratives. I was glad that the last chapter cleared up a lot of the questions about relationships
…more that I had. I would like to read it again in time order and think I would understand it better. Anyone who likes good character development, clear writing style, and a plot that will keep you guessing would like this book. (less)If I were to write a recipe for this novel, I would stir some contemporary fiction into a deep bowl of regional historical fiction and then mix in a good measure of post-apocalyptic survival fiction. It's a rollercoaster read that takes you through 13 chapters that are as short as 8 pages and as long as 44. It starts out in 1995 and jumps back and forth between 1876 and 2143. The descendants and the ancestors pop up in seemingly random order. The title refers to a group of three islands off the coast of Virginia, one of them being Chincoteague Island of the famed annual wild pony roundup. But take note, this
…more novel is no Misty. It's a dark and sometimes disturbing exploration of families mired in poverty and personal struggles.
As bleak as that sounds, I still recommend The Shore by Sara Taylor – an unusual debut with some impressive writing and a confusing but challenging structure. This novel engaged me from the first pages and held my attention throughout. (less)I will start of by saying I liked this book. The writing was great and I love a family saga. It was hard to follow the different family stories. I see that there will be a family tree in the final edition. That will be a big help. I got lost trying to keep the families straight. Even with a family tree I would recommend reading it slowly and paying attention to the characters. This book will appeal to people who like in depth family stories.
Sue P. (Richardson, TX)
A Gritty, Plaintive New Voice in Fiction
Sara Taylor has captured the essence - the soul - of this area of the Chesapeake Bay. She explores and exposes the dark world of a community that is impoverished - where the cycles of abuse and despair repeat, but still have a thread of light and hope running throughout. This is not an easy book to read, but well worth it.
Doris K. (Angora, MN)
The Shore
The author has a genuine gift for story telling, however these stories are for those who enjoy dark fiction. I am not one of them. There was too much about drugs, violence, sex etc. in most of the stories.
Even though the stories were all connected by location I felt I had to read them as a series of short stories. Only a few connected with other characters previously introduced.
I do look forward to other books from this promising author, hopefully on lighter themes.
Anne G. (Austin, TX)
The Shore by Sara Taylor
Cover copy on The Shore compares it to David Mitchell and Jennifer Egan and while I can understand those comparisons it is uniquely its own thing. In the beginning of this non-linear novel I was trying desperately to remember who each character was and to whom they were connected. It was only when I relaxed and let it wash over me like the waves on the beach that I really began to delight in the stories of multiple generations of families in residence on these Chesapeake Bay islands.
I found all the characters interesting but there were some I would have liked to know more about or I wondered what happened to
…more them after the author moved us on to either a past or future generation. The book spans the years 1933 to 2143 with over 100 year spans between some chapters. I found the writing engaging and would definitely read another book by this debut author. (less)A surprise of a book. "The Shore" is not a summer time read, but; is instead, a thought provoking, disturbing book. This is a poor area, the story is about generations of full time residents and the challenges faced by up and down economic times. The book covers from the late 1800's to 2137 in clever non- chronological chapters. Great characters but I could have used a family tree to keep track of all the relationships.
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