Sea
Glass
By
Anita Shreve
I
love assembling jigsaw puzzles. I flip the pieces onto the right
side and sort them by color. As I study the pieces, I see some which
obviously interlock. Others initially appear as if they'd been thrown
into the wrong box.
I
believe Anita Shreve enjoys jigsaw puzzles too, for the unique style
of her latest novel mirrors the popular pastime. Sea Glass
begins with the introductions of the varied, often opposing characters.
Honora, a bank teller, and Sexton, a typewriter salesman, marry
early in the story, so their connection is clearly established.
However, how would they come to know a man and a boy who work in
a mill? McDermott, a loom fixer, and Alphonse, a bobbin worker,
initially don't know each other either, but their eventual association
appears probable. Now add Vivian, the hedonistic woman who summers
at the nearby beach. What connection could she possibly share with
the blue collar cast? The author's use of separate chapters, written
through each character's eyes, initially enhances the detachment.
A
strong plot centered on the stock market crash and subsequent depression
breaks down social barriers. After his shady deals come to light,
Sexton will do anything to keep his house. He ends up working by
McDermott's side both inside and outside the mill. Alphonse's youth
and speed make him an asset to the men's efforts to organize a union.
Honora befriends neighbor Vivian, who bankrolls the labor organization's
effort as a lark.
As
befits the times, management takes a dim view of unions. Who will
be left standing after the heart pounding culmination? You've got
to read Sea Glass to find out!
Ms.
Shreve has earned her place on the best seller lists. Her vivid
yet pragmatic descriptions transport readers back to a difficult
era. Masterfully fleshed out characters compel readers' empathy.
The plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the ending
is totally unpredictable. All the pieces of the puzzle interlock
into a poignant picture of hard times and hope. This novel is a
gem in a class of its own. Don't let Sea Glass drift by!
|
The
Reviewer |
Lynda E. Lukow |
Reviewed
2005 |
NOTE:
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