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Maddie is a young socialite from Philadelphia, married to
Ellis Hyde, a devil-may-care character. Maddie is somewhat
introvert and struggles with inner demons, believing she caused
her mother’s death. Maddie’s step-father is rigid
and has his own cross to bear: no one believes his photos
of the Loch Ness monster are real. After Ellis and his father
fight over the subject, Ellis is ordered to leave. He decides
that Maddie and his best friend Hank should travel with him
by ship to photograph the mythical monster, hoping to regain
his father’s good graces – and his luxurious living
allowance. He never considers that he’s leading them
into the wrath of a monster far worse than that of Loch Ness
– Hitler and the war in Europe.
Once settled into a small inn in the village of Drumnadrochit,
Ellis and Hank leave Maddie alone while they search for the
elusive creature. As she observes the hardships around her,
Maddie realizes her past life of ease has little bearing to
the reality of the present: wounded soldiers, the lives ruined
by the war, or the people who make daily sacrifices to help
the war effort. Maddie feels turmoil as she soon realizes
the truth about Ellis’ insensitivity, alcoholism and
character. She also gains inner peace as she reaches out to
help and earns female friendship.
At the Water’s Edge is truly a magnificent
novel of character growth, of the recognition of things we
can, and cannot, change. The settings are haunting, and descriptions
of the war realistic. Sara Gruen’s compelling and exquisite
novel deals with a woman’s transformation and growth
during a time of terror, upheaval and death. The uncertainty
of life during the war becomes for Maddie – and us –
a constant reminder of our immortality, but also one of realization,
hope and faith.
Reviews of other titles by this author
Riding
Lessons
Reviewer’s
Notes: Sara Gruen is the #1 New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author of Water for Elephants, Ape House,
Riding Lessons, and Flying Changes. |
