Accessible, easy reading but not simplistic that fuels an informative and sad story. There is so much tragedy layered over the years. Ms. Sullivan explores each element with gentleness but without hiding the harsh truths. An atmospheric story that stuns and impresses.

THE CLIFFS by J. Courtney Sullivan features an old, possibly haunted, house near Awadapquit, Maine. The other main character, a young woman called Jane, used the abandoned house as an isolated refuge when she was a lonely high schooler. She soon left town for college and ultimately found a "dream job" as an archivist specializing in women's issues at a Cambridge Library. Over the years, she introduces her future husband to the house when they visit her mother and sister, who work together in the resale field and both of whom struggle with alcoholism. Then, at 38, Jane ends up back in Awadapquit, with both her marriage and career in jeopardy due to her own overindulgence with alcohol ("Sometimes the tragedies of a person's life didn't happen neatly, single file, one at a time, but all at once, so that it was impossible to know how you felt about any part of the whole."). At that time, the new owner hires Jane to learn more about the house's history and her capable research was my favorite part of the book. Sullivan expands upon Jane's findings about the sea-faring captain who built the house; she devotes entire chapters to his wife and her maid, giving each a voice in describing their lives. Readers also meet the next owner, a talented artist who experienced a family tragedy. And there are even sections on the Indigenous people who named the area. Sullivan has included numerous threads – spiritualism and mediums ("... bodily death is not the end of consciousness. It is merely the passing of the soul into another plane."); the Shaker religion; abuse and misuse of historical artifacts; women's roles over time; alcoholism's impact across generations; and modern-day entitlement. Both The Washington Post and The New York Times ("This skillful novel makes the case that knowing what came before offers us our best chance to truly understand our connections to one another, and what we owe to the land we inhabit.") also reviewed THE CLIFFS which received a starred review from Kirkus and was the July 2024 Reese's Book Club selection.

I've been a fan of J. Courtney Sullivan's books for quite some time. Her latest is a deeply layered novel with multiple plot lines and points of view that examines lofty issues of love, generational trauma, colonialism, and alcoholism with justice.

It's not a "beach read" but it's definitely a book that you will think about and will stay with you long after you close the pages.

Jane has returned to her childhood home in Maine, in crisis in both her career and her marriage. She seeks out the abandoned Victorian home on the bluff in town, a cherished place for her that she used to escape to as a teenager in need of solace. She is surprised to learn that it has finally been sold and taken over by new owners that are using it as a summer home.

Jane has a chance meeting with Genevieve, one of the new owners, who ultimately employs her skills as an archivist to research the history of the house.

Genevieve is convinced that the home is haunted and as Jane begins to delve into the history of the home, she begins to uncover an incredible history and in the process begins to heal her own deep wounds of shame and regret.

***|'m being purposefully vague in my review because there are some great twists and turns in the story and in the research Jane uncovers of the house and I don't want to give any spoilers.

J. Courtney Sullivan creates a story within a story with an impassioned skillfulness. It's also not surprising to see that this novel has been at the forefront of book club selections because of Sullivan's deft discussion of important social issues. The Cliffs is a unique novel that I definitely recommend.

This one was a miss for me. Just felt the story was wandering not really headed in the direction it should have.

Thank you Knopf and NetGalley.

I am a fan of the author so I was excited to read her new book. The Cliffs is about an abandoned house on the Maine coast that Jane (our MC) used to roam with her friend Alison when she was 17 and working summers as a tourist guide on boat tours. Now Jane, on a temporary leave from her job at the Schlesinger library at Harvard (an archive dedicated to the history of American women) is back in Maine to help her sister with clearing their mom's house after her death. Her marriage is also in a limbo and little by little we understand what appened to her carrier and marriage.. While there, she is approached by Genevieve, the new owner of the house on the cliff, a woman from Boston who transformed the old house in a sprawling vacation home. There is only a small problem: her 4 year old son sees the ghost of a little girl. Through Allison, who runs the town's inn, Genevieve and Jane's lives become intertwined and together they embark on a quest to find out who lived in the house and who the ghost could be. I would say that The Cliffs is very uneven: I found that I was really engaged in some parts and really bored in other parts (mostly the parts that describe the historical background of the house and the area, that felt like info dumping or like I was reading a history textbook.). Since I received an early copy before any buzz about the book I didn't know that the story involved ghosts so that was a bit of a shocker but I got over it and ended up liking the story overall. While it isn't a dual timeline kind of book there is a chapter towards the end entirely dedicated to a historical character that I found surprisingly engaging (as I usually do not like historical fiction). Please when deciding if you want to read this or not also bear in mind that the author has a bit of a "woke" agenda for lack of a better word (restitution to the local tribes for example) .All in all I recommend this book even if you might need to push through the various history lessons. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I think I wasn't in the right headspace when I read this one. I truly had a hard time getting through it and felt the chapters were way too long. I appreciated learning about different cultures but felt the explanations and information drug on and on at times. This is a book I would typically enjoy, so I may reread it again at a different time. I gave 3 stars because I can't pinpoint exactly how I feel about it.

📕”Jane looked around the room, with its sloped ceilings and books piled everywhere, and wondered if he was right. Her intellect was the only part of herself that she had never doubted, never despised. But right then she questioned whether she was as smart as she had always believed.” I would choose to drink too if I started to question my brains like Jane
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📗Jane was high functioning alcoholic until she wasn’t. Her job, her marriage, her friendship were ruined by the blackout that came with her drinking. She went to back to the little town where she grew up to sell her mother’s house. What she got from this town was little bit different than what she anticipated
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📘It’s possible to turn things around. Unless you are dead and gone, you can always fix your mistakes and make sure you won’t do them going forward. It’s usually only matter of support system you have around

I loved this book—a quiet, slow burn that has rich character texture and a deeply moving story about how we carry the past with us no matter where we go. I look forward to recommending this novel to people who seek some substance in their coastal women’s literature.

I struggled at times to get into this book and once I did get into it it was a very slow read for me. However, I did find myself getting caught up in the story towards the middle into the end.

I definitely think this book had a great message and would recommend it to read.

I enjoyed the different perspectives from the characters because it really let us into their minds and what was going on.

My overall rating is 3.5 ⭐️.

Many thanks to Knopf and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A blend of historical fiction, family drama and mystery with a touch of magical realism, this book really brings everything to the table. Brought on by the death of her mother, Jane Flanagan returns to the coastal town of Awadapquit, Maine, conveniently at a time when she is trying to escape some poor decisions she recently made in her marriage and her career. By chance, she meets the new owner of a formerly abandoned historic house who is interested in the story of the home. Jane spent a lot of time there during her formative years when it was abandoned and soon sets out on a journey researching the home and its history. Her research quickly pivots the entire book, taking the reader through the many generations that lived in that coastal town and the many various strong women that inhabited the historic home. As the the past weaves with the present, a full picture is painted of the history of Awadapquit, Maine and its inhabitants.

I loved the meticulous research that must have gone into this book and how vivid the descriptions were of the historical segments of the story. The present day storyline, though, bogged down the book for me and I thought the historical portions were so much stronger than the fictional story of Jane. Jane’s story interweaving with the history of the town made it feel a bit disjointed at times but, overall, I enjoyed this book very much.

This story started off very strong for me - I loved the setting, the characters, and the overall energy of the story. However, I think it got a little lost in itself towards the middle of the novel. I still found it interesting at its core, but I was no longer entertained or hooked to it.

The Cliffs is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the intricacies of relationships, family, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Irish coast, the story follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery. Sullivan's writing is both vivid and intimate, drawing readers into the emotional lives of her characters with sensitivity and depth.

The novel's exploration of generational ties and the impact of family secrets is particularly compelling, offering insights into how past choices shape present realities. While the pacing is leisurely, it allows the emotional weight of the characters' journeys to resonate deeply.

I found this book a little too long and cumbersome at some points but I love her writing.

Overall, The Cliffs is a poignant, heartwarming read that blends thoughtful reflections on family and identity with the beauty of its setting. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories.

GIven the hype about this book, I was excited to to read this but also skeptical. This book has a lot going on as far dual timelines, too many genres, too much drama and an unlikeable character. Was this book about a dysfunctional family? White people entitlement in New England? Was it a mystery?

The reading experience of this book was also quite annoying too. It felt more like a chunky textbook and it was boring.

Cannot recommend. Hope her next book is better.

THanks to Netfalley, J Courtney SUllivan and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage & Anchor for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already avaible

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley and bought a copy of The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan. It sat on my TBR for the past couple of months but I finally picked it up. Now I’m asking myself. “Why did it take so long?”

This book is incredible. But it won’t be for everyone. It’s a slow burn book. It’s a story to be savored, page by page. It’s historical, feminist, contemporary. It’s about family and friends. It’s about love and loss. It’s about redemption. It’s about America’s messy history. It’s all this and so much more.

Jane has returned to her hometown in Maine after wrecking her marriage and career. As she struggles with her present problems, she returns to the site of her best memories-an old, purple, Victorian house on the cliffs. The house’s new owner, Genevieve, is also struggling with her problems, and the ghosts of the past.

J. Courtney Sullivan is a master storyteller. She weaves these women’s stories, as well as other women in the books stories, in such a way that requires a deft hand. The reader is captured for moments in time as these stories unfold. Then she takes you back to the basic story at hand. I was amazed and enraptured.

I’m just in awe of writers who can craft a story this well. I learned so much throughout the book and now I want to the-visit one of my favorite states.

Thank you to #netgalley, #knopf and @jcourtsullivan for this beautiful book. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m glad I also bought a copy, I may need to re-read it in the future.

The Cliffs was the history lesson I have been craving.

At first, I didn’t know where this story was going to go. There was a lot of back and forth, but my friend encouraged me to stick with it. And I am so glad I did, because I am gutted and so sad.

I can’t say that “enjoy” is the right word for what I feel learning about the true indigenous history in America. Because that seems too optimistic? But I like unlearning what the American school system has taught us, and relearning true indigenous history, in all its horror.

I have read everything J Courtney Sullivan has written since I was a teenager, but The Cliffs surprised me. And it will surprise you, too. It is far from the contemporary fiction she is known for, but it shares her awareness that she has displayed in her previous works. This book was straight up humbling. I craved more and more, wanted to uncover the gritty and heartbreaking history like an Archaeologist. I wanted to dig until my fingers were raw and bleeding. This is the history we need to be learning.

Set on the cliffs of Maine, Jane discovers a large victorian house that has been abandoned for years. As a teenager she uses the house as a refuge. Twenty years later, now a Harvard archivist, she returns home to Maine following a terrible mistake that threatens both her career and her marriage. Jane is horrified to find the Victorian is now barely recognizable. The new owner, Genevieve, a summer person from Beacon Hill, has gutted it, transforming the house into a glossy white monstrosity straight out of a shelter magazine. Both Genevieve and Jane are wondering if the house is haunted or being used for illegal activities. A good read from Ms. Sullivan.

I enjoy reading books that center around an area and its real historical events. This book delivered on both counts. Although set in a fictional town, it came forth as a town that would exist in Maine. It dealt with Indigenous people from centuries ago and their history in the Maine area. We traveled back to the mid 1800s and the peoples in Maine at that time, both colonists, Indigenous community, and the Shaker community. I actually kept a list of events, places, and people mentioned in the book so I could learn more about them. I enjoyed the book and will look forward to J. Courtney Sullivan's next novel!
Thank you, Net Galley, for this downloaded book!

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I say this every time, but…I can’t seem to quit you, J. Courtney Sullivan! Off the top of my head, I’m not sure there’s one of her books that I have legitimately loved, and yet whenever she has a new book out, I can’t stop myself from reading it. I’ve always felt that she tends to go off on unnecessary soapbox tangents, using her characters as mouthpieces for whatever issue is currently a Big Deal in the real world. It’s especially egregious here, and it unfortunately smacks of a smug, educated white woman trying to teach people about First Nations cultures. Don’t get me wrong - it’s a problem and it’s worthy of being talked about. But the execution is just SO clunky. There are literally pages and pages of Jane walking through an exhibit, learning about the indigenous people who used to occupy Maine. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the main plot of the story - there is at best an extremely tenuous connection to the idea of disturbing native artifacts (it’s bad to steal people’s actual skulls and put them on display) and Genevieve’s digging up the (extremely white) Littleton family’s graves to build her swimming pool. Which, yes, they’re both icky, but in VERY different ways, and the need to shoehorn this particular issue into the story also feels…well, icky.

Since this is an ARC, this could be different in the published version, but the execution also feels very piecemeal. We get these LONG chapters from characters other than Jane that end up just feeling like exposition (and Eliza, your story is both interesting and tragic, but why are you here? You deserve better). I wish they had been woven in more organically, and maybe in the final version they are. Our main character is ostensibly Jane, an academic and an alcoholic who has recently ruined both her marriage and career in one fatal evening. With nowhere else to go, and a house that needs to be cleaned out and sold since her mother’s death a few months earlier, Jane returns to her hometown of Awadapquit, Maine. She’s sort of at loose ends, waiting to hear whether or not she’ll actually be fired (she’s currently on unpaid leave), and white knuckling through sobriety. Jane’s hard to like. As I mentioned, she’s smug, like a college sophomore who has just taken a women’s studies course and is now SO much more enlightened than all of the poor plebeians around her. Except she’s a grown ass adult, and she still hasn’t outgrown it (but she works at Harvard, so she’s better and smarter than everyone else, obviously).

Anyway, when Jane was in high school, there was this house up on the cliffs that she was always obsessed with. It was a beautiful Victorian home that was seemingly abandoned. As long as Jane can remember, no one has lived there. But when she returns on her shame tour, a new family has finally bought the house and they’re…making some changes. Like any good history snob, Jane is thoroughly horrified that Genevieve has gutted the inside of the house and turned it into a symphony of beige nothingness. Genevieve is convinced she’s being haunted. Her son is seeing ghosts - I forget if he actually *says* the ghost is named Eliza or if Genevieve finds Eliza’s gravestone and jumps to that conclusion herself. Either way, she’d like Eliza to head towards the light, please. Jane gets draw into this mess because (deep breath) her best friend booked her an appointment with a medium so Jane could hopefully clear up some lingering issues with her dead mother, but the medium brought her a message from someone named “D” who wants her OWN mother not to worry about her, that she’s “not at Lake Grove anymore.” See, at one point during its tenure, the house was a boarding house called Lake Grove (which is a weird choice given that it’s…on the ocean). Jane is convinced that D must be the ghost haunting Genevieve.

As several other reviewers have pointed out, there’s just too much going on here. To say nothing of the plot-stalling lectures, there are too many viewpoints, and too many plot points, and it feels like you’re reading a few different stories clumsily tied together. Which, looking back at old reviews of some of Sullivan’s previous books, has frequently been an issue (The Engagements in particular comes to mind - there was a LOT going on in that book and only some of it was good). There’s Jane dealing with her past (and present). There’s Genevieve and the house situation in the present, plus all of the various dramas of the house’s former owners. And all throughout, it’s like Sullivan needs to prove how much research she’s done, because there are just pages and pages of exposition that ultimately add very little to the narrative. I was doing some serious skimming for the last 40% or so, because while I was invested enough in Jane’s story to want to finish, I was also SO bored with the nonstop history lectures.

The Cliffs had a lot going on in its dual timelines. I was entertained, but also somehow both over- and under-whelmed. An okay way to pass the time, if not a terribly memorable read.

Thank you J. Courtney Sullivan, Knopf, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Cliffs tells the story of Jane, an archivist at a museum focusing on the untold history of women. Jane travels to her childhood home in Maine, leaving behind her husband as she grapples with what she needs and wants out of life. She is hired by a transplant from the city to research the history of a historic home and encounters more than just history in her research.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel and how history and the present were seamlessly woven together. The more I learned about museums and the repatriation of items that belong to native people, the more I wanted to research on my own and visit a museum. The author did an excellent job of taking an important subject and ensuring the reader recognized the importance of it, as well as the sensitive areas that come with it. J. Courtney Sullivan is an automatic-buy author for me, and I am already looking forward to what comes next!