Between the Tides

Almost more than just a beach read-unique take on themes that have been done many times over. Well written-which takes it to the next level-at one point the weekend b4 Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving are just one day apart- I guess this will be caught by the copy editor in the final addition...

I enjoyed everything about this novel!!!!

"Between the Tides", is everything the blurb says --- plus sooooo much more. I promise not to give any spoilers away... Or tell the juicy dramatic details. Yet... There is a lot to review... Several themes about moral issues-- ethical choices---boundaries- betrayal- forgiveness & karma---are explored.

From the very start of this novel... Lainie Smith Morris is telling a fable to her 4 children: (Tom is the oldest teen, Matilde is 12 years old, and the fraternal twins Claire and Jack will be starting kindergarten). The tale Lainie tells is about a half human woman and half seal. When a fisherman wants to marry this woman/seal.... Called a *selkie*, ....he hides her seal skin away ... ( so she is now only living on land). Being deprived water is testing her livelihood. Her only consolation are her children. Lainie is also being tested -- when her husband, Charles, who takes a new job in Elliot, New Jersey, (head of orthopedic surgery at Elliot Memorial Hospital), uproots his entire family. Lainie loves the water- almost requires being around - or in- water - 24 hours a day. She loves. living in New York...living near the Hudson River, and her artist friends, ( she herself is an artist who often paints, or meditates near the rivers), Living in New York, she feels she is surrounded by open -minded people. Lainie paints & swims....she is enamored by the seaside. She grew up at the seaside in Cape May. She dreams of sea glass, starfish, sea horses, schools of minnows, flounder, and smoothIt's waters. Her husband, Charles grew up on a dairy farm -- and is not really a New Yorker- or an ocean child. Charles tries to convince Lainie that not 'everyone' wants to be an artist. Many people are happy coming home from work - having a drink- and watching HBO. Charles is hoping Lainie will conform to surban living - enroll her with a teaser.... She will have her own large studio.

Other than the fact that Charles is a sexual sensation that Lainie craves....(sex has always been good), this couple seems to be coming apart at the seems even before they moved out of New York. Lainie didn't feel respected for her work.... Her passions. She felt like she was suppose to conform to good - girl - surgeon- wife in order for Charles to appreciate her. ( but would it 'be' her?).

Towing the kids to Elliot, New Jersey ... is leaving Lainie feeling like a fish out of water... (a *selkie*?).....Right from the start... things go wrong... Living in Elliot .... Lainie re-connects with her old High School friend, Jess. Jess can help make everything better. Her one long term friend from years ago...... ( or can she?).

Jess is everything Lainie is not: conscious of her glamour- an organized mother who wears tight jeans and stilettos.... and is aware of her social position in her community. Lainie hates these types of people who care about what car they drive and their designer- suitable - clothes.

The Morris family gets use to Jess being involved in their personal affairs..... helping everyone adjust to living in Elliot. ..... Carpools, emergencies with the kids, etc. Jess swims with Lainie at the Y each morning.....and becomes best friend to Lainie....(a benefit for her own agenda). She crosses boundaries....with both Lainie's husband--- and their children.

Matilde, is the child most like Lainie...swims... draws... ( a solemn child)...she often tries to protect her mother- come to her defense, and seems to understand her mother most.

I found one of the most interesting relationships - and topic for discussion- is associated with Matilde and Jess. Jess steps in - as an adult- in ways I consider inappropriate.....
I was left asking myself... What did I find the 'bigger' betrayal.... Jess's actions with Lainie's husband - or with her own children?

If you like books about complex relationships... Have a passion for the water- nature- art--- an interest in what it 'might' be like to be married to a busy famous surgeon...
Enjoy reading about the relationships between mother's and their kids...
Wonder about a life that includes a nanny...
Like to 'think' about what you might do different - or the same as the characters in a story...
This is a perfect book to read. NOT bored for a second.

Poetic writing abstractions...are LOVELY!
Here's a quote I liked:
"The atmosphere of the water is a mystery to me, to any of us. Though I have devoted my craft to its nature -- the total streams, surges, crests, the surreal quality of gale winds forcing the currents, impacting our lives, water remains elusive, water gives, water takes away. What we seek is the restorative quality of water, of healing and forgiveness."

Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and Susannah Marren!!!

An absolutely wonderful novel!!!!!