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Beyond That, the Sea: A Novel
"Spence-Ash has written the novel in eight points of view, but each character is utterly three-dimensional and distinct. This debut novel captivated me from start to finish."
--Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton Series
A sweeping, tenderhearted love story, Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash tells the story of two families living through World War II on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and the shy, irresistible young woman who will call them both her own.
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Children who were sent to the British countryside during the Blitz were able to come when it seemed like the nightly airstrikes were over. Children who were sent to America may have had to stay for the duration of the war. Some were lucky, like Beatrix, who became a true part of the Gregory family for the five years she lived with them. This section of the book is engaging and heartwarming.
Unfortunately, once Bea leaves the Gregory family, though, the narrative falters. Instead of being continuous, the story leaps through the next 30 years, landing only in 1951, 1960-1965, and, in an Epilogue, 1977. Although this satisfies a reader's desire to find out what happen's next in the life of a good character (which Bea is), the jumping around causes us to lose our connection with Bea.
Still, Spence-Ash's writing is solid and the foundation that is set up in the first part of the book is strong enough to carry us through to a satisfying, if not altogether unexpected ending.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.
Unfortunately, once Bea leaves the Gregory family, though, the narrative falters. Instead of being continuous, the story leaps through the next 30 years, landing only in 1951, 1960-1965, and, in an Epilogue, 1977. Although this satisfies a reader's desire to find out what happen's next in the life of a good character (which Bea is), the jumping around causes us to lose our connection with Bea.
Still, Spence-Ash's writing is solid and the foundation that is set up in the first part of the book is strong enough to carry us through to a satisfying, if not altogether unexpected ending.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.
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Very well written. The book allowed me to learn more about World War II and another way children were protected from the events. I enjoyed the characters and the timeline of events.
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BOOK: Beyond That, the Sea
AUTHOR: Laura Spence Ash
RATING: 4/5 stars
GENRE: Historical Fiction
PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio
NARRATOR: Ell Potter
PUB DATE: 3/21/23
THANK YOU @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for my #gifted Advanced Listening Copy!
SYNOPSIS: “I had four parents. I think a little of each of them is in me, in some way or another. It’s a nice thought though, isn’t it? Dead or alive, we carry these people with us.”
In 1940 England, Millie and Reginald Thompson make the difficult decision to send their eleven year old daughter (Beatrix) to America to stay with another family in hopes that she’ll remain safe through the end of the war. Bea meets The Gregory’s (Mr & Mrs. B, and their songs William and Gerald). They welcome her with open arms and her feelings of loneliness dissipate quickly when they treat her as part of their family. Everything seems easier and more natural in their life compared to the life she left back home.
Years later, everything comes to a halt when the war ends and Bea is called home, and she makes the trip back across the Atlantic to return to her old life; the memory of her new family never leaving her mind.
This story is told from an 8-person point of view that gives a nice feel in understanding the entire tale.
REVIEW: I found myself not wanting this beautiful, tenderhearted story to end. It’s more than a love story. It’s also a coming of age that’s full of growth, grace, forgiveness and understanding. It’s exquisite from start to finish.
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