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what_heather_loves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"She studies the picture - a group of women larking around on the shore; women in costumes with wobbly bottoms. Just like hers, their gloved hands held aloft, grins in their faces. It's comforting to know that her tiny gang in the beach is part of a vast movement of swimmers. When everyone else is moaning half the time, the fact that there are people enjoying the benefits of cold water feels like a massive force for good. She likes to think of this veritable army around the coastline of Britain as hardy, can-do types who get things Done. Because...swimming in cold water invokes one's superhero."
Present day Brighton and the 'Sea-Gals', a group of meet as often as they can, whatever their schedules, whatever the weather. There's determined Helga in her seventies, uncertain Tore in her thirties, bereaved Dominica and busy mum, Claire. All have a lot to deal with in the lives and all provide support for one another. They gain a new member in Maddy, who has just left her husband and is looking for son Jamie, she believes is living on the streets nearby. Will they 'Sea-Gals' help one another overcome adversity?
From the author of Cancer Ladies Running Club, and set during the Covid pandemic, this is a tale of female friendships. I liked reading each different perspective, exploring their lives and challenges and their shared love of sea-swimming. It almost made me want to take up swimming in the sea too, except I don't live near the coast! However, I found there were a lot of narratives to keep track of and the reader wasn't given much opportunity to spend time with one character before moving onto the next, which was a shame, but allowed for multiple narratives. Overall I liked this female-focused, feel-good tale of sea adventures and triumph over adversity.
I read this for September's Tasting Notes Book Club from The Book Taster.
Present day Brighton and the 'Sea-Gals', a group of meet as often as they can, whatever their schedules, whatever the weather. There's determined Helga in her seventies, uncertain Tore in her thirties, bereaved Dominica and busy mum, Claire. All have a lot to deal with in the lives and all provide support for one another. They gain a new member in Maddy, who has just left her husband and is looking for son Jamie, she believes is living on the streets nearby. Will they 'Sea-Gals' help one another overcome adversity?
From the author of Cancer Ladies Running Club, and set during the Covid pandemic, this is a tale of female friendships. I liked reading each different perspective, exploring their lives and challenges and their shared love of sea-swimming. It almost made me want to take up swimming in the sea too, except I don't live near the coast! However, I found there were a lot of narratives to keep track of and the reader wasn't given much opportunity to spend time with one character before moving onto the next, which was a shame, but allowed for multiple narratives. Overall I liked this female-focused, feel-good tale of sea adventures and triumph over adversity.
I read this for September's Tasting Notes Book Club from The Book Taster.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Drug abuse
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