Reviews

Dancing in the Shallows by Clare Reddaway

kirsty_taylor's review

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

beloxi's review

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

thebristolreader's review

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.75

otterlybookish's review

emotional inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

readdrinkandbehappy's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

krisandburn's review

4.0

 

The cover of this short novel pulled me in; the woman swimming in the water with seaweed beneath her and hills above. It was evocative for some reason and then I found out the story was set on Skye and I wanted to read it.

This is a relatively quiet and short family tale, but we meet generations of Isla’s family. We meet her father, who she doesn’t really know, the grandfather who leaves her the cottage, her seaweed collecting great-grandmother and her mother to name a few. I quite enjoyed meeting all the different generations and to see what made them tick. You see the tragedies, big and small that made them and which, in the end, made Isla herself.

At the end I am in two minds. I felt on one side that I really did enjoy the short sharp chapters and the flashes of lives that we drift through, but on the other hand I really wanted it to be longer and more developed. There was so much more I wanted to know and it did feel quite ‘bitty’. Yet, maybe that is also where the strength of this novel lies; the fact that it never lingers too long.

I did really enjoy this novel, despite the fact it left me a longing for a bit more than it gave me. This is the type of story that I enjoy and I will definitely seek out more from this author.

If the synopsis appeals to you I would happily recommend this one. 

litpicks's review

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

honestlymickey's review

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A

2.0

Although it is without any one real plot, Dancing in the Shallows is a short but cute book about finding yourself and taking chances. 

Clare Reddaway quickly takes to painting the most gorgeous visuals, such as the isle of Skye, as we follow our introductory character Isla, and the characters we pick up along the way. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was such an easy but lovely read. 

inkreads's review

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Dancing in the Shallows is a gorgeous, heartwarming short read. The key elements are inter-generational relationships, the sea as a consistent metaphor and wonderful descriptions of the beauty of the Isle of Skye. I get the distinct ipression that Clare Reddaway has spent a lot of time at this stunning location due to the compassion and authenticity of her descriptions of the area

The story is about Isla, who inherits her grandfathers cottage on the Isle of Skye. She only met him once, and so wants to go to the property to check it out and is immediately entranced by the location

This is a book to read if you want to feel warm and happy, encouraged even. I really like how the sea was used as a metaphor throughout and the interplay between the individual family members. This book is that perfect cup of hot tea when you come in from the freezing rain and there is even a choccie biccie on the side. Wonderful

Thank you to Netgalley, Fairlight Books and Clare Reddaway for this lovely read. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

whatellisreadnext's review

emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a really nice story, and I did enjoy reading it, I was just left craving a little more. This is likely a me problem. It reads very contemporary, which is fine for the right audience. I am a big fan of an inheritance trope, and when Isla inherits a house on the Isle of Skye after only meeting her grandad one time, I was punching the air, I mean what a dream. I think I've just realised my biggest issue with this, we didn't get enough time with anyone to care much about them. It had the makings of a great multigenerational story, so it's a real shame. I would still really recommend it if you're looking for something short and easy to follow that is full of heart and about carving your place in the world.