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novaturient_bibliophile's review
5.0
The best thing about this book is that it manages to be an eerie and intriguing ghost story while still being grounded in real life. Not only is the book chalked full of lessons and conflicts surrounding family, relationships, friendships, and pride, but its setting reveals the nature of Maine’s lobstering communities while its plot revolves around a forgotten historical event of injustice. I imagine the amount of research required to write this book was immense, and yet it is not bogged down by facts and instead appeals to the emotions of the reader. This definitely made me feel a longing for the ocean; the descriptions of it were breathtaking and filled me with familiarity and nostalgia. There were also some parts that creeped me out a tad, which is proof that the horror aspect was executed well. Overall, this was a very clever, engaging, and unique book that pleasantly surprised me!
This reminds me of Our Last Echoes by Kate Alice Marshall.
This reminds me of Our Last Echoes by Kate Alice Marshall.
sverville's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible prose. I loved the main character and the way the author captured her distinct personality through first person perspective - it's not an easy thing to do. The story was the exact kind of creepy, suspenseful ghost story I've been looking for, and it made me fall in love with the Maine coast. It's a must-read feminist narrative. Definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year.
vividglass's review against another edition
5.0
Refreshing and unique
This was refreshing and unique from what I normally read. The characters were well crafted and pulled you in, making you want to become part of the family. With a few curveballs in the storyline it definitely didn’t disappoint.
This was refreshing and unique from what I normally read. The characters were well crafted and pulled you in, making you want to become part of the family. With a few curveballs in the storyline it definitely didn’t disappoint.
thereadrose's review against another edition
3.0
I went into this story thinking it was a thriller... but I disagree. I’d say this book is more of a “paranormal mystery.” I’m not typically a fan of books that involve the paranormal/supernatural forces and probably wouldn’t have picked it up knowing.
What I loved about this story was the fact it took place in Maine from a young Fisherman/Fisher-woman’s perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about catching lobsters and even basic fisherman slang. I even liked that Rilla had aspirations to further her education to strengthen her families fishing business.
This book wasn’t bad, I found myself interested in the mystery of the island and the folks that lived there... but I wasn’t really feeling the “water people” and I’m left confused how that tied in with what had happened. I found myself losing interest when it came to the ghost (Agatha) and her warnings to find her.
Overall, I didn’t think this story was for me. Like I’d mentioned previously,
What I loved about this story was the fact it took place in Maine from a young Fisherman/Fisher-woman’s perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about catching lobsters and even basic fisherman slang. I even liked that Rilla had aspirations to further her education to strengthen her families fishing business.
This book wasn’t bad, I found myself interested in the mystery of the island and the folks that lived there... but I wasn’t really feeling the “water people” and I’m left confused how that tied in with what had happened. I found myself losing interest when it came to the ghost (Agatha) and her warnings to find her.
Overall, I didn’t think this story was for me. Like I’d mentioned previously,
zellm's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not the target audience for this book as a 20-something, but I still really enjoyed it. I thought the element of the dad's death was prominent early on, and that it would be a continuous theme, but it felt like Rilla forgot it almost immediately except in small asides. I wish grief had been more of a conversation here, but otherwise I loved the characters and the plot. Reed felt kind of two dimensional unfortunately, but Rilla, Sam, and the grandma were all great. I also wish there had been more resolution or further development around Rilla's feud with Reed's grandpa.
samidonovan's review against another edition
3.0
this is one of those stories where it feels like nothing happens, i enjoyed these characters most but would've enjoyed more horror elements and a greater plot but that comes from the horror over mystery reader in me
sparracino's review against another edition
3.0
While I loved the setting on the Maine coast and how eerie the paranormal aspects got, the jealous boyfriend and relationship drama really pulled me away from the story and kind of ruined things for me. This reminded me a lot of The Wicked Deep and I think those who enjoyed that book would like the setting of this one as well