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kizzia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Like the sea this book defies categorisation and is deeply bewitching. Nature writing, travel memoir, history, politics, slice of life … this work is packed so full of interest. In other hands I think this could have been an exhausting read, as imparted so much information, but Lamorna wove each thread together so skilfully and lightly that it felt as easy as floating. I listened to the audiobook version of this and felt that having the narration done by Lamorna herself added another subtle layer to the work. I came away with a new understanding of the fishing industry, Cornwall, and what good writing can be and do. Cannot recommend this highly enough.
rebekahvldz's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Repeatedly found myself reaching for this over my novel. I originally thought this was a novel which is why I borrowed it but it's actually a breathtaking, intriguing memoir of Newlyn, a historic fishing town in Cornwall. The deep dive into history and culture were fascinating and this author's voice and style may be one of my favorites I've ever encountered. How she made something as foreign as the science of fishing on the Cornish coastline perceivable as an art is beyond me. My only gripes are that I felt as if a lot of context was needed, an index of names at the start maybe and a map of Cornwall. She kept referring to people and places with the apparent assumption that the reader knew them as well as herself but I'm a young American woman from California who knows nothing about fishing or the geography of Cornwall. I also wish there was just a touch more infusion of Ash's personal stories, granting the reader more perspective on her relationship with her parents, what it was that led her to Cornwall, who she was as a person, etc. It might've helped make the journey more significant for the reader in terms of what it did for her identity. But otherwise, a fantastic, enjoyable read.
vaiettuverso's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable read over all, but I have to say that the writing is a bit overwrought and the author is prone to romanticizing fishermen and the fishing industry. To be honest, this probably got an extra star because I've just visited the places she writes about, so that really brought this to life on another level.
katrinepoetry's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, poetic and fascinating ✨ Listened to it via Audible read by the author and it is a beautiful listen. Her descriptions are astounding, making me want to get the physical book as well one day. Definitely one of my favourites for this year!
dariam's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
zemasters's review
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. Thoughtfully written and soothing to read. Draws the reader into the lives of Lamorna and the Cornish fisherman.
winnie9's review
5.0
Hugely enjoyable read and an eye-opener on how much places like Newlyn rely on the fishing industry not just as a means to live, but as a pillar of community life. My family is originally from just up the coast in Falmouth and, like the author, I've never lived in Cornwall, visiting for holidays when I was younger. I can fully empathize with the pull one has to return and it's put into words perfectly in this book.