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A review by book_concierge
At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
2.0
Digital audio performed by Justine Eyre
From the book jacket - After disgracing themselves at a high society New Year’s Eve Party in Philadelphia in 1944, Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, are cut off financially by his father, a former army colonel who is already ashamed of his son’s inability to serve in the war. With his best friend, Hank, Ellis decides that the only way to regain his father’s favor is to succeed where the Colonel once very publicly failed – by hunting down the famous Loch Ness monster. Maddie reluctantly follows them across the Atlantic, leaving her sheltered world behind.
My reactions
Maddie gives “hysterical women” a bad name. Jimminy Christmas but she’s annoying. Ellis is a manipulative sociopath, a spoiled kid who must have his own way. What a stereotypical villain! Hank is the hapless, and probably clueless, sidekick.
The most interesting characters are a couple of the women who work at the inn where the Hydes are staying. Now these are some strong women! They have very real issues to deal with – losing loved ones in the war, trying to stay fed and healthy. At least Maddie finally gets some gumption and begins to assert herself – but only when Ellis is away chasing the monster without her.
Of course there’s a major love interest in the war veteran innkeeper, Angus. Tall, strong, handsome, virile – everything Ellis is not. But he’s tortured by his past.
Gruen can write better than this. Still, I was mildly entertained and kept listening.
That may have been due to the fine job that Justine Eyre did on the audio. She kept the pace moving and has the skill as a voice artist to give all the characters unique voices. I loved her Scottish brogue! 4**** for her performance.
From the book jacket - After disgracing themselves at a high society New Year’s Eve Party in Philadelphia in 1944, Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, are cut off financially by his father, a former army colonel who is already ashamed of his son’s inability to serve in the war. With his best friend, Hank, Ellis decides that the only way to regain his father’s favor is to succeed where the Colonel once very publicly failed – by hunting down the famous Loch Ness monster. Maddie reluctantly follows them across the Atlantic, leaving her sheltered world behind.
My reactions
Maddie gives “hysterical women” a bad name. Jimminy Christmas but she’s annoying. Ellis is a manipulative sociopath, a spoiled kid who must have his own way. What a stereotypical villain! Hank is the hapless, and probably clueless, sidekick.
The most interesting characters are a couple of the women who work at the inn where the Hydes are staying. Now these are some strong women! They have very real issues to deal with – losing loved ones in the war, trying to stay fed and healthy. At least Maddie finally gets some gumption and begins to assert herself – but only when Ellis is away chasing the monster without her.
Of course there’s a major love interest in the war veteran innkeeper, Angus. Tall, strong, handsome, virile – everything Ellis is not. But he’s tortured by his past.
Gruen can write better than this. Still, I was mildly entertained and kept listening.
That may have been due to the fine job that Justine Eyre did on the audio. She kept the pace moving and has the skill as a voice artist to give all the characters unique voices. I loved her Scottish brogue! 4**** for her performance.