- The Shore is a group of small islands along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and the land is beyond beautiful. Taylor does a wonderful job of capturing both the beauty and the ugliness in these parts. Through a collection of narratives, we hear stories about folks living along the Shore spanning some two hundred and fifty years. Some are from as early as the 1800’s before settlers took over these parts and others take place in 2143. What do you think; doesn’t this Southern Gothic story sound Interesting?
- We are presented with thirteen narratives changing at each chapter and they are told in a bouncing timeline. Most of the tales revolve around two families, which began with a half-America native islander and her first husband. It was fascinating the way characters from one time, connected with another. My favorite stories were those of Chloe and her sister Renee and that of Medora, a half-Native American healer who tries to escape her abusive life.
- The stories are dark, and at times down right depressing with glimmers of hope scatter throughout. Taylor did a lovely job of bringing the characters and their emotions to light. While I did not get to know all of them as much as I would have liked, I did connect- sympathizing with some and loathing others. The tale is classified as woman’s fiction or literature but it has a historical and dystopian vibe as well.
- The narrators did a wonderful job of sharing these narratives. While I was disappointed, Andrews did not have as many chapters he certainly delivered. Jenna Lamia is a new to me narrator, but she captured both the tone and emotions of the characters taking their voices from that of a young child to a jaded adult.
Decaffeinated Aspects:
- While I loved how all of the characters intertwined, the timeline had no rhyme or reason and made me crazy half the time. I was pulled out at each change of narrative and had to figure out what period I was in and whom the characters were. I think I would have enjoyed The Shore more with a chronological timeline.
- The connections and links do not become evident until closer to the end of the book, and many a reader might become frustrated before then.
- The Shore is dark, filled with sexual assault, violence, substance abuse, and animal suffering. There were some dark times, and revelations throughout. Some of the scenes may disturb readers particularly those with any sensitivity to the subject matter.
- The tale was told in first person and third person perspectives. For some it worked and for others I wanted more of a connection.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer