A impressive slim volume, read easily over a couple of sittings; there is nothing extraneous in this spare, intense presentation of Mara. Coping with unspeakable grief, she isolates herself in a coastal town; gives nothing, and gets nothing. Eventually, she takes what work she can, and begins to imagine living fully again. But there is only one things that can heal her, and we are only allowed to see its beginning. The overarching image of the sea in all its power and moods, its inherent, indifferent tides are a perfect metaphor for Mara’s life, and her life history. With thanks to #NetGalley and #Granta for my pre-release copy.