The Shore

Strong writing, spread over 13 chapters with 11 narrators. The individual chapters tell the story of a family line over 280 years. A few have hints of magic, some are violent, and the majority describe strong women and a connection with this particular place on the coast of Virginia.

Most of the chapters are also stories that can stand alone, and this has been described as a short story collection. A reader could easily pick up the book and read just one to get a feel for the author's voice. The stories are presented in a very non-linear fashion as well - but they are also connected. Those links are what make up the novel here.

I honestly thought the end of the 12th chapter was the end of the book, and more than a few other reviewers have echoed this sentiment. The 13th does tie up a loose end and provide some hope for the future, but it doesn't feel like the rest of this powerfully written book.

This is Sara Taylor's first novel. Recommended, but I should throw out some warnings also - rape, drugs, and abuse are all factors of this book.