The Forgotten Farmhouse By the Sea by Caroline Young is a moving family drama set mostly in Anglesey, Wales. It has plenty of twists and turns, surprises and a touch of romance. There’s a mystery at its heart, too, but it is mostly about a woman on a journey of self-discovery who is missing something in her life and returns to a place that once made her happy as a child.
Nansi Green has a dream. She wants to move to the country, have a dog and find some inner peace and contentment. Her married life is far from perfect and when she asks her husband Robin to embark on this new adventure with her, the cracks in their marriage really become exposed. The only way to make this financially work and for Robin to agree to selling their Cambridge home and buying the run down farmhouse that holds happy memories for Nansi (who also gives up her job), she must agree to his terms. He will mostly live in the previous city (in a room paid by the company) to earn a living, she will move to the country farmhouse with their twin daughters and try to restore it. And find some part time work. He is to visit as much as possible to see his wife and children. But things do not go as planned. There are arguments and he stays away and calls less with time. His new arrangement allows him the freedom and the chance of partaking of the temptation he desires.
Not long after moving to the old farmhouse, loneliness sets in for Nansi. She finds it hard to make friends in the Welsh community. Outsiders are not trusted initially but eventually she makes a friend in two unlikely persons: Gwenno and Harri. But when husband keeps making excuses not to come home for visits she begins to suspect something is going on and embarks on her own sleuthing. She is unaware at first that their finances are in trouble but Robin drops a few hints and it gets her thinking. He is the one in charge of that so what she finds is shocking and heartbreaking. I will say no more lest give anything away but Robin, from the start is easily disliked. He is very harsh, demeaning and controlling. He carries a dose of arrogance, too, that he may have learned from his parents. As the story unfolds we see more and more of his faults and the source of Nansi’s depression.
But all is not lost as Nansi grows through their separate lives and finds her own feet and friends who support her like Harri, a single dad who has his own story to tell. And Gwenno, who is outspoken but caring. Plus her uncle Dewi who is a gem. He has been a great source of strength, guidance and love in her life and continues to be there for her in her new home. But soon it is evident his health is failing and not long for this world. But he leaves her a legacy of hope that will change her life.
This novel covers many issues that a person can encounter on life’s journey so it deals with relatable realistic topics. But one of the shining themes at the core of this story is the importance of forgiveness. There are a number of characters in this novel who must realise that they must not only forgive those who have wronged them but also themselves. Each one must become the forgiver and receiver: including Nansi’s own mother. As a result, major hurts that have resulted from poor actions will be dealt with fairly and each person can move forward freely.
I really enjoyed this novel that was my first read of this author’s books. The descriptions were beautifully rendered, the moody Wales coast well depicted with its many fierce storms, nippy salt air and freezing waters. These elements act as a cleansing process for Nansi Green and help her feel alive again (and sometimes shock her system to awaken by going swimming in November with her friend!). The farmhouse holds some deep secrets that are revealed. There are unexpected connections between a number of the community members and the novel deals with each one graciously and effectively. Out of the ashes of despair, hope rises and new beginnings are possible. There’s freedom for those once caught in the clogs of unforgiveness and pain. The ending is truly marvellous and I felt everything was resolved. It is not a light story for it carries some complex issues of death, grief, abuse, depression, spouse control, parentage and infidelity to name a few. But there are also bright themes of love, forgiveness, restoration, emotional healing and new beginnings. All are handled well by the author.
I must also add I loved the literary reference to the W.B. Yeats poem 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' and its place in the heart of Nansi. This tender and profound story was a delightful surprise that kept me pinned to the pages until the wee hours of the morning. I highly recommend The Forgotten Farmhouse By the Sea and sincerely give it 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
