🐚
REVIEW
What a poignant story of transformation and emotional healing, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia, love and longing. This novel proved to be quite a pleasant surprise as I had never read any books by author Phylidda Shrimpton before this one. I am delighted to say it delivered on all counts in plot, characters, atmosphere and setting. The descriptions are vivid and definitely strike the emotional heart strings. It is so well-written, it was easy to be transported to the quaint coastal village in Devon.
The Storyteller By the Sea first caught my attention with its gorgeous cover and title. From the first page, I was drawn in quickly to the tumultuous lives of the main cast. I felt a strong connection to the story, its message and main character Melody. I also grew up in a small coastal village with the pull of the sea strong on my heart and often scavenged the beaches for coastal treasures to make pieces of art. I could hear the imaginary surf sounds in the shells and the music of the waves. I played piano and guitar with those natural sounds behind me. So, walking in Melody’s shoes was easy for me (even her name is appropriate!). Yet I did not have the disadvantage of seeing my actual dwelling taken over by a large developer who wanted to build high rise apartments. But I did see another industry swallow up the cove in front of my house! And it affected the sea-life that had so beautifully survived there for hundreds of years. It is very sad to see the destruction of nature – its value and innocence disregarded. And Melody, understandably, wanted to preserve her piece of paradise.
The theme of change resounds through this novel. It is never easy when forced upon us. For the villagers, it was the destruction of a close knit community. It meant they had to find new homes, with many forced into aged care. As for Melody, it left her homeless. Without family to support her, the challenge was overwhelming. I was deeply sympathetic to her loss. This novel shows how memories are often attached to our dwellings. A place where our lives have played out: a roof that has sheltered our heads and nurtured our hearts. There are so many memories and ghosts tied up in Spindrift cottage for Melody— and to see it all evaporate— leaves her grief-stricken and overwhelmed. She feels as though she is losing her parents and brother all over again. She has tried to maintain their presence by holding on to the cottage and their belongings. The demolition means all that will be taken away.
There are other things about Melody we learn, that are positive. She is gifted in the arts. She makes treasures from items brought in by the sea. She also has the ability to tell stories to lift children’s hearts and to put some magic in their lives. How she gets to develop this talent is amazing. I loved reading about her story-telling abilities and the wonderful tales she shares.
This novel has a fabulous cast of characters. The community gatherings are delightful and the support for each other is heart-warming. It is sad when they are torn apart by the changes that are occurring. There is nothing Melody can do to stop it but she turns to her neighbours and cousin, Juliana. And then there is a man she has grown up with. He's been a constant presence in her life. Their relationship gets shaken and the changes separate them physically for a while but eventually these events clarify the next steps she must take.
The Storyteller By The Sea is beautiful story about grief, love, loss, starting over, change, family secrets and healing of broken hearts. The story sweeps backwards and forwards like the waves on the sand in timelines (between the 50’s to current), delivering its gems and pieces of history. It concludes on a warm note and I truly had tears of both joy and sorrow before turning the last page. I highly recommend this story with heart, nostalgia and imagination. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to publisher Aria & Aries and Netgalley for my review copy.
