Hope By The Sea by Tessy Braun

  Memorable, Captivating,

Intriguing

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama/Romance

Hope By The Sea By Tessy Braun - Writer

As Lorelai was closing one chapter of her life, one that had lasted for much longer than it should have, she registered with undiluted elation that the next chapter was entirely hers to own and move forward with as she wished. She wanted this to be a completely fresh start, and with that decided, her entire life would need to change, starting with location. She knew exactly where it was she wanted to be. She had fond memories of this place, of family holidays when her and Janey were young. Yes, she would go there and start over. She couldn’t wait for her new life to begin….a life with ‘Hope by the Sea.

When I started to read this book, somehow I knew it would be good. I was excited to read it even though I hadn’t read anything about it and nothing previously from the Author, as this is her debut novel. Having said that, she is also an amazing poet. All I’d seen were a few Illustrations put together by the Author and they alone, made me want to see what Tessy had written.

I loved everything about this story. I am a very character focused reader, and this book was very character focused in the form of a family which is the perfect read for me, with many well formulated, strong side characters. It was clear that the Author had put an awful lot of work into developing her characters to the point that she knew them so well, and that absolutely comes across in the writing. The dialogue flows with an ease that gives you a confidence that the Author has really put work into this book to get to know the individuals within these pages, how she wants their individual stories to play out and intertwine, their ultimate destination, and you know as the reader with absolute certainty, that at no point, will it feel disjointed as the writing flows so beautifully. Humour is also injected into certain scenes well, particularly of note, the ‘relationship’ and ‘aspirin’ analogies in chapter one, and also the book club meeting. Despite a difficult number of years, the lead character is a very strong and independent woman. She is also very determined to forge ahead with what she wants for the rest of her life which makes her very likeable and instantly evokes support for her. The way she manages to ingratiate herself with her new surroundings was so inspirational and brave, and as the pieces of her newly created, carefree lifestyle fall into place, it begins to feel that she has found the world that she belongs in. The dynamic between Laurelai and her sister is a very warm and loving one, they are friends as well as siblings. Janey has her own battles which you feel sympathy for however I felt that she could have handled them with more compassion and empathy for the other person, her daughter, Ruby. I particularly enjoyed the chapters surrounding these two characters. I was genuinely shocked at the youngsters blatant disregard for the feelings of others, although when I recall what I was like at that age it probably is pretty accurate, and whilst I felt sorry for Janey, I found myself commenting aloud throughout these passages at her retaliations to her daughters outbursts. The dishevelled stranger seen in the town, was recognisable to me instantly, however, I was never one hundred percent certain as to whether I had been correct as the story progressed. The parallel that the Author drew between herself and her main character Danny being a poet, made me smile. He is a kind, thoughtful character who is clearly head over heels about Laurelai. I think all single ladies would like a Danny.

The last couple of big plot twists I absolutely didn’t see coming. I would go so far as to say they were shocking as it really wasn’t where I was expecting the author to take the story and that particular character. I was slightly disappointed that the Author decided to leave a gap in the time line between such a shocking turn of events and picking up their stories afterwards, but it was done very well written.

I wasn’t able to immediately see how the title fitted in with the narrative. However, it is in fact perfect, and this becomes evident within the last few chapters. At times I genuinely forgot that I was reading a novel from a new Author, and felt like I was reading a book from an established Author with years of experience. I was saddened to reach the end of this wonderful story, the end was written so well it took my breath away and it was one of those books that you finish and then have to sit and gather yourself before resuming reality. The end is both heart-breaking and yet heart-warming with the way the Author re-introduces the present with the past. I really look forward to reading more of Tessy’s work, particularly novels, and love the beautiful hard back edition now sitting in pride of place on my book shelf.