Mary Akers

I enjoyed each of these stories and what surprised me most about my reading experience was that even though they are linked by theme – they all have to do in some way with the marine world – and common characters – the stories all feel very different.

In one story we are swept up in the heartbreak and loneliness of a 19th century sea widow and in the next we hear from a damaged Viet Nam war veteran dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Edna.

I like stories where the characters have real jobs and do real work even if the work is in a profession I know nothing about (like marine biology).

These are heartwarming, heartrending, heartbreaking stories about people who are caught up in all of the messy aspects of living and dying. It’s a great book and it might even save your life if you ever get stung by a jellyfish (make sure to bring a long some vinegar).

… (mere)