When tragedy strikes Tom Birmingham on the brink of his retirement, he has an out-of-body experience and a conversation with Fate, who charges him to tie up "loose ends.” Tom’s neighbors rally to his aid, bringing their own issues to bear. Emily Abbot, a closet novelist, seeks a "real life,” and freedom from obligation. Steve Wexler, a musician who once flirted with fame, must come to terms with growing older, but no wiser. Gary Myron is simply trying to make a living as a crabber and fisherman. And Rosalind Kenway, a dot com millionaire and widow, seeks connection without the emotional rollercoaster of commitment. Tom serves as a kind of oracle to the group, dispensing advice and sometimes harsh observations, that motivate his neighbors to make positive changes in their lives.
Assessment:
Plot: The interlocking stories made the book loom large while highlighting the deep connections between the individual characters who reside in the distinctive community of Seal Cove. In a narrative somewhat reminiscent of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio, even diversionary chapters reflecting on the history and intricacies of the small town, ultimately inform the overarching narrative.
Prose/Style: The author writes in clean, concise, and warm prose that evokes the spirit of the quietly eccentric community.
Originality: Clemens succeeds in establishes a unique setting for these interconnected stories, which ultimately act as patchwork pieces in a broader tapestry.
Character Development: Clemens's care and reverence for his characters is apparent throughout. Each individual is provided with genuine closure that also resonates within the narrative whole.
Date Submitted: August 23, 2019
