Wild and Distant Seas

 Wild and Distant Seas by Tara Karr Roberts

a book review by Angela from the Manitou Branch

Genre: Historical Fiction | Pages: 285 | Stars: 5/5

Empowa-Meter: 5/5|Laugh Meter: 0/5|Spicy Meter: 0/5

Would you recommend this book to someone, why or why not?

I would absolutely recommend this book because it's an interesting premise that weaves a fictional story of what might have happened if Ishmael (one of the main characters of the classic, Moby Dick by Herman Melville) had a romantic liaison with the innkeeper Evangeline, while waiting to sail off with Captain Ahab to hunt for the legendary white whale. I really like the connection with classic literature because it makes the plot seem more compelling. 

How did the author keep you interested throughout the story?

The story follows the journey of four generations of Evangeline's descendants - four distinctly different, independent women - as they continue the search for the truth about Ishmael through the decades. Their very different (and sometimes tragic) life paths lead them from Nantucket to Brazil, Florence and back to New York which means the author keeps the story fresh as we explore the culture of each new place and meet new people who are all integral to the story in different ways. She also weaves a tantalizing thread of the supernatural through the novel, as the women grapple with special abilities that are not always welcome and do not always bring them happiness.

How did this book challenge or change your perspective or opinion on something?

This book covers different eras in history and the way in which women were regarded during those times, reminds us to not take for granted the freedoms we enjoy today because of the efforts of women like Evangeline and her female descendants.

How does this book compare to other books by the same author or in the same genre?

As a fan of historical fiction I found this book told a complex story with enough historical detail of real events and places to be believable. This was the author's debut novel, but I hope she writes more!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mara was the strongest character for me, overcoming a difficult early life to become a strong, educated woman who raised her child alone in an era when women were not supposed to have an opinion, never mind a career.

Who was the character you disagreed with the most, and why?

Evangeline was wrong not to tell her daughter truth about her father, and her fierce, overprotective nature and secrecy set in motion a sequence of sad events and unintended consequences through the generations to follow.

How did you feel about the ending? Was it satisfying or did you want more?

The ending brought all the many threads together neatly. 

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