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There are currently 57 member reviews
for The Edge of the Earth
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Dianne S. (Green Valley, AZ)
Wow factor
I read this book in nearly one sitting. I admit though, that it took me awhile to get into it and I had to go back and figure out who was narrating in the first part. At the end of the book it was very clear.
The story was a real snapshot into that era. Trudy's defiance in marrying who she wanted and ultimate resolve in living with that decision was inspiring.
Once the action started rolling in regards to the "mermaid", that is when the wow factor really kicked in. The fact that all the characters were living in such close quarters and yet there were so many secrets was just spine tingling. The end was almost like just rewards or just punishment.
I would definitely recommend this book to other readers & book clubs. There would be a lot to discuss. I am going to go back and re read "Drowning Ruth" again. I remember being "wowed" by that too.
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Lorraine R. (Southampton, NY)
Haunting and magical
THE EDGE OF THE EARTH is another winner by author Christina Schwawrz. Set in the 1890's, a well educated young woman,Trudy, leaves her home to journey with her new husband, Oscar, to a remote lighthouse on the west coast. They live and work with a family, the Crawley's who have many dark secrets. The language of this novel is what draws the reader in. The author's language is beautifully lyrical as she describes a land that is isolated but dramatically wonderous. For example, "That night the rain began to fall so thickly and heavily, it seemed as thought the bowl of the ocean had risen into the sky and upended itself." The weather and magical beauty of the Pacific coast are the backdrop of Trudy's new world. She falls in love with it as the reader will fall in love with this haunting tale.
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Margie S. (Mount Joy, PA)
Lighthouse and artifacts
At first I thought "The Edge of the Earth" was going to be one of the many haunted lighthouse mysteries that I've encountered. I was duly impressed that that was not the case. Yes, there is a mystery involved, but it doesn't overwhelm the storyline of the supplanting of an almost rich city girl to the solitude of a desolate piece of rocky earth.
The shell, animal, sea-life examination was somewhat reminiscent of Tracy Chevalier's fascinating "Remarkable Creatures". But where "Creatures" is largely about artifacts, Schwarz's "Edge" more about relationships, choices and survival, although I thoroughly enjoyed her explanations of the tidal pool and it's inhabitants. I read the book in one day (and night), finding it difficult to put down.
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Kristen H. (Hagerstown, MD)
The Edge of the Earth
Loved the book Drowning Ruth and the The Edge of the Earth did not disappoint at all! Christina Schwarz did a great job with this novel. I was sorry to have it come to an end, and even more surprised at the twist! I would recommend this book to book clubs as I am sure there would be much discussion.
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Margaret L. (Petoskey, MI)
Enjoyable Read
Christina Schwarz's poetic style of writing and colorful, diverse characters make this a delightful read. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It's a story of love, understanding and accepting the differences of others, overcoming difficult situations and finding one's place in life.
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Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL)
Living With What You Have
Tough living on a mountain maintaining a light house. This book is written very well and the author brings the characters to life. Different plot than most but very intriguing. Good read and you want to finish in one reading.
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Laurie F. (Brookline, MA)
Great Read!
This was one of those books where you stayed up or hurried home to continue reading. You sympathized with the challenges and emotions of the characters. You also became part of the isolated community on the island. Highly recommend if you are in the mood for a good story.
