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There are currently 57 member reviews
for The Edge of the Earth
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Carol R. (Los Angeles, CA)
The Edge of the Earth
I thought this novel was a bit slow in the beginning, but once it got going, The Edge of the World had me on the edge of my seat. I was definitely enthralled by some of the characters in this book, but the one character I found most intriguing was the edge of the world itself, Big Sur, California. It's beautiful and haunting, and I loved seeing how the various characters in the novel were shaped by this mysterious landscape. The Edge of the World was a wonderful story told by a master storyteller and I think it contained enough interesting topics to discuss in a book club.
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Linda G. (Walnut Creek, CA)
All About Lighthousekeeping
Fans of historical fiction and literary mystery will thoroughly enjoy Christina Schwarz's new novel "The Edge of the Earth". Narrated by a young wife at the end of the 19th century, this somewhat haunting novel takes place on the blustery and foggy California coastline, in an aging lighthouse that she and her husband share with another family.
The characters are well developed, yet unpredictable, leaving us wondering who can really be trusted in this coastal setting where hidden secrets and mysteries, both scientific and familial abound. As we watch the story and the lives of these 2 families unfold, it becomes evident that the author is a superb storyteller, and knows exactly how to keep her readers guessing until the revealing, final page is turned. A haunting, yet totally enjoyable read!
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Shaun D. (Woodridge, IL)
The Edge of the Earth
I think people who will best like this book will be those who've read others by Christina Schwarz as they'll be familiar with the seemingly slow pace that gradually builds to an interesting conclusion. Those unfamiliar with her work might give up too soon, not realizing that Schwarz likes to build to an eventual surprise ending. Although those who have previously read Schwarz may wonder about the use of water and resultant drowning used again in this new book. I liked the book, I didn't love it. Like her prior works the female characters seemed more developed, more interesting than the men. My favorite of hers remains 'Drowning Ruth'. I would recommend sticking with the characters in TEOTE as the end has a nice surprise and a satisfying conclusion for the protagonist.
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Gigi K. (Lufkin,, TX)
Simply haunting and not even about Halloween
The writing style of this author kept me wanting to read more. How can you really know someone until after you are married. What you see is not always what you get. This story feels haunting as you read it and the ending left me wanting to say, "wait, wait". Think it would make a great read for my book club here in Lufkin, TX.
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Pamela S. (Winnetka, CA)
Life changes
The Edge of the Earth is easy to read and moves along swiftly. It was interesting to read how people would live in such an out of the way place & to learn what goes into attending a lighthouse. I found myself liking Trudy for she was interested in learning about her new environment so different from her previous & the people there. I wasn't was particularly fond of her husband Oskar. Overall I enjoyed the book.
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Christine P. (Salt Lake City, UT)
The Edge of the Earth
I instantly liked Trudy Swann. She is a woman born in Wisconsin at the end of the 1800s. Trudy marries a dreamer, moves to "the edge of the earth", a lighthouse on the wild Central California coast. This is a life she is unprepared for, but I loved how she adjusts to this new life. Her exposure to the marine life along the coast is an awakening of sorts, a discovery of the kind of person she wants to be. This is a book about women, the power of their friendships, their shared experiences and the strength and knowledge that women take from each other to make life more bearable under harsh conditions. That's what makes this a great book for discussion groups. Once again, Christina Schwarz gives her readers an unforgettable experience.
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Elizabeth K. (Dallas, TX)
A Sea of Emotional Turmoil
The first few pages did not draw me in right away, but as soon as Trudy's voice emerged, I was hooked. This is a fascinating study of the sea and of the emotional undercurrents of the people keeping a light house on the California coast in the early 1900s. I like the way the author wove together the scientific aspects of marine life and the far less precise and regulated human emotions involved in the story. The twist at the end is intriguing, and I think this is an author well worth reading.
