Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

I am impressed with Dykes debut novel. Her writing is a pleasure to read. She brought me into the story and the setting and I felt I was there experiencing the scene along with the characters. The characters were well crafted and I felt emotionally connected to them over time.

The novel covers two generations and the narrative alternates points of view. It takes a while to find out how the man from WW II and the current young woman are connected. The story is revealed little by little as people in the Maine village share their memories.

The strength of this novel is its emotional impact. Hurts festering for years, fed by fear and shame are finally confronted. Locked hearts crack open. The emotional events happen in a Maine seaside village where the people have long memories and tough inner strength. When the sea is rough or one of their own is in some other danger, the community comes together to help.

This is a good novel for readers who enjoy being immersed in a great setting with well crafted characters and a plot that touches the heart. Be sure to have your tissues close by when you near the end. There may have been a couple unrealistic scenes but all in all a good book. I look forward to more from this accomplished writer.

You can read my review of the prequel novella, Up From the Sea.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Amanda Dykes is a former English teacher. She is the author of previous novellas and this is her debut novel. You can find out more at www.amandadykes.com.

Bethany House, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.