Between the Tides: A Novel

Marren’s multifaceted storyline had me intrigued from the beginning. Marren’s tone changes from dark to foreboding at times, highlighting the action of the time. The parallels between the tale being told by the main character and her life were intriguing. Marren’s poetic descriptions verged on picturesque. The entire story was realistic and a very nice read. Yet, it was also a tale that had a bit of a ‘mean girls’ feel to it. Although I enjoyed the novel, I found the main character hard to relate to. Her story was well told, and we get to know her quite well but she simply rubbed me the wrong way for no apparent reason. The rest of the characters in the novel were equally well developed and I quite enjoyed getting to know them, with all their quirks. This was an enjoyable debut novel from Susannah Marren. Her realistic and intricate look at the lives of her characters was one of a kind. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

Between the Tides by Susannah Marren is an unusual book. It starts out with Lainie Smith Morris telling her children a story about selkies (Lainie loves the water and has to be near it). Lainie is an artist (all her artwork portrays water) who is very dedicated to her work despite her husband and four children. Lainie has help from a nanny called Candy. It also helps to live in New York where anything can be delivered. Then her husband, Charles comes home and tells her he has accepted a position in Elliot, New Jersey (no lakes, rivers, or ocean). He will be the head of his department (orthopedic surgeon). Despite protests from Lainie and the oldest daughter, Mathilde, the family moves to Elliot where they do not fit in. Lainie does not dress the “right” way, drive the proper type of car, etc. for Elliot, New Jersey (even the nanny is wrong). Jess Howard is the wife of William Howard, CEO of Elliot Memorial Hospital. She is in the inner circle of Elliot. She knew Lainie growing up and they were at the same college for one year. Jess is actually glad that Lainie does not fit in until she meets her husband, Charles. There is an instant attraction between the two. Jess takes Lainie under her wing (ulterior motive) to help her fit in (impossible task). Lainie tries to be normal (because that is what her husband wants), but she is an artist who thinks about her work first. Lainie discovers the local pool and spends time there every morning swimming. She is likes a woman possessed when she is in the pool (so is her daughter, Mathilde). When Candy, the nanny, gets fired when she wrecks the car, Jess helps them get a proper nanny. This allows Lainie even more time to spend with her art. It also allows time for Jess and Charles to carry on their affair. You just know things are not going to end well. I found Between the Tides to be a strange novel. I did not understand why Charles married Lainie if he wanted a “normal” wife. He was trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. The ending just left you wondering and going “what in the world”. I give Between the Tides 2.5 out of 5 stars. By the way a selkie is a sea creature that is half woman and half seal. They have a skin that makes them look like a seal, but they can step out of it and look human. Whoever has the selkie skin controls the selkie. I received a complimentary copy of Between the Tides from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

A competently written novel that holds one's interest: a page-turner. In some ways a commentary on the superficiality of modern life and on dysfunctional marriages, and the male characters in particular are superficial and dislikable.