In 'Saltwater' by Jessica Andrews, a young woman navigates the tumultuous waters of identity, family, and the pull of her coastal hometown. As she reflects on the complexities of her upbringing, the ocean becomes both a sanctuary and a symbol of her struggles. With lyrical prose, Andrews captures the essence of growing pains and the search for belonging in a world that feels both familiar and alien. The narrative weaves together memories of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of home. Will she find her true self amidst the waves, or will the tide of her past drown her dreams?
By Jessica Andrews
Published: 2019
""We are shaped by the tides of the past, yet we must learn to navigate the waters of our own becoming.""
WINNER OF THE PORTICO PRIZE 'A distinctive new voice for fans of 'Fleabag' or Sally Rooney' Independent 'Raw, intimate and authentic' The Sunday Times 'Gorgeous . . . Andrews's writing is transportingly voluptuous, conjuring tastes and smells and sounds like her literary godmother, Edna O'Brien.' New York Times 'Luminous' Observer 'Lyrically poetic' Evening Standard 'Disarmingly honest . . . I wish I had read this when I was 19.' Guardian When Lucy wins a place at university, she thinks London will unlock her future. It is a city alive with pop up bars, cool girls and neon lights illuminating the Thames at night. At least this is what Lucy expects, having grown up seemingly a world away in working-class Sunderland, amid legendary family stories of Irish immigrants and boarding houses, now-defunct ice rinks and an engagement ring at a fish market. Yet Lucy's transition to a new life is more overwhelming than she ever expected. As she works long shifts to make ends meet and navigates chaotic parties from East London warehouses to South Kensington mansions, she still feels like an outsider among her fellow students. When things come to a head at her graduation, Lucy takes off for Ireland, seeking solace in her late grandfather's cottage and the wild landscape that surrounds it, wondering if she can piece together who she really is. Lyrical and boundary-breaking, Saltwater explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the challenges of shifting class identity and the way that the strongest feelings of love can be the hardest to define.
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“"We are shaped by the tides of the past, yet we must learn to navigate the waters of our own becoming."”
Saltwater
By Jessica Andrews
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jessica Andrews is a contemporary author known for her poignant explorations of identity, family, and the intricacies of modern relationships. Her debut novel, 'Saltwater', was nominated for the 2020 Costa Book Awards and has received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance. Andrews’ writing style blends evocative imagery with a keen sense of observation, often drawing from her own experiences in both rural England and urban settings. In her follow-up novel, 'Milk Teeth', she further solidifies her voice as a powerful storyteller, capturing the complexities of womanhood and ambition. Andrews is recognized for her ability to create relatable characters and her insightful commentary on social issues.
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