Book Review: At the Water's Edge

A good many Nanowrimo novels will never see the light of day. Some writers will fail to finish the novels they begin. Some novels will remain in computer files without a single beta reader (many of mine). Others will receive unfavorable feedback from beta readers. Still, a few novels break out from the Nanowrimo birthing process to become full-fledged books you can find in your local library.

Well aware of Sara Gruen's reputation as one of the premier Nanowrimo success stories (for Water for Elephants), I have long wanted to attempt one of her books. I am not sure I would enjoy a circus book about elephants, but you never know; I loved The Night Circus, another Nanowrimo success. When I noticed At the Water's Edge in audio form, I bit the bullet and gave this author a try. I worried it could prove too racy and I might have to toss it aside. Thankfully, by the time risque sections popped up, I was in too deep to jump ship and more than willing to push the skip button to advance to the next track.

At the Water's Edge tells the story of a high society couple, Ellis and Madeline Hyde. After disgraceful drunken behavior at a party, Ellis' parents confront the two and throw them out of the house. The only way Ellis can think of regaining his father's respect (not to mention his money) is to flee to the Scottish Highlands to pursue his father's past quest to find and document the Loch Ness monster. Both Ellis and his friend, Hank, are despicable privileged men reeking of a sense of entitlement. The two men have evaded service in WWII on false pretenses and think nothing of taking Maddie across the seas during a war. Meanwhile, the author portrays Maddie as kind and down-to-earth but trapped in a marriage based upon a wager. While the two men repeatedly leave Maddie alone in their search for the monster, she befriends the laborers at the inn and steps out of her ordinary shoes to discover a whole new world.

While I didn't dislike the novel, it wasn't one of my favorites. Although the author did a fine job of creating believable characters and putting them in harm's way, I never really grew to like those characters. The author wanted the reader to sympathize with poor Maddie and her loveless plight, but apart from a willingness to help with the chores, she really didn't display many admirable characteristics. It presents her love for another man as justifiable and a positive thing among so many negatives swirling around her life. Plus, it is all wrapped up with a tidy bow; problem solved without lifting a finger, leaving the way open for Maddie to marry a much more deserving Scotsman.