At The Water's Edge

Reviews / Votes

If I needed a reminder why I am such a fan of Sara Gruen's books, her latest novel provides plenty. Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I've come to expect from this author.And even after finishing, its message still resonates with me: the monsters we seek may be right in front of us. In fact, the only fault I can find with this book is that I've already finished it * Jodi Picoult * I devoured this book. Sara Gruen has proven herself, once again, to be one of America's most compelling storytellers...You might be tempted to rush to get to the answers at the end - but don't - or you'll miss the delectable journey that is Gruen's prose * Kathryn Stockett, bestselling author of THE HELP * At the Water's Edge skillfully transports us to a small, tenacious Scottish village in the grip of war, and into the heart of Madeline Hyde, a woman who is a stranger to herself until forces convene to rock her awake. Sara Gruen is a wizard at capturing the essence of her historical setting, and does so here in spades, but it's Maddie's unexpected transformation that grounds and drives the novel. As her husband and best friend search the surface of the Loch, desperate for a sign of the elusive creature, Maddie learns to plumb her own depths, and comes fully alive to the world around her. Magical * Paula McLain, author of THE PARIS WIFE * Superbly researched and far too easily devoured, this is a truly enthralling love story * Scotsman * Just as colourful as Water For Elephants * Good Housekeeping (Summer Reading) * Gruen explores class politics and unlikely friendships in a war-torn environment as the real monsters of the novel are revealed * Daily Record * Terrific characters and attention to detail made this moving, suspenseful novel by the author of Water for Elephants stand out * Woman & Home * lively, colourful and gritty * Sainsbury's Magazine * I just could not put this book down... Sara Gruen is a wonder at building the atmosphere and her attention to detail really brings the Scottish Highlands to life. I loved the way she weaved in tales of folklore and monsters into this touching and haunting love story. * Emma, Waterstones bookseller * An intoxicating blend of history and legend set against the thrilling backdrop of a hunt for the world's most famous monster. Sara Gruen has an exquisite eye for detail, and she evokes the haunted - and haunting - landscape with her signature passion, freshness and scope. Atmospheric and gritty, the compelling tale of Madeline's struggle to redefine herself in a world gone mad will linger long after you turn the final page... I love this marvelous, marvelous book * Joshilyn Jackson, bestselling author of SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY * powerfully evocative * USA Today * Gruen is a master at the period piece - and her latest novel is just another stunning example of that craft * Glamour US * A daring story of adventure, friendship, and love in the shadow of WWII * Harper's Bazaar * A gripping, compelling story... wholly diverting and well written. I read it in one sitting * Boston Globe * Riveting... Gruen's beautiful setting and deeply sympathetic characters ensure a memorable read for new and returning fans alike * Publisher's Weekly * A rich, beautiful novel. Elegantly written and compulsively readable. A gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship. This story...will keep you riveted until the very last page. * Kristin Hannah, author of THE NIGHTINGALE * Another beautifully told, unmissable read from Water for Elephants's Sara Gruen... Sara keeps the wonderful sense of time and place... bewitches us with a melding of the war, Celtic superstition and myth, cleverly layering diverse episodes that entrance and often surprise... by the last page, I was blubbing and wanted to read it all over again immediately. That makes it a 5* from where I'm sitting. * Bookbag * The reader is drawn into this tumultuous time of tragedy as page by page the real monsters of the novel are revealed through Gruen's compelling storytelling * Press Association * In her stunning new novel, Gruen returns to the kind of storytelling she excelled at in Water for Elephants: a historical timeframe in an unusual setting with a moving love story. Think Scottish Downton Abbey... Gruen's impeccable historical research brings the plot down to earth and grounds the larger-than-life characters. Her narrative speaks directly to the reader and is without fuss or ceremony. Intriguing and, at times, suspenseful, At the Water's Edge is a compelling tale of love, loss and the resilience of the human spirit * The Mitford Society *