beyond that, the sea delivers welcome short chapters featuring lush natural settings, notably of that enviable island just off the coast of Maine.
Beloved by The Gregory Family and newly arrived Beatrix, it gives readers a return to their own memories of nature, the sea, swimming, and blessed relaxation.
Each main character is finely portrayed, though we may still wonder about William's choices, from girlfriend who mocks him to boring job. While Gerald remains a pacifist,
William starts off in the direction of fighter pilot, so it was odd to see him with a deeply unsatisfying life except for his two kids.
As boys, both watch over Beatrix and become close friends with her in different ways, as do their mother and father.
Chapters flow almost musically, joined by the Sea with its idyllic summers.
The plot felt like it could move toward Bea and William getting married, until they stopped writing, then it opened up again...almost a surprise that it did not end with William dreaming on the ship's deck.
Also strange that Beatrix did not return to Mrs. G. when she was badly injured.
At times, we may wish that the book was longer in the middle sections, enriched by further descriptions, like the Boy's Camp, Thanksgiving with cousins, Mr. G.'s paintings,
William's paintings...
(A good change would leave out - page 196 "...to piss." > jarring & not needed.)
Beloved by The Gregory Family and newly arrived Beatrix, it gives readers a return to their own memories of nature, the sea, swimming, and blessed relaxation.
Each main character is finely portrayed, though we may still wonder about William's choices, from girlfriend who mocks him to boring job. While Gerald remains a pacifist,
William starts off in the direction of fighter pilot, so it was odd to see him with a deeply unsatisfying life except for his two kids.
As boys, both watch over Beatrix and become close friends with her in different ways, as do their mother and father.
Chapters flow almost musically, joined by the Sea with its idyllic summers.
The plot felt like it could move toward Bea and William getting married, until they stopped writing, then it opened up again...almost a surprise that it did not end with William dreaming on the ship's deck.
Also strange that Beatrix did not return to Mrs. G. when she was badly injured.
At times, we may wish that the book was longer in the middle sections, enriched by further descriptions, like the Boy's Camp, Thanksgiving with cousins, Mr. G.'s paintings,
William's paintings...
(A good change would leave out - page 196 "...to piss." > jarring & not needed.)