Before reading I took the opportunity to leaf through the pages and spend time looking at the authentic Victorian era engravings that are spread throughout this illustrated edition . A wonderful compliment to the story itself.

From the intense opening scene until the very satisfying conclusion I was deeply engaged in the reading of this story.  David Wimsett is an excellent scene setter.  Attention to detail and perfect pacing made this a most enjoyable read.  I was there with Margaret Talbot, in the early 1900's,  when women had few rights and no vote to elect representatives to grant them.

I was there for Margaret's insecurities about her art.  I think this particular passage beautifully illustrates that insecurity -
"Margaret worried in the details of Phillip's parlour with its flower wallpaper, rosette door moldings and glass beads on the shades of the oil lamps. It was a purely mechanical exercise.  Would anyone appreciate the lives of the people the drawing represented?  The magazine containing the future article would likely be tossed out, or perhaps used to line a bird cage, once it was read."

I was there as she fought for possibilities.  Her possibilities. As she dared to think she even had possibilities as an artist in her own right.  As she recognized her strengths, passions and abilities.  I could quite image Margaret warring with "holding on to her yesterdays" while dreaming of her tomorrows.  Truly a woman living the conflicting ideals for women in the period in which this story takes place.

A carefully researched and engaging work of historical fiction.  An exciting use of the story of the relationship between Margaret and Sara, suspected of being a Selkie who walks on the land as a human and swims in the sea as a seal. With the influence of Sara , the influence of the villagers and her own self-determination this reader was carried along.

I was there too for the hurt Margaret suffers through her self discovery.  Felt it palpably.  The  author deftly alludes to the fact that there will be healing and from what I learned of Margaret I feel certain he is right.

All the elements of a good read. With those engraving taking up some text space the book comes in at under 200 pages.  Worth considering adding to your summer 2023 afternoon reads list.  

I would be happy to read more historical fiction from this author.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent
"What can I say about this book? It combines, love, art, historical fiction, and fantasy all in one, and does it WELL! The journey Margaret and John are enduring as they find their way back to each other is so powerful... Such a moving story and I highly recommend!"

5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written
"The writing style is smooth and you quickly find yourself immersed in a story that will make you laugh and cry. Highly recommend."