Tides by Sara Freeman

 

After the death of her child, Mara flees her home.  She cannot abide being around her family, especially her brother and sister-in-law who have just had a baby.  She pushes her husband away until he leaves her and then she hits the road with a bit of money and just a bag of clothes.  She works odd jobs and drinks too much and finally winds up in a coastal town.

There she finds a job in a wine and sandwich shop.  The owner, Simon, gives her a job and is friendly with her.  He doesn't know that she sneaks upstairs at night and sleeps in the storage room as she doesn't have enough money for an apartment or hotel.  Slowly, Mara relaxes a bit.  She gets to know a few people and eventually finds love again with Simon.  But Simon is married and when his wife returns, Mara knows it is time to move on.  Will she ever find happiness again?

This is Sara Freeman's debut novel and her haunting, lyrical story and writing will make her an author to watch in the future.  Some readers find it hard to relate to Mara but I have walked in her shoes and understand the total grief and tragedy she experiences.  I listened to this title and the narrator's voice was perfect for Mara's story, her loneliness, her grief and regrets and her smart shoots of hope as time went on.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.