Shoal Water

Shoal Water appeals to readers attracted to a story set in a remote maritime community, where traditional ways of life exist but now are threatened by the introduction of new technology, endangering the livelihood of the inshore fishermen. Mystery on the edge of the sea-and a selkie legend-propel the arc of this narrative, set in the tumultuous 1970s.

Disillusioned by the Vietnam War, troubled by their own pasts, two young Americans, Andy and Kate, head to a remote Nova Scotia fishing community in search of a simpler life. The village welcomes them, particularly a boyhood friend of Andy's and his family. But Andy and Kate find the traditional way of life they had idealized is dying. The locals grapple with alcoholism and loss of their livelihood, and Kate believes the old house they've moved into is haunted. In this barren Atlantic landscape, Kate and Andy are swept into a sea of change marked by a love triangle with Andy's best friend and a tragic accident.

Shoal Water will appeal especially to women, as it is also the unflinching account of Kate's passage out of dependence into self-possession as she navigates dangerous waters and gains the power to redeem loss and find forgiveness.