"At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen, October 15th 2019
"At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen is the fifth of her books that I have read. I completed the book on the night of October 14th 2019 and then read the interview and discussion group questions on October 15th 2019.
Sara Gruen’s “At the Water’s Edge” would make a great movie. I have read all of her books and she does not waste a word. She is so succinct and creates magnificent images with terrific dialogue. Best of all is her story.
I burst into tears upon closing "At the Water's Edge" somewhat in relief and joy at the journey that Sara Gruen had taken me on.
Now I am an Australian male of 60 years of youth. I just celebrated my 60th in anticipation of finally reaching adult teenage years! Wait until I am 70 and the new adult 21! Wow, there are so many books to read in a lifetime, and I am blessed with my favourite authors that include Sara Gruen.
This novel is set during World War 11 and having grown up with parents that were born in 1926 and 1927 respectively; I grew up with their stories of the Great Depression and the WW11. My parents' story was more in keeping with the Scottish characters in the book compared to the privileged Ellis, Hank and Maddie in the novel.
There is predictability in the story from the title, and especially the first two paragraphs with the head stone. I was immediately caught up in questions and possibilities. I had to re-read the first two pages as I was swept away and wanted to savour the journey.
The opening chapter had me predicting the inevitability of sorrow, grief and despair. This was not going to end well. Or would it? I do not want to spoil my predictions as I kept sharing them with my partner who would not read the book. One of my predictions was not explicitly detailed, but I still suspect that Ellis and Hank were lovers as Ellis had a photo of Ellis in his possession, but not a photo of his wife, Maddie.
There is a lot of questioning myth versus reality in the book. The main myth is the Loch Ness monster and whether it exists or not, and the sightings and the information that can be bought for a price. We are exposed to what is fabricated or lies that Maddie confronts. There are revelations about the truth behind various characters' personal histories, including Anna, Meg and of course Angus. Maddie is also exposed to trust in a small Scottish community compared to the city life.
The book reminded me of some classic films and musicals:
"Gaslight" the movie springs to mind as Ellis is "gaslighting" Maddie. Ellis was trying to manipulate and control Maddie and threaten her with being carted away to an institution.
"Brigadoon" is an obvious connection with the Scottish location, and the mysterious supernatural events that occur in the book. There is also the beauty of a forbidden love story that resonates within both "At the Water's Edge" between a married woman, Maddie and Angus. There is also the mystical sightings and the superstitions that abound in the book that also reminded me of "Brigadoon" coming to life one day every 100 years. This book is Maddie's "one day" in a 100 years journey, as her life will never be the same after her trip to Scotland.
"Macbeth" is another Scottish connection for the brutal beast within Ellis and the theme of war.
"High Society" the musical was based on "The Philadelphia Story" and as three main characters are from Philadelphia and the privileged society.
"Brokeback Mountain" also springs to mind as the two men Ellis and Hank venture off each day in search of the Loch Ness Monster. This monster has nothing to do with "Brokeback Mountain" but the unspoken bond between these two men is unhealthy as Ellis is newly married and brings his best friend Hank with him to Scotland.
Finally, the Broadway musical "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" reveals itself towards the end of the book. There are clear parallels between the musical and "At the Water's Edge" with Ellis' main objective. I can hear Maddie wanting to sing the lyrics of to Ellis "Kiss Me" from the song "I've Decided to Marry You" from the musical, but realises that it is Angus she loves. So there is a twist in this song for me - as instead of two women wanting the same man, we have a sole woman, Maddie wanting a new man.
The help, Anna and Meg taught Maddie so much about life in Scotland, and the difference in thrift and rationing supplies compared to the wasteful and privileged lifestyle that Maddie, Ellie and Hank had left behind in the USA.
The sex scenes are juicy and not gratuitous. These scenes are important to show the difference in respect for woman by two very different men.
The passion is not just for the characters but also for the landscape as Sara Gruen describes the Scottish countryside in succinct atmospheric language.
There are some foreign phrases that I urge you to look up on for example Google translate. About three of the phrases need to be put into both French and then English to ensure an accurate translation. For example as by adding the word "le" can provide a more accurate translation to a phrase. A friend who is fluent in French explained the difference in detail to some phrases that I showed him. He suggested that I put the phrase in French to English Google Translator, and then to reread the paragraph. He suggested to then putting in an English to French Google Translator to see the subtle differences and similarities. Doing this made the paragraphs more specific and meaningful as they gave more gravitas and context to the story.
I maintain that Ellis and Hank are gay with their banter, escapades and disappearances. They give men and gay men a bad name with their disrespect to woman. Sara Gruen does not elaborate on this but alludes to this sexual "monster within" by their antics.
There is a disregard for women's rights in the book with the demonstrative behaviour of some men. This book is feminist book of epic proportions as Maddie is a true heroine.
I had a few tears roll down my cheek during the Meg incident with Rory. Meg certainly did not deserve Rory's abuse.
At the end of the book, I closed the final page with tears rolling down my face. Tears of love flooded in response to what Sara Gruen had so richly captured between Maddie and Angus, and the other characters. Sara Gruen has shown a true love and respect to families and friends for all of those who had been injured or died in World War 11.
The epilogue is a new headstone for the book.
Sara Gruen's "Author's Note" is important to clarify some of the artistic license used in the book. These notes add more texture to her writing by acknowledging the era and the perspectives of the characters. I loved her explanation that was not spin or justification but an honest acknowledgement of perspective.
I am still reeling in ecstasy at the literary genius of Sara Gruen's story telling.
I gave this book an 8.5/10.
POST SCRIPT:
On page 388 in an interview Sara Gruen talks about her research and how she used her mobile phone to record her ideas. She talks about not wanting to delete them from her phone. Please Sara, make sure that you get assistance to copy them across to another storage device. Plus speak to a computer consultant as I think you can archive them on your phone and not take up as much space.
