Beyond That, the Sea: A Novel

I had not known of children coming to the States during WWII to keep them safe being out of England during the war but of course it did make sense. It would have been a huge sacrifice to the families sending them off to miss so much of their childhood and one would have to be very brave to have done so. This book was interesting as it separated each chapter into each character and what was going on with them, going back and forth as time progressed. I will not tell the story, for that you will have to read the book but I found it very interesting and readable. It takes place in the Boston area, a island in Maine and in London. I found the diverse personalities and how they reacted to one another very well thought out. I do recommend this book.

I loved this book. Just finished and I really didn’t want it to end. This book is so well written, one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. I cannot wait to read more by this author.The way she wove the characters together, I had that feeling you get that you feel these characters are a part of your life. I would think about this book all day and could hardly wait to get back to it again until ultimately, the end.. I’m still thinking about it.

Spence-Ash has written a wonderful microcosm of how life works and sometimes doesn’t. I couldn’t put it down as I became invested in her vibrant characters and their lives. For anyone who has loved or failed to love family members, it gave me hope that I’m not alone in my feelings. As complicated as relationships can be, it’s the one life we have and sometimes you just have to forgive yourself for how you feel. We are all the makeup of our pasts, and our parents past and the choices we make. I will definitely be following this author.

Just finished reading "Beyond That, the Sea" and I didn't want it to end. The book was beautifully written with characters that were very well developed. I felt like I personally knew, and was rooting for, each one of them. The story depicted family life like it truly is -sometimes messy, with its share of loves and losses, and imperfect people trying to make their way in the world. Add to that the gorgeous settings of the seaside of Maine and quaint villages around London, and you've got the perfect novel. would highly recommend.

This is a book you will save and reread. So many emotions.The Gregory’s take in a child (a girl- Bea) fromLondon during the war. The children William and Gerald - the a Gregory’s children blend in Bea to their family. The kindness of this family will warm your heart but the reality of life mingles into the story line. The years go by, the war ends Bea goes home.The ties are never broken. The families blend together again through loss and deaths. Everyone struggles to return to a normal state. The ending is a surprise.

If you are looking for a good, well written story, this is the one. At first I thought it might be confusing because it is told from the perspective of each character. However, the plot is so well developed that it flows smoothly. I never knew there were English children sent to the States to live with American families for the duration of WWII. It is amazing the resilience of children and that is part of the charm of this story!

A pleasurable read. Loved the back and forth with the characters' perspectives . Seeing situations through different eyes. Makes you think about the various types of challenges families faced during the war, the idea of sending your child away to live with strangers for their safety. Author illustrates how the English were so intimately and directly affected by the war as compared to the remoteness of most Americans in the U.S. I particularly appreciated the kindness exhibited by the characters. There is so much mean spirited attitudes flying around in news and current events that it's refreshing to read about nice everyday people dealing with ordinary issues in an extraordinary time.

This book was so beautiful, in every word choice, in its spirit, in the vision it provided of a family melded together by circumstances. I loved how each character had space to be themselves and grow and understand. I loved that, though this begins in WWII, it’s experienced from afar mostly, on American shores and in the wilderness of childhood. It’s a real look at life and loss and struggle and love. I won’t be forgetting it for a long time. This author has clearly studied her craft and she’s broken and mended my heart with it.WELL DONE. Also, loved! The narration. All the voices and both the driving and resting tones.