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66 pages 2 hours read

Laura Spence-Ash

Beyond That, the Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash follows Beatrix Thompson, a young English girl sent to the US during World War II, and the intertwined lives of the Gregory family in Boston and her own in London. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the dichotomy between dreams and reality across almost four decades, with multiple perspectives narrating Bea's journey and connections. The narrative includes themes of loss, displacement, family conflict, and complex relationships.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash is generally well-received for its lyrical prose and rich historical detail. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and well-crafted characters. However, some criticize the pacing as uneven and feel certain plot developments lack depth. Overall, it's a compelling historical novel with minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Beyond That, the Sea?

Readers who would enjoy Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash are likely fans of historical fiction with rich character development. Comparable to those who appreciate The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, they seek emotionally resonant, well-researched narratives.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1940s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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