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The Sea Is a Thief
Set on the island of Chincoteague, Virginia during the Civil War, The Sea Is a Thief tells the story of a dangerous courtship between Sam Dreher, a young Union sailor serving on a gunship sent to protect the island, and Anna Daisey, a Chincoteague girl whose gifts as a wildlife artist are beginning to blossom. By the time a jealous rival exposes the clandestine romance, their love has grown so strong that they defy an approaching gale to steal one last day together. In the chaos wrought by the storm they are lost to each other.
As the long war rages, Anna clings to the hope of her lost sailor's return, refining the artistic skills she has learned from her mentor, the island's reclusive medicine woman. Sam, stranded behind Confederate lines and injured terribly, can survive only by stealth, courage, and a most fortunate encounter with the Underground Railroad.
A century and a half after it was fought, we have come to know the War Between the States as series of debates, campaigns, and battles won or lost. The Sea is a Thief offers a new perspective from the dusty lanes and muddy channels of an oystering island in Virginia, chronicling its effects on a captivating crew of hardy watermen, rogue hunters, moonshiners and merchants. At the center of the storm stand an unlikely young couple who desire only to love each other in peace.
Of course, the beloved wild ponies of Chincoteague play a central role.
As the long war rages, Anna clings to the hope of her lost sailor's return, refining the artistic skills she has learned from her mentor, the island's reclusive medicine woman. Sam, stranded behind Confederate lines and injured terribly, can survive only by stealth, courage, and a most fortunate encounter with the Underground Railroad.
A century and a half after it was fought, we have come to know the War Between the States as series of debates, campaigns, and battles won or lost. The Sea is a Thief offers a new perspective from the dusty lanes and muddy channels of an oystering island in Virginia, chronicling its effects on a captivating crew of hardy watermen, rogue hunters, moonshiners and merchants. At the center of the storm stand an unlikely young couple who desire only to love each other in peace.
Of course, the beloved wild ponies of Chincoteague play a central role.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 19, 2018
Chincoteague and Assateague must have been beautiful in the 1860's, but the flies and mosquitoes must have been unbearable. A good beach read.
August 28, 2020
The story itself is cute but the storytelling falls a bit flat. It reminds me a bit of a history textbook where there is a short blurb about a specific person with the intention of "bringing history to life" or making history more personal. it is interesting, but you're left wanting a bit more in terms of character development and prose. For example, there is far more detail about the construction of the boat than there needs to be. The characters are a bit two-dimensional.
Despite that, as previously stated, the story is cute and you want to find out what happens. Its a quick read and the perfect book to read on the beach while on the Eastern Shore.
No, its not a work of fine literature, but it is a cute and entertaining weekend read.
Despite that, as previously stated, the story is cute and you want to find out what happens. Its a quick read and the perfect book to read on the beach while on the Eastern Shore.
No, its not a work of fine literature, but it is a cute and entertaining weekend read.
August 28, 2024
Welcome to Chincoteague for the Civil War. Did you know that Chincoteague did no secede from the Union with the rest of Virginia? Visit the island as it's citizens face a Confederate attack, are saved by the Louisianna, then the sailors from the ship are sent to the island to help with repairs or other assistance necessary during their down time. A romance blooms with the repair of a home and the rebuilding of a waterman's boat (specifically a decoy carver's [Daisey]. Much time spent on Assateague with the wild ponies. Jealousy, being caught, separated, a boating accident and then the war separates the two young lovers. Time and promises bring them back together in the end. Found the book to be good. Wonderful to see the islands pictured in a different light.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews