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Sea of Memories
When Kendra first visits her ailing grandmother, Ella has only one request: that Kendra write her story down, before she forgets…
In 1937, seventeen-year-old Ella’s life changes forever when she is sent to spend the summer on the beautiful Île de Ré and meets the charismatic, creative Christophe. They spend the summer together, exploring the island’s sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, and, for the first time in her life, Ella feels truly free.
But the outbreak of war casts everything in a new light. Ella is forced to return to Scotland, where she volunteers for the war effort alongside the dashing Angus. In this new world, Ella feels herself drifting further and further from who she was on the Île de Ré. Can she ever find her way back? And does she want to?
From the windswept Île de Ré to the rugged hills of Scotland, Sea of Memories is a spellbinding journey about the power of memory, love and second chances.
In 1937, seventeen-year-old Ella’s life changes forever when she is sent to spend the summer on the beautiful Île de Ré and meets the charismatic, creative Christophe. They spend the summer together, exploring the island’s sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, and, for the first time in her life, Ella feels truly free.
But the outbreak of war casts everything in a new light. Ella is forced to return to Scotland, where she volunteers for the war effort alongside the dashing Angus. In this new world, Ella feels herself drifting further and further from who she was on the Île de Ré. Can she ever find her way back? And does she want to?
From the windswept Île de Ré to the rugged hills of Scotland, Sea of Memories is a spellbinding journey about the power of memory, love and second chances.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
17587 people are currently reading
19028 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Valpy
17 books2,484 followersFiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,959 reviews
June 10, 2019
Sea of memories
2.5*
This book is a good example of how a very beautifully written novel can also be very shallow and trivial.
How can I describe it? Like a good-looking cake (very classy, stunning and lovely decoration), but without any distinctive taste (as if you are eating a honeycomb.).
I really, really liked the descriptions in the book – a fine mixture of beautifully written words. I felt however that the author tried too hard to draw an impressive mesmerizing picture, forgetting to put some content on the way.
On the outside everything was perfect. But when it comes down to the emotions, to the turmoil the characters are going through, to the tumultuous undercurrents, swiping away one’s soul, there is a long way to go.
I couldn’t feel the passion. For me the characters were a little bit too plastic, too soulless, and vacant.
As I was reading through the book, I was thinking that it could be said more simply, but in the meanwhile more accurate, deeper, “cutting edge”-ly kind of a way.
The story is as old as the world – one girl, two boys.
The first love. The lasting love.
The dream. The reality.
The illusion. The mundaneness.
At the end, I still couldn’t relate to the characters, couldn’t believe in them.
Sorry, but I expected more.
2.5*
This book is a good example of how a very beautifully written novel can also be very shallow and trivial.
How can I describe it? Like a good-looking cake (very classy, stunning and lovely decoration), but without any distinctive taste (as if you are eating a honeycomb.).
I really, really liked the descriptions in the book – a fine mixture of beautifully written words. I felt however that the author tried too hard to draw an impressive mesmerizing picture, forgetting to put some content on the way.
On the outside everything was perfect. But when it comes down to the emotions, to the turmoil the characters are going through, to the tumultuous undercurrents, swiping away one’s soul, there is a long way to go.
I couldn’t feel the passion. For me the characters were a little bit too plastic, too soulless, and vacant.
As I was reading through the book, I was thinking that it could be said more simply, but in the meanwhile more accurate, deeper, “cutting edge”-ly kind of a way.
The story is as old as the world – one girl, two boys.
The first love. The lasting love.
The dream. The reality.
The illusion. The mundaneness.
At the end, I still couldn’t relate to the characters, couldn’t believe in them.
Sorry, but I expected more.
April 5, 2018
I love this author's books - she is one of my favourite authors - and so I was eagerly awaiting this book. And what an amazing read! Gorgeous evocative writing that spills from the page transporting the reader to another place and time. Every character came alive for me and I felt for Ella but my favourites were Finn and Christophe. Another absolutely fabulous story from an incredibly talented author. A spell binding tale that will stay with me for a long time.
March 16, 2018
Perception is everything. An adult looks at a pebble on the sidewalk and sees just that -- a pebble. A child looks at that same pebble and sees a sizable rock. Another person looking through a magnifying glass looks at that pebble and sees a huge boulder. All perceptions feel right to each person, and as much as their views differ, they are all looking at the same thing. So it is with human relationships. We have an innate ability to read what we want into a conversation, a human gesture or a person's actions.
This was a story of Ella's life - seen from her eyes, seen from her daughter's eyes and seen from her granddaughter's eyes. The story is the same for all, plus or minus a few details, but their perceptions of who Ella is/was all differ. Ella is laying in a nursing home in the much latter part of her life. She has been estranged from her daughter for many years. Her granddaughter visits and Ella asks her to transcribe her recorded life's story. It is a sweet story; it is a sad story; and it is a misunderstood story -- all the same story, but different perceptions. There was much to love and much to learn about Ella's approach to life, happiness and her life's calling.
My favorite paragraph in the book talked about the difference in a parent's love for their child and a spouse's love for their partner. It came fairly early in the story, but it spoke volumes and was the resonating voice throughout the pages that followed.
"The love that you have for your children, that is the only pure and simple kind. It's overwhelming, instinctive, absolute. But it sits alongside the love that you have for your partner, which is another kind of love entirely. That's anything but simple; it's far more complicated; and yet it's the love that we chose, meaning it should really be the easiest one of all, so why do we make it the hardest?"
This was a story of Ella's life - seen from her eyes, seen from her daughter's eyes and seen from her granddaughter's eyes. The story is the same for all, plus or minus a few details, but their perceptions of who Ella is/was all differ. Ella is laying in a nursing home in the much latter part of her life. She has been estranged from her daughter for many years. Her granddaughter visits and Ella asks her to transcribe her recorded life's story. It is a sweet story; it is a sad story; and it is a misunderstood story -- all the same story, but different perceptions. There was much to love and much to learn about Ella's approach to life, happiness and her life's calling.
My favorite paragraph in the book talked about the difference in a parent's love for their child and a spouse's love for their partner. It came fairly early in the story, but it spoke volumes and was the resonating voice throughout the pages that followed.
"The love that you have for your children, that is the only pure and simple kind. It's overwhelming, instinctive, absolute. But it sits alongside the love that you have for your partner, which is another kind of love entirely. That's anything but simple; it's far more complicated; and yet it's the love that we chose, meaning it should really be the easiest one of all, so why do we make it the hardest?"
July 9, 2022
Lovely Historical Fiction Romance. More romance than historical to me.
February 3, 2018
I picked up this book and did not put it down until the last page had been read. This poignant and beautifully written story really tugs at the heart strings and totally immerses you. It is one of the best books I have read for a while and one that I will be re- reading in the near future. A story of lives, love and loss is a must read., the writing is superb.
March 1, 2018
I have waited a long time for a new release from Fiona, her previous three novels, set among the Bordeaux vineyards, were great reads so I was initially a little worried about the possibility of disappointment, if this new novel didn’t live up to my expectations. Thankfully Sea of Memories, although totally different to her previous books, didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
Set partially among the sand dunes and Atlantic coast beaches of the Ile de Ré, just off the coast from La Rochelle, this book also takes us to Paris and Scotland as it covers the years when Europe was torn apart by war and the lives of three young friends Ella, Caroline and Christophe were changed forever. This is a story of love in its many different forms, including grief and pain, and of the realisation of what love truly means, that only comes with age and wisdom. It is so beautifully written you will cry.
Art is a big theme running through this book and we meet artists whose creations are brought to life through Fiona’s words, but woven cleverly throughout are also the topics of women at war, the SOE missions into Occupied France, works of art being hidden during the war years, the plight of the Jews, childhood polio, family feuds and autism. This may sound like a lot of things to pack into one book, but it works, as each theme is treated with respect and sensitivity.
I consumed every page, always hungry for more; more of Ella’s story set in the past, more from the beautiful Ile de Ré and more of Kendra’s story today, as she painstakingly sorts through her grandmother’s memories and pieces together a life that is filled with love and loss, all the while living with her own troubled emotions.
Writing this review in those mushy emotional hours that sometimes hit you when you have just finished a great book, I would go so far as to say this book is a work of art in its own right and must be added to your reading list.
Set partially among the sand dunes and Atlantic coast beaches of the Ile de Ré, just off the coast from La Rochelle, this book also takes us to Paris and Scotland as it covers the years when Europe was torn apart by war and the lives of three young friends Ella, Caroline and Christophe were changed forever. This is a story of love in its many different forms, including grief and pain, and of the realisation of what love truly means, that only comes with age and wisdom. It is so beautifully written you will cry.
Art is a big theme running through this book and we meet artists whose creations are brought to life through Fiona’s words, but woven cleverly throughout are also the topics of women at war, the SOE missions into Occupied France, works of art being hidden during the war years, the plight of the Jews, childhood polio, family feuds and autism. This may sound like a lot of things to pack into one book, but it works, as each theme is treated with respect and sensitivity.
I consumed every page, always hungry for more; more of Ella’s story set in the past, more from the beautiful Ile de Ré and more of Kendra’s story today, as she painstakingly sorts through her grandmother’s memories and pieces together a life that is filled with love and loss, all the while living with her own troubled emotions.
Writing this review in those mushy emotional hours that sometimes hit you when you have just finished a great book, I would go so far as to say this book is a work of art in its own right and must be added to your reading list.
September 18, 2018
Sea of Memories by Fiona Valpy was the first book in quite some time that made me ugly cry myself into quite the intense headache, but despite that (or maybe because of that) I found it to be an absolutely lovely reading experience. Much of the novel takes place on the Île de Ré island off the shore of France, which is about as picturesque and serene as a setting can possibly be; however, the tranquility of the island (like all of Europe) was disrupted by the bombs and violence of World War II.
The story alternates between the past on the Île de Ré (as well as Paris and various other European locations during and closely following the war) and present day Scotland, where a young woman visits her elderly grandmother in a nursing home. Feeling that her death is drawing near, the grandmother begins to record her memories of the time before and after the war so that her granddaughter can transcribe them, which is how we are taken back in time, upon a sea of memories. This was a very memorable tale of loss, lasting love, and the power of forgiveness. It certainly tugged at my heart strings and reminded me of why I have always loved historical fiction so dearly.
The story alternates between the past on the Île de Ré (as well as Paris and various other European locations during and closely following the war) and present day Scotland, where a young woman visits her elderly grandmother in a nursing home. Feeling that her death is drawing near, the grandmother begins to record her memories of the time before and after the war so that her granddaughter can transcribe them, which is how we are taken back in time, upon a sea of memories. This was a very memorable tale of loss, lasting love, and the power of forgiveness. It certainly tugged at my heart strings and reminded me of why I have always loved historical fiction so dearly.
June 23, 2018
The right time to read a story
I have lost my little brother ( He was 75!! but still my little brother) So many things touched me in the book We were brought up in Edinburgh My brother was a patient in Princess Margaret Rose Hospital Lots of things and places spoke to me.He died while I was reading your story this week . I am not sad as I have faith Thank you for your sensitive writing
I have lost my little brother ( He was 75!! but still my little brother) So many things touched me in the book We were brought up in Edinburgh My brother was a patient in Princess Margaret Rose Hospital Lots of things and places spoke to me.He died while I was reading your story this week . I am not sad as I have faith Thank you for your sensitive writing
August 20, 2019
I’m a sucker for WWII novels, especially ones featuring life on the homefront. I’m intrigued by generational tales, where the young adults realize, with jaw-dropping surprise, that their elders actually had interesting lives – lives that featured sex and risk and purpose outside the family structure. So naturally I was drawn to Sea of Memories. Alas, I was disappointed. Although some of the narrative felt overblown, there were also times when the wordsmithing was absolutely lovely, especially the descriptions of natural settings. In fact, the book might have worked better for me if the French island where Ella fell in love were portrayed as the true hero of this tale. But it isn’t; Ella is. And Ella just didn’t measure up. She sure didn’t move me. For all her wartime derring do, she struck me as vapid. Her romantic interactions seemed like clichés, moved forward with stilted dialogue. With the sparsest buildup, no meaningful dialogue and precious little exploration of Ella’s emotions, the reader abruptly learns, for example, that Ella knows she will have a profound connection with the brooding Christophe. The reader is so often left to come up with his own Psych 101 rationale to explain significant developments involving the principals: the reason for the affair carried on by Ella’s otherwise true-blue husband; (he felt underappreciated?); Ella’s reason for marrying him in the first place (he bailed her out of trouble in occupied France?); her intense reaction to her husband’s infidelity after showing zero passion for him for years (she was pissed off that he beat her to the punch in breaking their vows?); and the estrangement between Ella and her daughter (sibling rivalry, given the son’s health problems?) There was so much potential in this story. For me, that potential foundered on the shallowness of the characters.
January 7, 2019
Am i so jaded as to be bored by the love story in this book? I found this novel to be superficial and predictable. World War II is the backdrop, but only a backdrop, to losing love and finding love again, and again...... I was hugely disappointed having read the rave reviews before buying the book.
June 28, 2021
Su santuoka - panašiai kaip su burlaiviu: jei bus per daug balasto ir nekelsi burių, jausiesi įkalintas; bet jei bus vienos burės ir jokio inkaro, irgi nepaplaukiosi. Privalai rasti balastą ir plaukti teisinga kryptimi. Vadovautis savo moralės kompasu,o vairuoti - sielos vairu. Labai šiltas ir jaudinantis pasakojimas apie meilę, grožį, tikrąsias vertybes.♥️
December 1, 2021
Много приятна семейна история, която освен всичко, се развива в любимата ми Ирландия, както и в обаятелната Франция 🤩
Първи сърдечни трепети, романтика, пътешествия, преживявания, човешки трагедии - много чувствено и красиво написана история, без сладникавости, блудкавост и пресилена драматичност.
Първи сърдечни трепети, романтика, пътешествия, преживявания, човешки трагедии - много чувствено и красиво написана история, без сладникавости, блудкавост и пресилена драматичност.
July 24, 2022
"Море от спомени" е книга за изборите. Нашите, и тези на Съдбата.
Книга, която те поглъща в своя океан на човешката душа, залюлява те на лодката на любовта, и те праща там - на дъното на скритите ти лични емоции.
В някои редове сякаш се издигаш високо, преоткривйки личните си копнежи, в други, сякаш потъваш дълбоко в спомените за хората, които и ти си изгубил по един или друг начин.
Харесах Ела, бабата, която отвори сърцето и спомените си, пред своята внучка. Харесах я на 17, туко-що стъпила на остров Ил дьо Ре, харесах я и на 94, връщайки се, макар и мислено на острова, който става нейна мечта.
Харесах всички герои - със своята човечност, сърцатост и сила.
Разбрах, че дори и най-големите герои се страхуват за себе си и за близките си.
Разбрах, че понякога любовта боли повече от раздялата.
Разбрах, че всички винаги имаме избор, дори когато не изглежда така.
Разбрах, че красотата е навсякъде, дори в грозната война, стига да я носиш в себе си.
Единственото, което не ми хареса в книгата е Кристоф, неговата съдба. Той със своята изтънчена душа и прелестна момчешка усмивка, остана пренебрегнат. Не поради липса на обич, а заради обстоятелствата. Има един вид хора, които дават толкова много от себе си - за другите, за изкуството, за света, а не получават нищо в замяна... И макар любовта му да го държа за ръка в последните мигове от живота му, това не успя да компенсира липсите.
Всички оставяме по нещо след себе си - някои от нас произведения на изкуството, други изкусно разказани истории, трети мидени черупки...
Но те са там, да напомнят за нас, за пътищата през които сме минали, за хората, които сме прегърнали и за любовта, когато сме раздали - кой по колкото може.
Сувенирите, това е нашата душа увековечена в земното, за да остане във вечността.
Книга, която те поглъща в своя океан на човешката душа, залюлява те на лодката на любовта, и те праща там - на дъното на скритите ти лични емоции.
В някои редове сякаш се издигаш високо, преоткривйки личните си копнежи, в други, сякаш потъваш дълбоко в спомените за хората, които и ти си изгубил по един или друг начин.
Харесах Ела, бабата, която отвори сърцето и спомените си, пред своята внучка. Харесах я на 17, туко-що стъпила на остров Ил дьо Ре, харесах я и на 94, връщайки се, макар и мислено на острова, който става нейна мечта.
Харесах всички герои - със своята човечност, сърцатост и сила.
Разбрах, че дори и най-големите герои се страхуват за себе си и за близките си.
Разбрах, че понякога любовта боли повече от раздялата.
Разбрах, че всички винаги имаме избор, дори когато не изглежда така.
Разбрах, че красотата е навсякъде, дори в грозната война, стига да я носиш в себе си.
Единственото, което не ми хареса в книгата е Кристоф, неговата съдба. Той със своята изтънчена душа и прелестна момчешка усмивка, остана пренебрегнат. Не поради липса на обич, а заради обстоятелствата. Има един вид хора, които дават толкова много от себе си - за другите, за изкуството, за света, а не получават нищо в замяна... И макар любовта му да го държа за ръка в последните мигове от живота му, това не успя да компенсира липсите.
Всички оставяме по нещо след себе си - някои от нас произведения на изкуството, други изкусно разказани истории, трети мидени черупки...
Но те са там, да напомнят за нас, за пътищата през които сме минали, за хората, които сме прегърнали и за любовта, когато сме раздали - кой по колкото може.
Сувенирите, това е нашата душа увековечена в земното, за да остане във вечността.
May 27, 2019
My, this was a lovely book - well written, good story, great characters, beautiful descriptions, emotional and heart-tugging, but realistic as well. Set in France and Edinburgh, the story moves on through the main character, Ella's life, as told through the setting of her granddaughter writing her story. The whole thing just worked beautifully. I even felt moved to leave a message for the author, who is a friend of a friend of mine, just because I enjoyed it so much. Definitely would recommend it.
April 12, 2018
Whilst I did really enjoy this novel and the descriptions of France I felt in trying to cover the entirety of one person's life meant that the characters became somewhat diluted. At times I felt disappointed that some of the main character's experiences were dealt with in a chapter when they could in fact have been books in their own right. But still a very enjoyable read.
October 30, 2023
"Nesavršena stvarnost je mnogo vrednija od savršenog sna."
December 9, 2020
Adorei a estória, adorei Ella e aconselho sem reservas!!
Um romance lindo.
Um romance lindo.
May 11, 2020
Just wow! What a beautiful and meaningful story. My poor heart broke numerous times throughout (absolutely sobbed on a few occasions) but it equally filled with joy and love. Such a special read which will stay in my heart for a long time, along with Christophe who I adored.
Would make a wonderful film!
Would make a wonderful film!
July 21, 2019
Captivating
Lovely plot and we'll written characters. Such a beautiful story on love and what it entitles and the sacrifices people make everyday for their families whether it's out of desires of morals. Love it 😍
Lovely plot and we'll written characters. Such a beautiful story on love and what it entitles and the sacrifices people make everyday for their families whether it's out of desires of morals. Love it 😍
April 28, 2020
Um romance cheio de luz do sol, beleza, juventude e liberdade. Inebriante. A inocência do primeiro amor. Um amor aberto a todas as possibilidades e cheio de esperança. E um amor duradouro.
Ella aos noventa e quatro anos, sente que tinha que contar a sua vida, deixar um testemunho, antes que as memórias se desvanecessem e escolhe a neta Kendra para o fazer. Alternando entre o passado - 1938 e o presente - 2014, a história vai evoluindo com um fulgor e um encanto raro que vicia na leitura.
Tive dúvidas antes de comprar este livro por ser mais um que se passava na segunda guerra mundial. Receava ler novamente os horrores que foram perpetuados mas a história não segue esse rumo. O realce é a coragem e a capacidade de superação.
Bem escrito e com um enredo maravilhoso é um romance apaixonante. Um livro que tem o dom de encontrar beleza naquilo que é comum. Oportuna leitura para a fase que vivemos.
Ella aos noventa e quatro anos, sente que tinha que contar a sua vida, deixar um testemunho, antes que as memórias se desvanecessem e escolhe a neta Kendra para o fazer. Alternando entre o passado - 1938 e o presente - 2014, a história vai evoluindo com um fulgor e um encanto raro que vicia na leitura.
Tive dúvidas antes de comprar este livro por ser mais um que se passava na segunda guerra mundial. Receava ler novamente os horrores que foram perpetuados mas a história não segue esse rumo. O realce é a coragem e a capacidade de superação.
Bem escrito e com um enredo maravilhoso é um romance apaixonante. Um livro que tem o dom de encontrar beleza naquilo que é comum. Oportuna leitura para a fase que vivemos.
August 20, 2020
Não teria pegado neste livro se não fosse a opinião de uma amiga livrólica, que costuma ter gostos bastantes parecidos aos meus.
Além disso, não tenho por hábito ler livros sobre a segunda guerra mundial.
Peguei neste livro e não o larguei até que a última página fosse lida. Uma estória comovente e muitíssimo bem escrita, que nos envolve numa aura de esperança e nos faz abstrair das agruras da vida.
Personagens muito bem construídas, numa estória de vidas, amor, esperança e de perda, que termina com uma mensagem muito envolvente. Terminei-o num dia de chuva, mas iluminou-o de sol...
Não me parece que seja obra que seja muito difundida/reconhecida, o que é pena. Penso que a capa não ajudará muito... Porque vale bem a pena pela mensagem que transmite e também pela qualidade da escrita...
Além disso, não tenho por hábito ler livros sobre a segunda guerra mundial.
Peguei neste livro e não o larguei até que a última página fosse lida. Uma estória comovente e muitíssimo bem escrita, que nos envolve numa aura de esperança e nos faz abstrair das agruras da vida.
Personagens muito bem construídas, numa estória de vidas, amor, esperança e de perda, que termina com uma mensagem muito envolvente. Terminei-o num dia de chuva, mas iluminou-o de sol...
Não me parece que seja obra que seja muito difundida/reconhecida, o que é pena. Penso que a capa não ajudará muito... Porque vale bem a pena pela mensagem que transmite e também pela qualidade da escrita...
January 24, 2020
Such a brilliant and moving story.
My favourite genre, a dual timeline, this time set in Scotland and France.
Ella relates her story to her granddaughter telling of her life from prior to and during World War II and beyond.
This is a story of discovering past secrets and facing present day difficulties; of undying love and reaching a stage of understanding.
A well written and researched book which had me hooked from beginning to end.
I am now a devoted fan of Fiona Valpy's works, and am looking forward to reading more.
My favourite genre, a dual timeline, this time set in Scotland and France.
Ella relates her story to her granddaughter telling of her life from prior to and during World War II and beyond.
This is a story of discovering past secrets and facing present day difficulties; of undying love and reaching a stage of understanding.
A well written and researched book which had me hooked from beginning to end.
I am now a devoted fan of Fiona Valpy's works, and am looking forward to reading more.
March 18, 2021
Приятна книга, интересна история. Написана е малко по-наивно и описателно за моя вкус. Особено в началото ми вървеше по-трудно. Не предизвика силни емоции в мен, което да ме накара да съпреживея съдбата на героите.
March 31, 2021
O carte ușoară, scrisă frumos și cu o poveste la fel de frumoasă. M-a facut să îmi imaginez și să îmi doresc să calc și eu pe insula Ile de Ré. Mi-a plăcut și finalul, m-a făcut să mă gândesc la faptul că nu trebuie să renunți la ceea ce îți place și te face fericit.
October 7, 2021
Um daqueles livros que nos transporta completamente para outra época.
Uma história muitíssimo bem escrita, repleta de esperança, que no final nos deixa o coração aconchegadinho.
Tão bonito.
Uma história muitíssimo bem escrita, repleta de esperança, que no final nos deixa o coração aconchegadinho.
Tão bonito.
March 5, 2018
Kendra's grandmother is old and doesn't have long to live anymore, but she has one last wish. She wants Kendra to write down her memories. Kendra has a busy life, being the breadwinner at home and taking care of her autistic son, but she's intrigued by her grandmother's request and decides to give it everything she has. Ella's lead an interesting life and before Kendra knows it she's entirely enthralled by her grandmother's story.
It's 1938 and seventeen-year-old Ella is excited. She's going to France for the summer. On Île de Ré she can improve her French by spending time with twins her own age. She immediately falls in love with Christophe, who teaches Ella about beauty, freedom and art. He's a brilliant artist, but his father has other plans for him. The weeks they have together are glorious and Ella's sad when she has to go home and promises she will return to him next summer, which is exactly what she does. Their time together is precious, as Europe is on the brink of war and Ella has no idea what will happen to them in the future.
Ella can't stay in France and Christophe joins the army. There's no way for them to be together and they lose contact. Ella can't sit still and do nothing, she wants to contribute and joins the WAAF. There she meets Angus, a man who would do anything to keep her safe. Ella's life with Christophe seems like a dream, a memory she will cherish forever and due to the war she will never get it back. She has to move on and look at the future, but will she be able to do it? Can she ever leave Île de Ré and everything it meant behind her?
Sea of Memory is a beautiful poignant story. I was greatly impressed by this deep and multilayered love story. Because of the war Ella loses the love of her life and this is something she will never completely get over. She isn't complete when she's in Scotland, even though there's a lot of love in her life. Her time on Île de Ré has left a lasting impression. It was truly special and these memories made me smile and brought tears to my eyes at the same time, because there was so much to lose. The war has brought misery and unrest, but there was also bravery, selflessness and community spirit and Fiona Valpy has perfectly translated these subjects into a fantastic story.
Sea of Memory is tragic and sad, but also hopeful and filled with unconditional love, miracles and friendship. It's a bittersweet story that immediately found its way into my heart. Fiona Valpy's gorgeous descriptive writing style makes the story come to life in an amazing way. She effortlessly captures the magic of Île de Ré and I love how she skillfully creates her atmospheres. She combines this with a perfect thorough exploration of emotions. That makes Sea of Memory a terrific heart-rending story, it's a book that will stay with me for a very long time.
It's 1938 and seventeen-year-old Ella is excited. She's going to France for the summer. On Île de Ré she can improve her French by spending time with twins her own age. She immediately falls in love with Christophe, who teaches Ella about beauty, freedom and art. He's a brilliant artist, but his father has other plans for him. The weeks they have together are glorious and Ella's sad when she has to go home and promises she will return to him next summer, which is exactly what she does. Their time together is precious, as Europe is on the brink of war and Ella has no idea what will happen to them in the future.
Ella can't stay in France and Christophe joins the army. There's no way for them to be together and they lose contact. Ella can't sit still and do nothing, she wants to contribute and joins the WAAF. There she meets Angus, a man who would do anything to keep her safe. Ella's life with Christophe seems like a dream, a memory she will cherish forever and due to the war she will never get it back. She has to move on and look at the future, but will she be able to do it? Can she ever leave Île de Ré and everything it meant behind her?
Sea of Memory is a beautiful poignant story. I was greatly impressed by this deep and multilayered love story. Because of the war Ella loses the love of her life and this is something she will never completely get over. She isn't complete when she's in Scotland, even though there's a lot of love in her life. Her time on Île de Ré has left a lasting impression. It was truly special and these memories made me smile and brought tears to my eyes at the same time, because there was so much to lose. The war has brought misery and unrest, but there was also bravery, selflessness and community spirit and Fiona Valpy has perfectly translated these subjects into a fantastic story.
Sea of Memory is tragic and sad, but also hopeful and filled with unconditional love, miracles and friendship. It's a bittersweet story that immediately found its way into my heart. Fiona Valpy's gorgeous descriptive writing style makes the story come to life in an amazing way. She effortlessly captures the magic of Île de Ré and I love how she skillfully creates her atmospheres. She combines this with a perfect thorough exploration of emotions. That makes Sea of Memory a terrific heart-rending story, it's a book that will stay with me for a very long time.
March 29, 2019
Available on KindleUnlimited.
This novel is a delightful novel of love and the second world war. It’s refreshingly free of swearing and offensive expletives. Ella is in her twilight years and asks her granddaughter, Kendra to write her story for posterity. The imagery swept me away. A love of nature is evident and so beautifully descriptive. It takes you to Ile de Re which sounds idyllic. The era of the 1940s is reflected well contrasting the beauty and tranquillity of the island compared to the atrocities of war. It’s a well-told romantic love story that evokes the senses without being tacky or crude. I admire the warmth and compassion threaded through the story. The first love between Christophe and Ella with its innocence, joy, hope, intensity and despair is especially poignant. I enjoyed the fascinating secret mission war work performed by Ella. The mention of Polio in the fifties took me way back to a time when political correctness wasn’t recognised, and people defined by their calliper. I recall seeing children with their awkward movements and a heavy calliper - often in the face of meanness and mockery from others. Most of them attended Open Air schools, but they were visible at times. I enjoyed the art theme enormously as it’s my passion too.
This novel is a delightful novel of love and the second world war. It’s refreshingly free of swearing and offensive expletives. Ella is in her twilight years and asks her granddaughter, Kendra to write her story for posterity. The imagery swept me away. A love of nature is evident and so beautifully descriptive. It takes you to Ile de Re which sounds idyllic. The era of the 1940s is reflected well contrasting the beauty and tranquillity of the island compared to the atrocities of war. It’s a well-told romantic love story that evokes the senses without being tacky or crude. I admire the warmth and compassion threaded through the story. The first love between Christophe and Ella with its innocence, joy, hope, intensity and despair is especially poignant. I enjoyed the fascinating secret mission war work performed by Ella. The mention of Polio in the fifties took me way back to a time when political correctness wasn’t recognised, and people defined by their calliper. I recall seeing children with their awkward movements and a heavy calliper - often in the face of meanness and mockery from others. Most of them attended Open Air schools, but they were visible at times. I enjoyed the art theme enormously as it’s my passion too.
December 6, 2018
Love is an everyday occurrence.
This is a real page turner as it twists and turns it’s way to a wild island just off the French Coast. We follow a young British woman as she visits this magical place that will forever change her life just prior to WW II. The author explores different types of love as our protagonist discovers one must always hope, but not to an extent that you do not recognize the wonderful things already in your life. Later, in a effort to receive forgiveness from a daughter who was hurt badly upon discovering a family secret, she enlists her talented granddaughter, Kendra to write a detailed memoir of her broad life. Grandmother Ella was a brave war hero, capable of having a multiple loving relationships and a wonderful mentor. You will love to love this women as the pages fly by and sad to leave her at the end.
This is a real page turner as it twists and turns it’s way to a wild island just off the French Coast. We follow a young British woman as she visits this magical place that will forever change her life just prior to WW II. The author explores different types of love as our protagonist discovers one must always hope, but not to an extent that you do not recognize the wonderful things already in your life. Later, in a effort to receive forgiveness from a daughter who was hurt badly upon discovering a family secret, she enlists her talented granddaughter, Kendra to write a detailed memoir of her broad life. Grandmother Ella was a brave war hero, capable of having a multiple loving relationships and a wonderful mentor. You will love to love this women as the pages fly by and sad to leave her at the end.
March 23, 2018
This was the first of Fiona Valpy's novels I have read and I was enormously impressed by this evocative and poignant novel. With a strong sense of place and first-rate, believable characterisation, I was swept along by Ella's story from beginning to end, hardly putting the book down. I really enjoyed the dual time scales as well - while at first I was unsure of the relevance of the modern setting, as the story unwound, I could see how Kendra's anxieties with her marriage and mothering gently mirrored, in many ways, the experience of her grandmother many years before, helping to make the ending of the novel that bit more satisfying. Well done to Fiona Valpy and I look forward to reading many more of her books.
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