About this book
(book blurb from Exclusive Books)
On a secluded cliff overlooking the ocean sits a Victorian house that contains a century’s worth of secrets. By the time Jane Flanagan discovers the house as a teenager, it has long been abandoned – yet there are still clothes in the closets, marbles rolling across the floors, and dishes in the cupboards. The place is an irresistible mystery to Jane, and becomes a hideaway for her, a place to escape her troubled, volatile mother. Twenty years later, now a Harvard archivist, she returns home to Maine following a terrible mistake that threatens both her career and her marriage. Jane is horrified to find the Victorian is now barely recognizable. The new owner, Genevieve, a summer person from Beacon Hill, has gutted it, transforming the house into a glossy white monstrosity straight out of a magazine. Convinced that the house is haunted, Genevieve hires Jane to research the history of the place and the women who lived there. The story Jane uncovers – of lovers lost at sea, romantic longing, shattering loss, artistic awakening, historical artefacts stolen and sold, and the long shadow of colonialism – is even older than Maine itself …
EAN: 9780349994178
PAGES: 384
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown Book Group
My thoughts:
“So few people today wrote, never mind saved, letters. They took a thousand pictures a month but didn’t bother to print them. They clicked a button and a year’s worth of correspondence over text was deleted forever. But all the anxiety assumed that this was a new problem, when in fact the vast majority of women’s writing—their love letters, their diaries—had always been discarded. Burned by the creator or her children, thrown away, lost. At the Schlesinger, they endeavored to find out what women of the past truly did and thought and felt, while also understanding that you could possess volumes of someone’s autobiography and still not know any of that.”
“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan is a sprawling, ambitious novel that follows the history of a coastal Maine house and its surrounding community. At its heart is Jane, a woman who returns to her hometown of Awadquit, Maine, after falling on hard times. The novel weaves together Jane’s personal struggles, particularly with alcoholism, and the rich history of the house and its various inhabitants, including indigenous people and colonial settlers. Alongside Jane’s narrative, the novel delves into themes of repatriation, mysticism, and family relationships.
Themes:
The novel tackles numerous themes, including:
- Alcoholism: Jane’s struggle with alcohol and its impact on her relationships is a central theme.
- Shaker/Colonial/Indigenous History: The novel explores the history of New England’s settlement, the mistreatment of indigenous tribes, and the peace-loving Shakers.
- Repatriation: The return of cultural artifacts to their rightful owners is another important theme.
- Mysticism: The novel delves into spiritualism, mediums, and reincarnation, adding a mystical layer to the story.
- Family Relationships: The complex dynamics of family, particularly between mothers and daughters, are explored in depth.
What Worked
- Rich Historical Context: Sullivan’s meticulous research shines through, providing readers with a deep understanding of New England’s history.
- Complex Characters: The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique story and struggles.
- Engaging Setting: The coastal Maine setting is beautifully depicted, adding a sense of place that is integral to the story.
- Satisfying Conclusion: Despite its complexity, the novel ties up its various storylines in a satisfying way.
Who May Enjoy This Book
- Lovers of Historical Fiction: If you enjoy novels with rich historical contexts and intricate storytelling, “The Cliffs” is for you.
- Fans of Character-Driven Stories: The novel’s strength lies in its well-developed characters and their intertwining lives.
- Readers Interested in Mysticism: The mystical elements, including spiritualism and ghosts, add an intriguing layer to the narrative.
- Book Club Enthusiasts: The novel’s complex themes and characters make it a great choice for book club discussions.
Conclusion
“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan is a deeply layered novel that masterfully weaves together history, mysticism, and family dynamics. While the multitude of themes and storylines can feel overwhelming at times, Sullivan’s passion and effort are evident in every page. The novel’s rich historical context, complex characters, and satisfying conclusion make it a worthwhile read for lovers of historical fiction and character-driven narratives. Despite its occasional pacing issues, “The Cliffs” is a testament to Sullivan’s storytelling prowess and her ability to tackle ambitious, multifaceted tales.
“A house was a foreign object, invasive to its surroundings. Nature would keep trying to assert its dominance, to force its way in. Walk the aisles of any hardware store and you would know this. Row after row of poisons, traps, and tools, designed to beat back what rightfully belonged.”
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
About the author:
@roelia_reads Bookmail is the best mail! Welcome to my TBR shelf: Granddaughter by Bernhard Schlink Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan Mischief Makers by Elisabeth Gifford All three books feature on this month’s #EBRecommends list, @Exclusive Books guide to the newest and hottest in the reading world. All published locally by @Jonathan Ball Publishers #RoeliaReads #gifted #bookrecommendations #whattoread #BernardSchlink #JCourtneySullivan #ElisabethGifford ♬ Stories 2 – Danilo Stankovic