Coastliners: A Novel (Paperback)

I didn't think you would. So why would you even consider buying Coastliners? It's one of the most boring and pointless novels I have ever read.

I'm not saying Joanne Harris can't write. She writes well, especially her dreamy descriptions of the natural world on this sleepy little island. But character development? Insight? Plot? Forget it. She has no concept.

Harris has nothing to say, either. Unless the slogan "everything returns" has some deep meaning that escapes me.

Does a racy little surprise at the end make up for all those deficiencies? I don't think so. Spare yourself.

The story itself was very entertaining. The main character, Mado, returns to her island home after a ten year absense. She finds that some things have changed, but much remains the same; namely the feud/rivalry between the families on the island. Mado wants to help her family and friends to build up their side of the island, but she encounters hostility and many unforeseen obstacles in the process.

In _Coastliners_, Harris constructs a captivating story with interesting plot twists. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Mado returns home to her village on a French barrier island after the death of her mother in Paris. She finds her home village somewhat in a decline, along with her father who seems estranged from her. There is a rivalry between her home village and the other town on the island, and attempts to divert the tide to steal each others sand. Sand beaches are important both for coastal protection and attracting the tourists. He who has the sand has the tourist trade.

There is the mysterious Flynn, a stranger who has appeared on the island and seems to be helping people in her village. Everyone seems to have their own agenda, whether it is competition for a pretty young woman, or for getting the better of a business rival. Everyone is not who they seem. As the story progresses, various information comes to the surface and hidden secrets are revealed.

This is the story of people fighting to survive, whether the problems come from harsh weather, invading jellyfish, oil spills, or the greed of other individuals. Some younger people leave to look for a better life, but some return, drawn back to their beginnings. Overall, it is an interesting story.