Thank you! The darkness part is accurate, but the magical realism is pretty subdued- only found in 2 family members so it’s not a focus. But if you’re not in a place to read about the depravity of men then you might want to wait.

It is definitely a bit challenging, but I know Sarah at Sarah’s Book Shelves really enjoyed it because she’s from that area as well. So, maybe it would still be worthwhile for you. Also, it’s a pretty quick read!

I didn’t know she has another one coming out! I have her previous one Boring Girls, but haven’t read it yet.

That first chapter was…well, awesome is not the right word, but you know what I mean. I almost dropped my Kindle!

Taylor did narrate a number of the chapters in the first person, which felt like a bit much given how confusing the timeline was. Like you, I had to keep going back to see what the connections were.

Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words!

The publishers didn’t do it any favors- the print ARC didn’t have the family tree at all!! I have both and went with the e-ARC because at least I could Go To the family tree and see it (tiny as it was!).

The good news is that it’s a quick read and Taylor’s writing is really strong. The themes play a bit into what’s going on in America now- at least if we keep ignoring nature.

One big flaw of e-readers is that things like maps and family trees never translate well and it’s hard to keep going back to them. I usually take a picture with my phone so I can keep referring to it there. Anyway, this book sounds creative, but maybe too dependent on the family tree. That, and jumping around in time, makes The Shore one for me to skip.