This is a magical and ethereal, haunting novel which beautifully captures the essence and landscape of the Gaspé Peninsula The setting is the story and the story is the setting.

Written by an author who knows the area she writes about well, she paints an ethereal picture of unique shades with colours and the essence of the ocean.

The main story of a woman going to find out about her mother becomes entangled in the nets of a mystery. It opens up the secrets and lies of a very traditional fishing community which when the nets are opened, the sea claims everything for its own. The mystery and murder story play out against a strong background with strong local characters at the fore.

There is so much I want to say about this novel, rave about it and shout how much I recommend it, but that will spoil your discovery of it. Each chapter section is entitled with an ode to the sea – Traps and nets, Dredgers and Trawlers and with stories of a boat called The Alberto in 1974, this is all encompassing. It’s an immersive read.

I do just want to say how excellent and flawless the translation was as well. David Warriner has injected another level of mystery and overriding spookiness to the novel.

It’s a novel to savour, to sink into, to allow the words to flow over you and immerse you fully.