Sea Room: A Novel

by Norman G. Gautreau

Set during and immediately following World War II, Sea Room tells the story of three generations of lobstermen and the rich lives they have built on the rugged coast of Maine. The Dupuy family, French Canadians who have made the Acadian Coast their home, live lives of quiet honor and warm simplicity. Until the war ravages their peaceful existence. This is the story of how one generation reaches across to the next and offers enough love and hope to make living worthwhile again. It is about holding on to a dream—in this case building a fine sailboat—in order to hold on to love. By pursuing their dream, the Dupuys learn that those they have lost really do live on. This is also the coming of age story of young Jordi Dupuy, who, by following the code of honor passed down by his grandfather and father, chooses to live a life of integrity—even if it means facing a charge of murder. And, finally, this is about finding sea room—the freedom that only comes when one is pushed to the limits of adversity and chooses hope when despair seems the only option.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

311 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Norm and his wife Susan were driving through the South of France, he at the wheel, Susan doing what she loves best when traveling: reading aloud the history contained in good travel guides. On that day they learned a lot about the troubadours and about the Cathars and the crusade to exterminate these peaceable people.
Somewhere between Carcassonne and Toulouse they noticed a road sign, “Route Entre Deux Mers” – Road Between Two Seas – and a metaphor took shape in Norm’s mind about a land between the dark Atlantic and the bright Mediterranean where, through the ages, people expressed the darkest and the brightest recesses of the human soul. It is a place some still call Occitania.
That night, he scribbled out an outline of a James Michener type epic stretching from the days of the prehistoric cave paintings all the way to the French Resistance in World War II. He is still planning out this massive project.
In the meantime he developed an overwhelming desire to write, so he soon quit his high-paying job and set himself up as a full time writer with the blessing and encouragement of his lovely wife. In 2002, MacAdam/Cage, published his novel "Sea Room." This book went on to win the prestigious Massachusetts Book Award for Fiction.
He followed it with "Island of First Light," also published by MacAdam/Cage, a novel that has become a readers’ group favorite. These books have been followed by the recent releases of "The Sea Around Them," "Iniquity," which took first place in the Indie Excellence Book Awards, and "Francesca Allegri" which was a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book snuck up on me: I felt like it was slow and dragging with its long descriptions and repetitions at first, but then somewhere around 60 pages in I suddenly realized I cared about the characters and their story as I found myself incredibly saddened by Gil leaving for the war. After that, the book moved more quickly (though there were still some parts I found a bit tedious), and I was caught up in the characters' lives. I found this book to be very affecting overall, with real characters and great setting.

[Faith Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea Room is a novel about Maniacs (people who live in Maine to people who live in Massachusetts). The author is Norman G. Gautreau. I think I liked the characters so much because I have a Mémé and can relate to these descendants of Quebecois. Also, I learned a lot about people who chose to farm next to the sea and fish. My son-in-law's family were farmers and lobstermen. I always thought it strange that one would farm next to the ocean, but Gautreau made it sound preferable.

I loved the characters: Pip and Zabet (grandparents), Gil and Lydie (parents), and Jordi. They all lived together in the same house. That's another reason why I liked them. I think it's nice that three generations lived together.

The time is around WWII,which is before my time but not much, so I can relate. Gil goes to war and is killed. The family, understandably, has a hard time coping. Lydie starts to date the town bully. Zabet prays more rosaries. Jordi becomes obsessed with building a boat his father said he would build. Eventually, everyone becomes obsessed with the boat, including neighbors.

The boat is vandalized. It does get built, however, regardless of setbacks. Once in the water, it is threatened with two hurricanes. Thanks to leaving sea room, the boat and actually all the people in the family survive, too. It's a nice story.

Sea room is actually the concept of always having an alternative, a plan B, or a way out.

[Carol Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The setting for the story, Downeast Maine, is especially fun because I just moved here. The characters are just like the friendly folk I have met in my own town. The author's good writing includes contemplative ideas about the loss of loved ones and death, and how the living deal with it. Also, the horrifying turbulence of war, and the definition of mercy when one is living through it. Great analogies, similes and metaphors add to the beautiful writing.

If I had one negative remark, it would be that the two women of the story, Lydie and Nana, have not much to do in life except cook, bake, garden and clean. That may have been the way of the world in the l940s but I would guess that this author was male, if I didn't already know it. I think that their character descriptions are awfully narrow.

[Sarah F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the type of book I would normally pick up or read but I was in Maine and was looking for a used book by a Maine author and found this.

Old fashioned and unfamiliar to me, I found myself relating to “pip” almost as closely as I related to my own grandfather “pap”. This is the reason I rated it 4 stars because it comes at a time where I’m grieving my pap…it felt like some of pips quotes were those of my pap and made me emotional in the best way.

Although detailed and fascinating to those who understand sailing / boats…I did not at all so I would be lying if I said I didn’t skim over the boat details other than of course grabbing the meaning of it.

[Gail Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It did take me a while to get into this novel. Just not the kind of reading I like. After a while it just made me want more. Such great writing and metaphors.

[lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story about three generations of a Maine lobstering family. Focuses mainly on the men in the family and the sharing of a dream of designing and building a magnificent sailboat. As this project originates from a dream, the boat becomes more than just a sailing vessel, it becomes a symbol of what a family stands for and all that comes with that:trials, tribulations, love, understanding and misunderstanding - life. What a great first novel! I could not put it down.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a sweet, sorrowful and predictable story. It was not engaging. I kept hoping for plot twists, but it was a linear story line. I had hoped, at the very least the bad guy might actually turn out to be a savior at one point but no, he was a villain until the final end. This read was a big yawn, but might appeal to those looking for a gentle, uncomplicated tale of life on the coast of Maine before and during WWII.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Set in Maine during the 1940-50's, follows a family's joys and hardships. The author Norman Gautreau, painted a clear picture of Maine in the book. I could picture vividly every character and scene as I read the book. I was sad that I finished the book and had no more to read.

[Carol Bent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea Room is a wonderful book set in Maine...it is the story of a family's struggles and triumphs during a difficult time! It was one of those books that I couldn't put down...it help me captive until the end! I highly recommend it!

[Connie J.Beals Sampson Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fascinating book..could not put this down.......GET A COPY FOLKS!!!!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written!