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Dreams Beyond the Shore
Seventeen-year-old Chelsea Marchand was pretty satisfied with her life. Until recently. Willing to play the dutiful daughter as her father’s bid to become Prime Minister of their island home brings her family into intense public scrutiny, Chelsea is swept along by the strong tidal wave of politics and becomes increasingly disturbed by her father’s duplicity. She finds a reprieve when she meets Kyron, a kindred spirit encased in low riding blue jeans. The two share a bond as he too struggles to get beyond his father’s shadow.
But when Chelsea discovers an even darker more sinister side to her father’s world, a discovery that makes her question the man he is and the woman she wants to be, she must decide how much of her own dreams she is willing to compromise to make her father’s come true. But can she find the strength to stand up to her father and chart her own journey?
Tamika Gibson serves up a fascinating and stirring debut novel about growing up and accepting who you are, regardless of who your parents may be. Buoyed by the rhythms, heat and lyrical lilt of contemporary Trinidad and Tobago, Dreams Beyond the Shore blends politics and romance in a heartwarming story declaring that decisions matter far more than destiny.
Dreams Beyond the Shore won first prize in the 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature.
But when Chelsea discovers an even darker more sinister side to her father’s world, a discovery that makes her question the man he is and the woman she wants to be, she must decide how much of her own dreams she is willing to compromise to make her father’s come true. But can she find the strength to stand up to her father and chart her own journey?
Tamika Gibson serves up a fascinating and stirring debut novel about growing up and accepting who you are, regardless of who your parents may be. Buoyed by the rhythms, heat and lyrical lilt of contemporary Trinidad and Tobago, Dreams Beyond the Shore blends politics and romance in a heartwarming story declaring that decisions matter far more than destiny.
Dreams Beyond the Shore won first prize in the 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature.
190 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 29, 2018
Gibson's lush yet easygoing writing told a story that was so Trini to de damn bone. I have never read something less than 200 pages that has such a profound impact. I loved this book so much. I'm so glad I was able to read it! Please, don't sleep on this one!
June 18, 2023
Caribbean published YA is the best without question. I accept no substitutes. Longer review after I finish savouring my champagne reading life.
December 18, 2024
Tamika does an amazing job of writing characters you want to see in. I think she is great at writing teenage angst and I loved every minute of it
September 1, 2017
While I enjoyed this book, I feel the synopsis is a bit misleading. I expected more suspense and behind the scenes in the political world and while there was plenty of talk about the fact that Chelsea's father was running for Prime Minister, there was very little sinister or plot twisting about it.
Dreams Beyond the Shore is a short novel about two teens in Trinidad, one who's father is running for Prime Minister and the other with an absentee father. Both dad's may dabble on the wrong side of the law, but really this story is about being a teenager on this island and gaining independence. Written by a Trinidad native, I liked the glimpse into life there that she gave.
Dreams Beyond the Shore is a short novel about two teens in Trinidad, one who's father is running for Prime Minister and the other with an absentee father. Both dad's may dabble on the wrong side of the law, but really this story is about being a teenager on this island and gaining independence. Written by a Trinidad native, I liked the glimpse into life there that she gave.
July 2, 2025
what a beautiful story! Kyron and Chelsea, two young adults in Trinidad navigating their chaotic families that they were born into, trying to figure out their paths in this world made even more complicated by family secrets and politics. Two young adults trying to decide what they mean to each other and what that's means for their future. I really enjoyed this and would be mad at a follow to see where future Chelsea and Kyron ends up
June 12, 2018
First of all, I'm just glad I found a book written by a Caribbean authour based in the Caribbean. I felt so much more connected to the story, language and overall atmosphere. With that said, let me talk about the book itself.
This story is layered. And has a lot of elements I can relate to either through personal experience or that of someone I know. The story starts off with our first protagonist fighting against the life her parents have laid out for her. It gives the impression that this plot point is going to be the main plot, but soon after we are introduced to our second main character and that's where the story's direction changes. It becomes more about them taking back their lives at a young age and doing so together. A lot is revealed about both families throughout the story, but it never feels like there is an exposition dump. You're not bombarded with information, you learn about the main characters when they learn about each other - we learn as they learn.
There is a romantic subplot and it is done very well!! I wasn't rolling my eyes at their interactions, nor did I think it was unnecessary. It didn't move the plot, it happened within it (does that make sense?). The MCs relationship with each other is a result of their circumstances and it is their circumstances that push them in whatever direction they take. And that becomes another thing the two have to fight. It wasn't exactly a happy ending, (there was a scene that made me cry,) but it was an ending that felt right.
Easily re-readable and being as short as it is, it feels like a full story.
This story is layered. And has a lot of elements I can relate to either through personal experience or that of someone I know. The story starts off with our first protagonist fighting against the life her parents have laid out for her. It gives the impression that this plot point is going to be the main plot, but soon after we are introduced to our second main character and that's where the story's direction changes. It becomes more about them taking back their lives at a young age and doing so together. A lot is revealed about both families throughout the story, but it never feels like there is an exposition dump. You're not bombarded with information, you learn about the main characters when they learn about each other - we learn as they learn.
There is a romantic subplot and it is done very well!! I wasn't rolling my eyes at their interactions, nor did I think it was unnecessary. It didn't move the plot, it happened within it (does that make sense?). The MCs relationship with each other is a result of their circumstances and it is their circumstances that push them in whatever direction they take. And that becomes another thing the two have to fight. It wasn't exactly a happy ending, (there was a scene that made me cry,) but it was an ending that felt right.
Easily re-readable and being as short as it is, it feels like a full story.
April 25, 2018
This is an enjoyable page-turner. I read Dreams Beyond the Shore in a day.
This is a love story. It's also about a precocious and dutiful teenage girl trying to establish her own identity outside of her family's business and legal background as well as their political aspirations. I think some teenage readers will be able to relate to Chelsea and Kyron and I feel they will fall in love with the personalities of both.
The end of this story suffered because of a few loose ends. The grandmother's death feels abrupt. I was hoping to learn more about the politics between Chelsea and Kyron's fathers. What's the deal with those two and what happened with the death of Anderson and Mr. Marchand's business partner?
I also wanted more tension with regards to Chelsea and Kyron's relationship (especially knowing who their fathers are). Will there be a follow-up read?
This is a love story. It's also about a precocious and dutiful teenage girl trying to establish her own identity outside of her family's business and legal background as well as their political aspirations. I think some teenage readers will be able to relate to Chelsea and Kyron and I feel they will fall in love with the personalities of both.
The end of this story suffered because of a few loose ends. The grandmother's death feels abrupt. I was hoping to learn more about the politics between Chelsea and Kyron's fathers. What's the deal with those two and what happened with the death of Anderson and Mr. Marchand's business partner?
I also wanted more tension with regards to Chelsea and Kyron's relationship (especially knowing who their fathers are). Will there be a follow-up read?
August 5, 2017
This debut novel enthralled me with its strong character development and Trinidadian references, which are such a rare find given how rarely experiences other than white ever get published!
April 26, 2019
A beautifully written, very relatable novel about a somewhat common quandary that young adults face when making decisions about their future. Both protagonists were written sensibly, which makes their story even more relatable. Young adults aren't as uninformed as adults believe and are quite capable of having earnest relationships and Gibson captures that.
A truly light and enjoyable young adult novel.
A truly light and enjoyable young adult novel.
June 4, 2019
This is my first ever Caribbean YA and I think it has successfully gotten me out of my slump.
First off, I think the blurb for this is a bit misleading, makes the story sound more dramatic than it really is.
Tamika wrote some nice,believable characters in this book. I think all Caribbean readers will be able to read and relate to this book in some way . (Although, I have to admit the way Chelsea spoke to her parents at times in this book had me shocked 😂). I think many of us can relate to being young and having to deal with the pressure of our parent's expectations. Every Caribbean child has had the, "Be a doctor or lawyer" talk. We just dont have the additional pressure of our parents running to be Prime Ministers of our countries. (Maybe you do, I dont know your life 😀). From the Saturday soup to the soca party. The accents weren't forced and there were no ridiculous stereotypes. Yay Caribbean writers writing Caribbean stories.
The relationship between Chelsea and Kyron was quite sweet. I liked how they got to know each other and how the relationship developed. No one was dramatic and overbearing, no one was problematic like you still see in some YA. Kyron ah good yute.
There were some parts that I felt were underdeveloped and rushed especially the grandmother's story. I wish that had more depth. Other parts that I felt were important to the story at one point just seemed not to go anywhere so I would have liked that resolution.
All in all this was a nice, light and quick read, not bad for a debut novel. I'm keen to see more from this author and publisher.
First off, I think the blurb for this is a bit misleading, makes the story sound more dramatic than it really is.
Tamika wrote some nice,believable characters in this book. I think all Caribbean readers will be able to read and relate to this book in some way . (Although, I have to admit the way Chelsea spoke to her parents at times in this book had me shocked 😂). I think many of us can relate to being young and having to deal with the pressure of our parent's expectations. Every Caribbean child has had the, "Be a doctor or lawyer" talk. We just dont have the additional pressure of our parents running to be Prime Ministers of our countries. (Maybe you do, I dont know your life 😀). From the Saturday soup to the soca party. The accents weren't forced and there were no ridiculous stereotypes. Yay Caribbean writers writing Caribbean stories.
The relationship between Chelsea and Kyron was quite sweet. I liked how they got to know each other and how the relationship developed. No one was dramatic and overbearing, no one was problematic like you still see in some YA. Kyron ah good yute.
There were some parts that I felt were underdeveloped and rushed especially the grandmother's story. I wish that had more depth. Other parts that I felt were important to the story at one point just seemed not to go anywhere so I would have liked that resolution.
All in all this was a nice, light and quick read, not bad for a debut novel. I'm keen to see more from this author and publisher.
September 19, 2017
(I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
In Dreams Beyond the Shore, Chelsea must reckon her father's plans for her future on Trinidad and Tobago with her own hopes for an education at Georgetown. She meets Kyron and finds a true friend in the midst of a flirty, fun romance. The two learn more about their families, their connection, and themselves as the story unfolds.
I thought this book was "fine, just fine", but I really loved the depth of the backdrop of T&T. Gibson didn't offer any "explanatory commas", so I found myself searching local terms and idioms. I LOVED doing this, and stepping outside of my own experience and learning about another culture. With all of Chelsea and Kyron's travels, I looked at maps and read Wikipedia articles about this nation I know little about and even found recipes for the food mentioned in the novel.
I would have loved more depth in the story itself - I don't think we learn nearly enough about Chelsea's father's dealings, even though he's said to be very unscrupulous. I thought there would be more political intrigue based on the description, so I'm not really sure what this book intended to be. I would have liked it better if it had been just a straight contemporary coming-of-age without the backroom dealings backdrop.
A definite addition to a high school classroom library.
In Dreams Beyond the Shore, Chelsea must reckon her father's plans for her future on Trinidad and Tobago with her own hopes for an education at Georgetown. She meets Kyron and finds a true friend in the midst of a flirty, fun romance. The two learn more about their families, their connection, and themselves as the story unfolds.
I thought this book was "fine, just fine", but I really loved the depth of the backdrop of T&T. Gibson didn't offer any "explanatory commas", so I found myself searching local terms and idioms. I LOVED doing this, and stepping outside of my own experience and learning about another culture. With all of Chelsea and Kyron's travels, I looked at maps and read Wikipedia articles about this nation I know little about and even found recipes for the food mentioned in the novel.
I would have loved more depth in the story itself - I don't think we learn nearly enough about Chelsea's father's dealings, even though he's said to be very unscrupulous. I thought there would be more political intrigue based on the description, so I'm not really sure what this book intended to be. I would have liked it better if it had been just a straight contemporary coming-of-age without the backroom dealings backdrop.
A definite addition to a high school classroom library.
October 12, 2017
What a lovely debut Novel from a West Indian author. As a West Indian I see the lack of own-voices perspectives that come out of our region, so this novel was refreshing. This is a coming of age story of two teens in Trinidad who have come to pivotal points in their lives, where they must find the balance between expectations, and their personal dreams. This story is teaming with morally grey characters and a rich exciting setting for our brief foray into the lives of Chelsea and Kyron.
While there is a strong romantic element to the story, it is not overpowering at any point, and I find that refreshing. In this short novel, we see authentic representation of culture through language, food, and atmosphere. We also get an introduction to politics, government, and social structure in Trinidad. Altogether, Gibson presents and accessible glimpse into life in the region that I am very satisfied with.
While there is a strong romantic element to the story, it is not overpowering at any point, and I find that refreshing. In this short novel, we see authentic representation of culture through language, food, and atmosphere. We also get an introduction to politics, government, and social structure in Trinidad. Altogether, Gibson presents and accessible glimpse into life in the region that I am very satisfied with.
March 10, 2025
Let me start by saying as a woman who is flirting with her 40th birthday, young adult books are not the types of books I enjoy best. Maybe 10-20 years ago I would have fully appreciated this book. For me, it came a decade or so too late 🫣 I would recommend it for a younger reading audience.
However, the writing flows, the chapters are easy to read, the shifts in Chelsea's and Kyron's point of view were effective. The storyline was predictable at times but not awful. I considered DNFing but I stuck it out
However, the writing flows, the chapters are easy to read, the shifts in Chelsea's and Kyron's point of view were effective. The storyline was predictable at times but not awful. I considered DNFing but I stuck it out
July 23, 2017
Tamika Gibson's debut is a truly engaging work, that blends drama, politics and romance with great ease. She creates characters whom you care about, and while romance is at the heart of the story, it is not a stereotypical romance.
October 7, 2017
I received this e-arc copy for an honest review, thank you!
Dreams Beyond the Shore tells about two teenagers who has to take a different path than their peers, it's the story that leads to inspiring youth who chooses to go for their dreams and stand against their parents and the path they want their child to take. What's more, this plot takes it more complex - told by two main character's perspectives, Chelsea Marchand and Kyron, two teenagers of complete lifestyle opposites. But you have heard - opposites attracts? Chelsea belongs to Politicians high society class family and Kyron - not even near that...but what does unites them? Being too much influenced by their fathers criminal life activities overshadowing themselves...
This is a story set in rather small island, giving readers a new setting, because how many stories have you read that are set in Caribbean? They both sparkle a fast romance and flirting but as much as everything else is going around them, it also comes between them. It was interesting read, but I didn't connect with both characters. The writer has interestingly written a plot to build up, for both of teenagers finding more about those who they love, they both go through a lot and they learn...
Give a try and I am looking forward your opinion!
Dreams Beyond the Shore tells about two teenagers who has to take a different path than their peers, it's the story that leads to inspiring youth who chooses to go for their dreams and stand against their parents and the path they want their child to take. What's more, this plot takes it more complex - told by two main character's perspectives, Chelsea Marchand and Kyron, two teenagers of complete lifestyle opposites. But you have heard - opposites attracts? Chelsea belongs to Politicians high society class family and Kyron - not even near that...but what does unites them? Being too much influenced by their fathers criminal life activities overshadowing themselves...
This is a story set in rather small island, giving readers a new setting, because how many stories have you read that are set in Caribbean? They both sparkle a fast romance and flirting but as much as everything else is going around them, it also comes between them. It was interesting read, but I didn't connect with both characters. The writer has interestingly written a plot to build up, for both of teenagers finding more about those who they love, they both go through a lot and they learn...
Give a try and I am looking forward your opinion!
September 15, 2017
Dreams Beyond the Shore by Tamika Gibson is the 2016 first place winner of the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature.
Dreams Beyond the Shore simultaneously chronicles the life of the daughter of a political leader on the heels of elections in Trinidad and Tobago, and her love interest, Kyron, the son of a shady businessman. Chelsea Marchand wants nothing more than to be a Writer, but her father Dr. Peter Marchand is openly unsupportive of her creative pursuits. He wants her to be a Lawyer, and eventually follow in his footsteps towards the political arena.
Chelsea and Kyron met when they are both in the registration line at the University of the West Indies. Although Kyron is attracted to Chelsea, he initially judges her by her obvious financial security. He, himself, is financially secured, compliments of his father with whom he has no real relationship. Kyron doesn’t learn that Chelsea is the daughter of a political candidate until a few encounters later. In spite of the pressure to keep up appearances, Chelsea forcefully bargains with her father to allow her to date Kyron. She also concocts a plan with her grandmother to pursue her studies in line with her creative passions, rather than study Law.
I enjoyed this book because it showed the viewpoint of both main characters, Kyron and Chelsea. It also demonstrated very accurately how differently a boy and girl can interrupt the same situation. The story became more interesting when both children began to uncover their father’s secrets, one by one. Kyron and Chelsea’s relationship was challenged, as well as their relationships with their respective fathers. Tough decisions had to be made, and both children learn more than they are comfortable knowing.
The plot and the style of writing of this book were new to me. The twists were executed in good timing, and the characters were well portrayed. I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike.
Dreams Beyond the Shore simultaneously chronicles the life of the daughter of a political leader on the heels of elections in Trinidad and Tobago, and her love interest, Kyron, the son of a shady businessman. Chelsea Marchand wants nothing more than to be a Writer, but her father Dr. Peter Marchand is openly unsupportive of her creative pursuits. He wants her to be a Lawyer, and eventually follow in his footsteps towards the political arena.
Chelsea and Kyron met when they are both in the registration line at the University of the West Indies. Although Kyron is attracted to Chelsea, he initially judges her by her obvious financial security. He, himself, is financially secured, compliments of his father with whom he has no real relationship. Kyron doesn’t learn that Chelsea is the daughter of a political candidate until a few encounters later. In spite of the pressure to keep up appearances, Chelsea forcefully bargains with her father to allow her to date Kyron. She also concocts a plan with her grandmother to pursue her studies in line with her creative passions, rather than study Law.
I enjoyed this book because it showed the viewpoint of both main characters, Kyron and Chelsea. It also demonstrated very accurately how differently a boy and girl can interrupt the same situation. The story became more interesting when both children began to uncover their father’s secrets, one by one. Kyron and Chelsea’s relationship was challenged, as well as their relationships with their respective fathers. Tough decisions had to be made, and both children learn more than they are comfortable knowing.
The plot and the style of writing of this book were new to me. The twists were executed in good timing, and the characters were well portrayed. I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike.
January 30, 2022
I read this book in school and I absolutely despise it.
June 23, 2020
This was a very lovely, clean and sweet young adult novel. I love when an author can draw you in from the very first page. The novel is set in Trinidad where am from and I really enjoyed how I could relate to the characters and the places described. The novel had a smooth flow all the way through and there was no chapter where I felt bored. There was some humour, some romance and some drama all the elements that I love.
The book was a bit short and I would have loved to see how the two main characters transitioned into the next phase of their lives.
The book was a bit short and I would have loved to see how the two main characters transitioned into the next phase of their lives.
November 30, 2022
It had a sweet ending and it was an easy read.
I forgot how it is to read about flirting in a book so that was... Also my mood affects my reading, I’ve come to realize. So my rating is more of a 3.5 … the first part just didn’t hook me
I forgot how it is to read about flirting in a book so that was... Also my mood affects my reading, I’ve come to realize. So my rating is more of a 3.5 … the first part just didn’t hook me
September 19, 2017
In Dreams Beyond the Shore we find seventeen year old Chelsea at a crossroads in her life, left to decide whether to be the dutiful daughter her politician father expects her to be or to follow her own dreams to be a writer.
At its heart this is a coming-of-age love story. Told from two perspectives, Chelsea's and Kyron's-her eighteen year old boyfriend, the story is real and the central characters' voices ring true to the electric experience of new teenage love. Kyron steals the show with his good looks, confidence, intelligence, and integrity all mixed in with a slight bad-boy vibe.
Dreams Beyond the Shore is set on the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and while the setting is important, it remains in the background leaving at the forefront the classic tale of two teens struggling to define life on their own terms. Teen readers will definitely connect to their stories.
While the central story line is well written and developed, readers may find themselves wanting to know more about the underlying stories of Mr. Marchand's connection to the criminal world and the implications of his rise to being Prime Minister, both for the country and for Chelsea and Kyron.
There is an interesting cast of secondary characters who do have some depth but are unsatisfying in that their appearances are fleeting.
During her narrative, Chelsea hints repeatedly at her father being duplicitous and corrupt but we don't see hard evidence of this. Near the end there is a strong suggestion that Mr. Marchand has been involved in horrible crimes however it is hard to believe that these are the sort of activities of which Chelsea was aware.
This is an enjoyable book. I became invested in the lives of the main characters and was left wanting at the end as I needed to know more about the characters' fates.
At its heart this is a coming-of-age love story. Told from two perspectives, Chelsea's and Kyron's-her eighteen year old boyfriend, the story is real and the central characters' voices ring true to the electric experience of new teenage love. Kyron steals the show with his good looks, confidence, intelligence, and integrity all mixed in with a slight bad-boy vibe.
Dreams Beyond the Shore is set on the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and while the setting is important, it remains in the background leaving at the forefront the classic tale of two teens struggling to define life on their own terms. Teen readers will definitely connect to their stories.
While the central story line is well written and developed, readers may find themselves wanting to know more about the underlying stories of Mr. Marchand's connection to the criminal world and the implications of his rise to being Prime Minister, both for the country and for Chelsea and Kyron.
There is an interesting cast of secondary characters who do have some depth but are unsatisfying in that their appearances are fleeting.
During her narrative, Chelsea hints repeatedly at her father being duplicitous and corrupt but we don't see hard evidence of this. Near the end there is a strong suggestion that Mr. Marchand has been involved in horrible crimes however it is hard to believe that these are the sort of activities of which Chelsea was aware.
This is an enjoyable book. I became invested in the lives of the main characters and was left wanting at the end as I needed to know more about the characters' fates.
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October 29, 2017Content Rating
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