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Foam On The Crest Of Waves
Can facing the past transform the present?
In a small fishing town on the Mendocino coast, the tides of time have washed over rumors and suspicions, yet the members of a maimed family still struggle to cope with their memories.
A broken woman, refusing to let go of her vanished husband.
Her widowed brother, clinging to the shatters of the life he loved.
His delusional daughter, planning to turn mermaid on her fifteenth birthday.
But when a young man realizes he made a mistake, secrets start emerging from the deep. Will they bring further grief, or possibly redemption?
In a small fishing town on the Mendocino coast, the tides of time have washed over rumors and suspicions, yet the members of a maimed family still struggle to cope with their memories.
A broken woman, refusing to let go of her vanished husband.
Her widowed brother, clinging to the shatters of the life he loved.
His delusional daughter, planning to turn mermaid on her fifteenth birthday.
But when a young man realizes he made a mistake, secrets start emerging from the deep. Will they bring further grief, or possibly redemption?
- GenresRetellingsFiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2018
18 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Silke Stein
10 books121 followersSilke Stein is a graphic designer and author. Silke currently lives at the west coast of Canada, where she combs the shores of the Pacific Ocean and tends to her ever-growing sea glass collection. When she is not at the beach, or writing, she designs book covers for fellow authors.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 20, 2019
Abalone lives on a famous glass sand island. Suffering from PTSD, she doesn't speak anymore because of a terrible accident that happened when she was younger that ended up taking the life of her mother. She now lives in a fairytale world that she has created for herself. But when she mixes a boy into the picture things become complicated.
Right off the bat I'm going to warn you that this is a very emotional book and it starts with the writing style. The writing is extremely poetic in nature and so are the descriptions. Stein immerses you into her world that she has created for her characters in such a style that it is hard not to be sucked in. The descriptions of the settings and the characters are phenomenal. Extremely well done.
This is a book that is written from different points of view from different characters. However, the cast is not too big to where it's difficult to keep track of who is who and what is going on in the story line. This was very well done by the author.
One thing that I had issues with was the going back and forth between past events and current ones which was a bit confusing at first because there is no warning as to when it happens. No fear however, this does not hinder the story it just takes some getting used to.
The story reminds me of a darker version of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Abalone has created this fantasy world that she now lives in and she has made the world into something that is livable for herself. You feel that she would not be able to survive in this world if she had not have done this.
Lastly I will tell you that this is a very sad story. Do not have any preconceived notions of fantasies always ending on a good note because they don't. This is one of those books that is a complete tear jerker and really hits you in the feels. Another very well done point for the author.
With all things said and done, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a good tear-jerker with a bit of romance and fantasy on the side.
Right off the bat I'm going to warn you that this is a very emotional book and it starts with the writing style. The writing is extremely poetic in nature and so are the descriptions. Stein immerses you into her world that she has created for her characters in such a style that it is hard not to be sucked in. The descriptions of the settings and the characters are phenomenal. Extremely well done.
This is a book that is written from different points of view from different characters. However, the cast is not too big to where it's difficult to keep track of who is who and what is going on in the story line. This was very well done by the author.
One thing that I had issues with was the going back and forth between past events and current ones which was a bit confusing at first because there is no warning as to when it happens. No fear however, this does not hinder the story it just takes some getting used to.
The story reminds me of a darker version of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Abalone has created this fantasy world that she now lives in and she has made the world into something that is livable for herself. You feel that she would not be able to survive in this world if she had not have done this.
Lastly I will tell you that this is a very sad story. Do not have any preconceived notions of fantasies always ending on a good note because they don't. This is one of those books that is a complete tear jerker and really hits you in the feels. Another very well done point for the author.
With all things said and done, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a good tear-jerker with a bit of romance and fantasy on the side.
November 13, 2018
This is a sad and poignant story that's a very loose retelling of the Little Mermaid. I found the story deep, touching and sad, but could not connect to it or engage with it too much (hence the 3 stars). However, in this case, it's definitely me, and I'm sure you would enjoy this story.
The writing is good (as with anything by Silke Stein, really). We follow a family tragedy that's unresolved, and the only one who can uncover it is a mute teenager with PTSD from the accident - the accident includes many family members, lost love, regret and guilt. The teen struggles to keep herself together and the only way she succeeds is by believing she is like the little mermaid. Eventually, life brings about the resolution to this situation and lets her move on,so it's not all sad. It's a complex tale with so many variables.
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I thank the author for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.
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The writing is good (as with anything by Silke Stein, really). We follow a family tragedy that's unresolved, and the only one who can uncover it is a mute teenager with PTSD from the accident - the accident includes many family members, lost love, regret and guilt. The teen struggles to keep herself together and the only way she succeeds is by believing she is like the little mermaid. Eventually, life brings about the resolution to this situation and lets her move on,so it's not all sad. It's a complex tale with so many variables.
Triggers
Triggers include
I thank the author for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Instagram for short bookish updates | Bookish Twitter
January 14, 2019
Have you ever wandered a trail and around each curve found something new, interesting or beautiful? That was this book. The characters (even the minor ones) were well crafted and breathing human beings. Each twist of the story kept me bound and mesmerized.
The Fairy Tale base along with the clever storyline kept me reading well into the night. I felt like I was riding along with Jeremy as he tried to carry on his life and deal with his now mute daughter. I felt Gina’s frustration and despair. Even characters I did not like (sorry Zoe!), I felt emotion as I read.
When looking for symbols in writing, this is definitely a case of much more going on below the surface kind of the life of a mermaid.
The Fairy Tale base along with the clever storyline kept me reading well into the night. I felt like I was riding along with Jeremy as he tried to carry on his life and deal with his now mute daughter. I felt Gina’s frustration and despair. Even characters I did not like (sorry Zoe!), I felt emotion as I read.
When looking for symbols in writing, this is definitely a case of much more going on below the surface kind of the life of a mermaid.
November 26, 2018
On the Mendocino coast is a small fishing town known for it’s beautiful sea glass. This is the home of Abalone, a gorgeous redheaded teenager, who has immersed herself into a pretend world of mermaids. She is an expert diver who practically lives in a wetsuit. Abalone has not spoken since her mother died, but her story is much more complicated than that, it is about creating a world in which she can live. A world that provides her with a sense of safety. The story is full of twists and tangles as the secrets of each family member is brought to the surface when Abalone begins a relationship with a boy her age.
Stein has done a terrific job of creating her characters and weaving their development with the revelation of their secrets. I would be surprised if you can put the book down.
Stein has done a terrific job of creating her characters and weaving their development with the revelation of their secrets. I would be surprised if you can put the book down.
November 21, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The lasting impression left by Foam on the Crest of Waves is one of breathtaking beauty and rich sensuousness of the ocean and life under it: all jewelled hues, salty fresh scents and tastes, and liquid silk slipping over the skin. Oh, and death. Overshadowing everything like the darkness cast beneath the hull of a fish-hunting trawler.
This is a reimagining of the story of the Little Mermaid, but what a reimagining! Abalone, our teenage protagonist, traumatised by an incident seven years previously which took her mother and caused her uncle to vanish no longer speaks. Viewing the humans surrounding her as mere ‘Props’ she longs to return to the water and join the merfolk she feels kinship with; to be reunited with her lost loved ones.
In addition to Abalone’s perspective we also see events through the eyes of her father, Jeremy, who lost his wife and looks on helplessly as his daughter is slipping away; her aunt Gina, Jeremy’s sister, who supports her brother and niece whilst waiting for her husband and life to return; Leif, who at first is at odds with the strange girl of the sea, but then finds himself drawn to her mystery, pulling him from his own troubles and into a surreal world where dreams can be sung into life. (We also get a few cameo views from cameraman Dan, voyeuristically following events and characters from a distance as he ponders the unfolding events, but I didn’t really feel he was a fully fleshed character or that his perspective brought much to the story.)
Of course, similarly to the original source material, most of the problems the characters face here could be resolved by just a little communication with each other, but, each scarred and broken in their own ways the author shows how grief and bitterness has turned them inward and away from each other, and how very dangerous that can be if the fantasy world therein remains undiluted by the cold water of reality. I felt horrified by the way grief causes Abalone to detach so thoroughly from reality, and angry with Jeremy and Gina for allowing it; even as I sympathised with them for not knowing how best to deal with her whilst trapped in their own bubbles of misery.
The plot is haunting and twists, taking us back between memories of the past and events in the present; showing patterns and cycles as clear and chaotic as the rhythms of the tides. The finale and epilogue are masterful, bringing the storyline to a satisfying conclusion, drawing so smoothly to a natural close that I almost missed the ominous shadow lurking in the still waters. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story long after I had put it down, as my imagination followed the author’s lead into the future for the characters and the final pieces slotted into the puzzle.
I would definitely recommend this story, and any others by Silke Stein after also having read Sleep, Merel, Sleep! I can’t wait to see what she writes next…
Down here, we don’t use words. Yet they lie in wait, in the niches of my brain, ready to crawl out and gather, unbidden, unwanted, whenever I try to forget them and become one with the world I love. How can I describe the peace surrounding me with blunt expressions that tarnish its beauty?
How can I praise the soothing cool, the colors of the anemones, my finned companions, without employing the only language I know?
During the last seven years, I have mastered silence – learned to ignore my tongue, as I could not rid myself of it. I never speak to the Props; however, I have no choice but to think their thoughts. That is, until I meet my people. They will teach me their ways and words, and call me by my true name.
– Silke Stein, Foam on the Crest of Waves
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The lasting impression left by Foam on the Crest of Waves is one of breathtaking beauty and rich sensuousness of the ocean and life under it: all jewelled hues, salty fresh scents and tastes, and liquid silk slipping over the skin. Oh, and death. Overshadowing everything like the darkness cast beneath the hull of a fish-hunting trawler.
This is a reimagining of the story of the Little Mermaid, but what a reimagining! Abalone, our teenage protagonist, traumatised by an incident seven years previously which took her mother and caused her uncle to vanish no longer speaks. Viewing the humans surrounding her as mere ‘Props’ she longs to return to the water and join the merfolk she feels kinship with; to be reunited with her lost loved ones.
In addition to Abalone’s perspective we also see events through the eyes of her father, Jeremy, who lost his wife and looks on helplessly as his daughter is slipping away; her aunt Gina, Jeremy’s sister, who supports her brother and niece whilst waiting for her husband and life to return; Leif, who at first is at odds with the strange girl of the sea, but then finds himself drawn to her mystery, pulling him from his own troubles and into a surreal world where dreams can be sung into life. (We also get a few cameo views from cameraman Dan, voyeuristically following events and characters from a distance as he ponders the unfolding events, but I didn’t really feel he was a fully fleshed character or that his perspective brought much to the story.)
Of course, similarly to the original source material, most of the problems the characters face here could be resolved by just a little communication with each other, but, each scarred and broken in their own ways the author shows how grief and bitterness has turned them inward and away from each other, and how very dangerous that can be if the fantasy world therein remains undiluted by the cold water of reality. I felt horrified by the way grief causes Abalone to detach so thoroughly from reality, and angry with Jeremy and Gina for allowing it; even as I sympathised with them for not knowing how best to deal with her whilst trapped in their own bubbles of misery.
The plot is haunting and twists, taking us back between memories of the past and events in the present; showing patterns and cycles as clear and chaotic as the rhythms of the tides. The finale and epilogue are masterful, bringing the storyline to a satisfying conclusion, drawing so smoothly to a natural close that I almost missed the ominous shadow lurking in the still waters. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story long after I had put it down, as my imagination followed the author’s lead into the future for the characters and the final pieces slotted into the puzzle.
I would definitely recommend this story, and any others by Silke Stein after also having read Sleep, Merel, Sleep! I can’t wait to see what she writes next…
Down here, we don’t use words. Yet they lie in wait, in the niches of my brain, ready to crawl out and gather, unbidden, unwanted, whenever I try to forget them and become one with the world I love. How can I describe the peace surrounding me with blunt expressions that tarnish its beauty?
How can I praise the soothing cool, the colors of the anemones, my finned companions, without employing the only language I know?
During the last seven years, I have mastered silence – learned to ignore my tongue, as I could not rid myself of it. I never speak to the Props; however, I have no choice but to think their thoughts. That is, until I meet my people. They will teach me their ways and words, and call me by my true name.
– Silke Stein, Foam on the Crest of Waves
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
September 24, 2018
Overall I really adore this book.
First my only real problem and the reason I couldn't give it 5 stars. There were a lot of flashbacks. Normally I wouldn't mind but most of the time I was confused. The flashbacks come and go without any warning and I had to read some parts again because of this.
This is no reason for neglecting this book though!!
The characters are amazingly developed as always. I rooted for almost all of them. Especially for Jeremy who has such a difficult time. He just can't let go of the past and makes te present unbearable for himself.
The world is also beautifully worked out. I was literally there. I have swum in the ocean and seen it's wonders. For that I am grateful because it was an amazing experience.
And all the built up expense. You just want to know what the hell happened.
Conclusion, I highly recommend to read this book!!
First my only real problem and the reason I couldn't give it 5 stars. There were a lot of flashbacks. Normally I wouldn't mind but most of the time I was confused. The flashbacks come and go without any warning and I had to read some parts again because of this.
This is no reason for neglecting this book though!!
The characters are amazingly developed as always. I rooted for almost all of them. Especially for Jeremy who has such a difficult time. He just can't let go of the past and makes te present unbearable for himself.
The world is also beautifully worked out. I was literally there. I have swum in the ocean and seen it's wonders. For that I am grateful because it was an amazing experience.
And all the built up expense. You just want to know what the hell happened.
Conclusion, I highly recommend to read this book!!
February 10, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: November 25, 2018
Genre: Contemporary/Loose retelling of the Little Mermaid
Recommended Age: 16+ (death, trauma, violence, PTSD, domestic violence)
Publisher: Caper Books
Pages: 322
Amazon Link
Synopsis:
Review: I thought this was a raw and very emotional book. The best I’ve read from this author so far! I loved the characters, they were very well developed. I really felt for Abalone, I too used to believe I was a mermaid. I thought the story was beautiful and intriguing. The writing was on point and the story was heartbreaking.
The only issue I had with the book is that it had some slight slow moments, but for the most part it was beautiful and perfect.
Verdict: Don’t read if you don’t like to cry of feel things.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: November 25, 2018
Genre: Contemporary/Loose retelling of the Little Mermaid
Recommended Age: 16+ (death, trauma, violence, PTSD, domestic violence)
Publisher: Caper Books
Pages: 322
Amazon Link
Synopsis:
Review: I thought this was a raw and very emotional book. The best I’ve read from this author so far! I loved the characters, they were very well developed. I really felt for Abalone, I too used to believe I was a mermaid. I thought the story was beautiful and intriguing. The writing was on point and the story was heartbreaking.
The only issue I had with the book is that it had some slight slow moments, but for the most part it was beautiful and perfect.
Verdict: Don’t read if you don’t like to cry of feel things.
July 19, 2020
This contemporary fiction story follows several people (mostly all family members) as they grieve and move on from the death of one and the missing persons of another. Abalone hasn't spoken since her mother died. Her aunt Gina lives with her father and her after she had a car accident and her husband went missing. Jeremy, Abalone's father, has created a shrine to his wife.
As Abalone's fifteenth birthday approaches, she feels more and more connected with the deep water. She hopes to visit the merpeople and be welcomed by them.
It took several chapters to adjust to the many POVs (5 in total), but once I did it compelled me to find out what I was missing. It was clear to me that there were secrets in this family, secrets everyone held to explain that day. Not to mention that Abalone is obsessed with The Little Mermaid tale from Anderson.
This novel was beautifully written. The prose so eloquent. I loved every minute and even at the end you see the parallels of the two stories--Abalone's life and The Little Mermaid.
I fully recommend this novel.
As Abalone's fifteenth birthday approaches, she feels more and more connected with the deep water. She hopes to visit the merpeople and be welcomed by them.
It took several chapters to adjust to the many POVs (5 in total), but once I did it compelled me to find out what I was missing. It was clear to me that there were secrets in this family, secrets everyone held to explain that day. Not to mention that Abalone is obsessed with The Little Mermaid tale from Anderson.
This novel was beautifully written. The prose so eloquent. I loved every minute and even at the end you see the parallels of the two stories--Abalone's life and The Little Mermaid.
I fully recommend this novel.
January 3, 2021
This book caught me off guard. I was expecting a light read while I was relaxing on the beach. I was planning to do a little bit of reading and spend most of my time beach combing. Half way through I couldn’t put it down, and before I knew it, the sun was beginning to set. Back at the beach house I kept reading into the night - I was intrigued to find out what tragedy shaped the lives of these characters, and how they could overcome it. My favourite quote from the book: “The glass-covered shore spreads out in front of me. I never grow tired of it’s beauty and the message it conveys. All these glittering bits were shards, hurled over the cliff, lying there for years with the memory of being broken, their edges raw and damaged. Yet, time and surf smoothed and frosted them; looking at them now, I know healing will come.” A great read for all, not just those who love beach-combing and the lure of finding sea glass.
December 18, 2018
This book is stunning in imagery, character, and revelation. The beautiful details of scenery and emotion absorbed my full attention. However, a strange tempo left me wanting more explanation of the actual drama amidst the minutiae. Grand scenes were glossed over or summarized, which may be more testament to how much the story pulled me in that I didn’t want out so easily. Time transitions were sometimes unannounced and confusing, although they still made for a nicely unraveled puzzle. The plot itself is unique and took me through many depths of emotion. This is the first book in a while where I felt very nearly involved in the story myself.
June 30, 2019
Perturbed
I'm sorry to see that there is no second book with these characters: however I know this story ended where it should. I am just a romantic that likes the book to end happy happy for everyone in the book and we know that Annie will not be happy. I really enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it highly..
I'm sorry to see that there is no second book with these characters: however I know this story ended where it should. I am just a romantic that likes the book to end happy happy for everyone in the book and we know that Annie will not be happy. I really enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it highly..
July 9, 2019
This wonderfully written story kept me enthralled, unable to figure out the mystery till almost the very end. Told from different viewpoints, the slow unfolding of the mystery touches on more than just the family tragedy, small town life, coming of age, and environmental issues. It also beautifully evokes the wonders of nature, art, and second chances. Never truly predictable, this story was a joy to read.
I downloaded this story in a giveaway.
I downloaded this story in a giveaway.
February 22, 2020
Love this read
Wonderful read. Kept me guessing until the end. I love the seaside setting and fantasy of becoming a mermaid. Really recommend this book
Wonderful read. Kept me guessing until the end. I love the seaside setting and fantasy of becoming a mermaid. Really recommend this book
May 26, 2022
Foam on the Crest of the Waves is a MUST READ!!
If you are into beach glass THIS is an amazing book!! Like sand, surf, diving? This is also the book for you. How about a grear read with mystery, romance & comic relief? Again THIS book is for you. Enjoy!
If you are into beach glass THIS is an amazing book!! Like sand, surf, diving? This is also the book for you. How about a grear read with mystery, romance & comic relief? Again THIS book is for you. Enjoy!
February 3, 2019
Review originally published here: https://joyfulantidotes.com/2019/01/3...
Foam on the Crest of Waves is a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid and that is what drew me in. However, this book turned out to be so much more. First, let me say that it is very loosely based on The Little Mermaid so there are no worries that (a) your favourite fairytale might be ruined, (b) this book has too much fantasy, and (c) this story is not different enough to the original.
So, where do we see elements of The Little Mermaid? Most obviously is in Abalone who feels more at home in the sea and is absolutely determined she will become a mermaid once she turns fifteen. Secondly, in the stunning descriptions of Mendocino’s underwater world. I have to admit that the ocean and sea life don’t hold much attraction to me. However, Stein set my imagination alight with the wonders of the deep blue sea. The beautiful descriptive prose doesn’t end there. It is present on land too and especially during Abalone’s chapters where the reader gets an insight into her mind.
One other thing that fooled me beforehand was the presumption that this book is all about Abalone. She is certainly an important character but this is not the case. Instead, I perceived her to be the binding element between the various characters and themes of this book. Foam on the Crest of Waves has a theme for everyone, whether it be grief, loss, post-traumatic stress, and finding love.
What else this book has is emotion by the bucketload. I didn’t think I would become invested in any of the characters at the beginning of the book but as I progressed, I felt every bit of their joy and pain. Admittedly, there is a lot of pain in this book but all is not revealed immediately. Instead, the author chose to divulge a little of the story chapter by chapter and this done wonders for building up suspense.
Overall, I loved Foam on the Crest of Waves. It was my first surprise book for 2019 and has certainly set the standard very high.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Foam on the Crest of Waves is a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid and that is what drew me in. However, this book turned out to be so much more. First, let me say that it is very loosely based on The Little Mermaid so there are no worries that (a) your favourite fairytale might be ruined, (b) this book has too much fantasy, and (c) this story is not different enough to the original.
So, where do we see elements of The Little Mermaid? Most obviously is in Abalone who feels more at home in the sea and is absolutely determined she will become a mermaid once she turns fifteen. Secondly, in the stunning descriptions of Mendocino’s underwater world. I have to admit that the ocean and sea life don’t hold much attraction to me. However, Stein set my imagination alight with the wonders of the deep blue sea. The beautiful descriptive prose doesn’t end there. It is present on land too and especially during Abalone’s chapters where the reader gets an insight into her mind.
One other thing that fooled me beforehand was the presumption that this book is all about Abalone. She is certainly an important character but this is not the case. Instead, I perceived her to be the binding element between the various characters and themes of this book. Foam on the Crest of Waves has a theme for everyone, whether it be grief, loss, post-traumatic stress, and finding love.
What else this book has is emotion by the bucketload. I didn’t think I would become invested in any of the characters at the beginning of the book but as I progressed, I felt every bit of their joy and pain. Admittedly, there is a lot of pain in this book but all is not revealed immediately. Instead, the author chose to divulge a little of the story chapter by chapter and this done wonders for building up suspense.
Overall, I loved Foam on the Crest of Waves. It was my first surprise book for 2019 and has certainly set the standard very high.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2022
Grab the Kleenex!
This beautiful tale is filled with sadness. A woman suffering from PTSD makes her own little world.
There is bound to be heartbreak when another steps into it.
Based loosely on The Little Mermaid.
This beautiful tale is filled with sadness. A woman suffering from PTSD makes her own little world.
There is bound to be heartbreak when another steps into it.
Based loosely on The Little Mermaid.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews