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Margreete's Harbor
A literary novel set on the coast of Maine during the 1960s, tracing the life of a family and its matriarch as they negotiate sharing a home.
Margreete’s Harbor begins with a fire: a fiercely-independent, thrice-widowed woman living on her own in a rambling house near the Maine coast forgets a hot pan on the stovetop, and nearly burns her place down.
When Margreete Bright calls her daughter Liddie to confess, Liddie realizes that her mother can no longer live alone. She, her husband Harry, and their children Eva and Bernie move from a settled life in Michigan across the country to Margreete’s isolated home, and begin a new life.
Margreete’s Harbor tells the story of ten years in the history of a family: a novel of small moments, intimate betrayals, arrivals and disappearances that coincide with America during the late 1950s through the turbulent 1960s. Liddie, a professional cellist, struggles to find space for her music in a marriage that increasingly confines her; Harry’s critical approach to the growing war in Vietnam endangers his new position as a high school history teacher; Bernie and Eva begin to find their own identities as young adults; and Margreete slowly descends into a private world of memories, even as she comes to find a larger purpose in them.
Margreete’s Harbor begins with a fire: a fiercely-independent, thrice-widowed woman living on her own in a rambling house near the Maine coast forgets a hot pan on the stovetop, and nearly burns her place down.
When Margreete Bright calls her daughter Liddie to confess, Liddie realizes that her mother can no longer live alone. She, her husband Harry, and their children Eva and Bernie move from a settled life in Michigan across the country to Margreete’s isolated home, and begin a new life.
Margreete’s Harbor tells the story of ten years in the history of a family: a novel of small moments, intimate betrayals, arrivals and disappearances that coincide with America during the late 1950s through the turbulent 1960s. Liddie, a professional cellist, struggles to find space for her music in a marriage that increasingly confines her; Harry’s critical approach to the growing war in Vietnam endangers his new position as a high school history teacher; Bernie and Eva begin to find their own identities as young adults; and Margreete slowly descends into a private world of memories, even as she comes to find a larger purpose in them.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2021
78 people are currently reading
4941 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Morse
5 books90 followersEleanor Morse is the author of Margreete's Harbor, the most recent of four novels. White Dog Fell from the Sky was a Publishers Weekly Pick of the Week; An Unexpected Forest won the 2008 Independent Book Publisher's Award for best regional fiction and the 2008 Maine Literary Award. She is on the faculty of Spalding University's School of Creative and Professional Writing and lives on a small island off the coast of Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
March 29, 2021
This is one of those novels that I didn’t want to end. I fell in love with the characters and now I’ll be wondering where the rest of their lives will take take them and if they are happy. It’s a beautifully written story of a family spanning over a decade from the mid 1950’s to the late 1960’s, a family whose ties are at times fragile. Liddie and her husband Harry uproot their two young children Bernie and Eva and move back to the home in coastal Maine where Liddie grew up. Her mother, Margreete is suffering from dementia and can no longer safely live on her own. It is where their third child Gretchen is born. A sadness pervades much this story as they struggle to get through the changes in their lives as well as the ordinary things they face as time moves on. The narrative alternates focus on all of the family members and the author does such an amazing job of giving a sense of who they are, what they are going through, sparking a genuine emotional connection.
Margreete’s diminishing mind, a marriage at a crossroads, the children making their way through their own identity issues, questioning their convictions as they see their father stand up for his, trying to decide what is the thing that lights one’s soul - there’s so much here. The social and political events of the times are so well presented as they happen and we see the realistic responses by the family members to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the March on Washington, Martin Luther King’s assassination, the bombing at the Birmingham school, Kennedy’s assassination, the war in Vietnam.
Margreete’s Harbor, as she calls the place where she lives is where they make their home, but it is Margreete herself who provides them harbor in many ways. It is the love they have for her and each other that sustains those fragile ties. Margreete’s presence in their lives and their love and acceptance of her despite the difficulties of living with a person with dementia was so moving. In a way I was reminded of one of my favorite writers, Alice McDermott who writes about ordinary people who have an extraordinary impact on me, as this family did.
I read this with Diane and Esil and I’m happy to say we hit on one that we all loved it.
I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through Edelweiss.
Margreete’s diminishing mind, a marriage at a crossroads, the children making their way through their own identity issues, questioning their convictions as they see their father stand up for his, trying to decide what is the thing that lights one’s soul - there’s so much here. The social and political events of the times are so well presented as they happen and we see the realistic responses by the family members to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the March on Washington, Martin Luther King’s assassination, the bombing at the Birmingham school, Kennedy’s assassination, the war in Vietnam.
Margreete’s Harbor, as she calls the place where she lives is where they make their home, but it is Margreete herself who provides them harbor in many ways. It is the love they have for her and each other that sustains those fragile ties. Margreete’s presence in their lives and their love and acceptance of her despite the difficulties of living with a person with dementia was so moving. In a way I was reminded of one of my favorite writers, Alice McDermott who writes about ordinary people who have an extraordinary impact on me, as this family did.
I read this with Diane and Esil and I’m happy to say we hit on one that we all loved it.
I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through Edelweiss.
March 29, 2021
A story about a very special family, a mother, father, son and two daughters. This family is special though because they did something different. When Liddies mother burns up her kitchen and it becomes apparent she could no longer be trusted to live alone, she doesn't put her in a home. No instead, she and her husband uproot their family and move from Michigan to Maine to live in the large house with Margreete. They accept her just as she is, declining memory and all. They surround her with love, declining memory and all. We learn much of her story from these memories.
Not that everything is all sunshine and light. Families are individual entities made up of different personalities, and there are growing pains, struggles, differing wants, opinions. There is though, humor, tenderness, understanding and wonderful moments. This is a family that works its way into your heart. The world around them, in the fifties, sixties,seventies is full of change and this too is incorporated in the book. These changes impact this family in various ways, and they need to adapt to these influences and somehow remain whole.
The beautiful Maine coastline is described beautifully. This is another of those quiet books, a wonderful book about lives lived and loved, of loss and starting again but most of all acceptance. The true meaning of family.
My monthly read with Esil and Angela and another five star read for us all.
ARC from Edelweiss.
Not that everything is all sunshine and light. Families are individual entities made up of different personalities, and there are growing pains, struggles, differing wants, opinions. There is though, humor, tenderness, understanding and wonderful moments. This is a family that works its way into your heart. The world around them, in the fifties, sixties,seventies is full of change and this too is incorporated in the book. These changes impact this family in various ways, and they need to adapt to these influences and somehow remain whole.
The beautiful Maine coastline is described beautifully. This is another of those quiet books, a wonderful book about lives lived and loved, of loss and starting again but most of all acceptance. The true meaning of family.
My monthly read with Esil and Angela and another five star read for us all.
ARC from Edelweiss.
March 16, 2021
Margreete’s Harbor follows a three generation family as they deal with the grandmother’s worsening dementia. After Margreete burns down her kitchen, her daughter Liddie moves her family back to Maine so they can move in with her mother. The book begins in 1955 and follows the family for 13 years. We hear, in alternating chapters, from each member. We spend most of the story in their heads. There’s not a lot of action, in fact even when something does happen, it’s all about how it’s perceived.
This is a book of life - the everyday and the large occurrences, the change of the political landscape, kids growing up, spouses drifting apart and trying to come together. It’s obviously a character driven story. Luckily, I cared for each of the family members. They were all flawed, all trying to find their place in the world. Morse has a way with words, her observations are spot on. “I’m talking about my mother. It’s like watching a picture in a darkroom going backward in a developing tray - every day is blurrier, less contrast, heading toward blank.”
The story was heartwarming. It tackles how a family communicates; or how so often fails to communicate effectively. But as the book progresses, each person grew and became more self aware. And how, no matter who does what, there is love tying them together.
I was so disappointed when the book ended. I wanted to know what would become of them in the coming years. I would definitely read a sequel.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
This is a book of life - the everyday and the large occurrences, the change of the political landscape, kids growing up, spouses drifting apart and trying to come together. It’s obviously a character driven story. Luckily, I cared for each of the family members. They were all flawed, all trying to find their place in the world. Morse has a way with words, her observations are spot on. “I’m talking about my mother. It’s like watching a picture in a darkroom going backward in a developing tray - every day is blurrier, less contrast, heading toward blank.”
The story was heartwarming. It tackles how a family communicates; or how so often fails to communicate effectively. But as the book progresses, each person grew and became more self aware. And how, no matter who does what, there is love tying them together.
I was so disappointed when the book ended. I wanted to know what would become of them in the coming years. I would definitely read a sequel.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
March 31, 2021
I didn’t gel well with “Margreete’s Harbor”. Unfortunately Eleanor Morse’s writing was not a great match for me.
It started out promising, on the coast of Maine, beginning with a kitchen fire, followed by heartfelt kindness from locals offering to help ‘Margreete’ who had dementia.
It soon switches to Margreete’s family who were living in Michigan. (for eight years - but Liddie, Margreete’s daughter still missed her hometown of Maine).
Liddie was cello player. Her husband, Harry, a school teacher.
The children were Bernie, Eva, and newborn, Gretchen.
Romeo was the cat. Fred, the dog.
Much later, we meet Meatball, another kitten.
Liddie wanted to move back to Maine....move in with Margreete. The house was big enough to accommodate their family.
Liddie offered to take the children to Maine. Her husband could stay in Michigan.
“Why on earth would you say such a thing? They’re my kids, too. We’re married. . .Unless you don’t want to be married”.
“I want to be married”.
“I don’t want to move there, he said”.
RED FLAGS....went up for me right away. Did Liddie value her husband’s needs? Would she ‘really’ have moved to Maine if her husband had refused? I felt she would have.
Well... the family uprooted and moved to Maine. Harry never really wanted to move....but he went along with the plan.
I was thinking —
A couple with three little kids, a dog and cat, - each with needs - were really going to function well living in a new place, with a woman that needed protective care for both herself and from each family members and the animals. It was a lot— felt too chaotic to me.
The responsibility of caretaking Margreete and her advancing dementia with a baby and two other young kids, was going to mostly fall on Liddie. Harry definitely needed to work.
The kids needed to adjust to meeting new friends
The stress put on everyone - created by choice - felt like a train wreck.
For me - this story was nails-on-a-chalkboard. I cringed many times.
I wasn’t crazy about the many descriptions....(very wordy), the lack of real communication between family members, minimal family dialogue, and characters who mostly left me cold. (the children too).
I also felt this story didn’t know what it’s clear purpose was.
The dementia part of the storytelling was one-dimensional, stereotyped; flat.
The historical and political parts felt like a mail delivery drop off.
The often non-sequitur-connection writing drove me bonkers. And whenever the author started to take a risk - open up a taboo topic...she backed down from it. Playing it ‘safe’....the author would open up possible emotional stress - loneliness & unhappiness - the possible affair - the possible sexual abuse - the possible draft evasion....but everything just continue to fall flat.
In the meantime - we were provided with historical news: The assassination of Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.....and a quick look at racial issues - yet, again nothing too deep - ( just the daily news coverage).
So....overall, this American family story - spanning over a dozen or so more years - through the 50’s and 60’s ....and early 70’s, didn’t move my groove.
Sample excerpts — [truthfully....I found the writing elementary, and rather dull]
“The sun broke through the clouds just after four-thirty and cast a golden light over the fields and the people searching, and that light seem to say that everything would be all right. But then the sun went lower and the golden light disappeared, and a chill fell”.
“Eva ran upstairs to get her grandmother’s slippers and fell on the way and scuffed her knees. What came out of her was the sound of residual hysteria, galloping like a horse out of a burning barn”.
“On the subway, a couple sat across from them, he in a white T-shirt, she in a skimpy black sweater. Her face was wide and flat, and the boyfriend couldn’t take his eyes off her. He grabbed her and pulled her toward him; she laughed and pushed him away. He chewed his fingernails for a moment, then looked at her ear as though he’d like to inhale her”.
“Eva studied the back of her brothers big, round head as he looked out the opposite window—the curiosity and eagerness in his neck, the cowlick that made his hair stick up at the crown—and at that moment, she loved him with her conscious brain, maybe for the first time ever. But even then she knew it wasn’t a love she could count on. At any moment, it could change. She remembered once when a storm was brewing and her mother rushed out to the clothesline to grab the clothes.”
“Bernie looked out his window and Eva out hers at endless fields of corn and melons, at daisies and buttercups and black eyed Susan‘s, at cows standing in the shade of trees. Grain silos, dogs chained in yard, a farmer on a tractor under the skeleton of an umbrella, a falling-down bandstand, towering cumulus clouds. The only thing that relieved the sound of the tires on pavement was Bernie’s excited voice, reading out Burma-Shave advertisements, one sign board at a time”.
Liddie...
“When was the last time she told Harry she loved him?”
“She taught students at home that afternoon, while the snow fell quietly. At first it blanketed every twig, every tip of the picket fence that leaned drunkenly toward the road, settled over the red flag on the mailbox, the peaked roof of the birdfeeder, over the windowsills, laying it’s self down on the larger boughs of the maple trees along the driveway. It fell and kept falling, over the dark limbs of the apple tree, which turned white against the gray and darkening sky. Her last student canceled”.
I don’t mind slow. I don’t mind reflective-introspective novels. I like character driven stories....
But every range-of-development....be it the characters, (no growth), the struggles, the history, the political thoughts, all fell flat.
Sorry....I just can’t possibly glow over this book
However, thank you ( always) > St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Eleanor for providing me with an advance read.
It started out promising, on the coast of Maine, beginning with a kitchen fire, followed by heartfelt kindness from locals offering to help ‘Margreete’ who had dementia.
It soon switches to Margreete’s family who were living in Michigan. (for eight years - but Liddie, Margreete’s daughter still missed her hometown of Maine).
Liddie was cello player. Her husband, Harry, a school teacher.
The children were Bernie, Eva, and newborn, Gretchen.
Romeo was the cat. Fred, the dog.
Much later, we meet Meatball, another kitten.
Liddie wanted to move back to Maine....move in with Margreete. The house was big enough to accommodate their family.
Liddie offered to take the children to Maine. Her husband could stay in Michigan.
“Why on earth would you say such a thing? They’re my kids, too. We’re married. . .Unless you don’t want to be married”.
“I want to be married”.
“I don’t want to move there, he said”.
RED FLAGS....went up for me right away. Did Liddie value her husband’s needs? Would she ‘really’ have moved to Maine if her husband had refused? I felt she would have.
Well... the family uprooted and moved to Maine. Harry never really wanted to move....but he went along with the plan.
I was thinking —
A couple with three little kids, a dog and cat, - each with needs - were really going to function well living in a new place, with a woman that needed protective care for both herself and from each family members and the animals. It was a lot— felt too chaotic to me.
The responsibility of caretaking Margreete and her advancing dementia with a baby and two other young kids, was going to mostly fall on Liddie. Harry definitely needed to work.
The kids needed to adjust to meeting new friends
The stress put on everyone - created by choice - felt like a train wreck.
For me - this story was nails-on-a-chalkboard. I cringed many times.
I wasn’t crazy about the many descriptions....(very wordy), the lack of real communication between family members, minimal family dialogue, and characters who mostly left me cold. (the children too).
I also felt this story didn’t know what it’s clear purpose was.
The dementia part of the storytelling was one-dimensional, stereotyped; flat.
The historical and political parts felt like a mail delivery drop off.
The often non-sequitur-connection writing drove me bonkers. And whenever the author started to take a risk - open up a taboo topic...she backed down from it. Playing it ‘safe’....the author would open up possible emotional stress - loneliness & unhappiness - the possible affair - the possible sexual abuse - the possible draft evasion....but everything just continue to fall flat.
In the meantime - we were provided with historical news: The assassination of Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.....and a quick look at racial issues - yet, again nothing too deep - ( just the daily news coverage).
So....overall, this American family story - spanning over a dozen or so more years - through the 50’s and 60’s ....and early 70’s, didn’t move my groove.
Sample excerpts — [truthfully....I found the writing elementary, and rather dull]
“The sun broke through the clouds just after four-thirty and cast a golden light over the fields and the people searching, and that light seem to say that everything would be all right. But then the sun went lower and the golden light disappeared, and a chill fell”.
“Eva ran upstairs to get her grandmother’s slippers and fell on the way and scuffed her knees. What came out of her was the sound of residual hysteria, galloping like a horse out of a burning barn”.
“On the subway, a couple sat across from them, he in a white T-shirt, she in a skimpy black sweater. Her face was wide and flat, and the boyfriend couldn’t take his eyes off her. He grabbed her and pulled her toward him; she laughed and pushed him away. He chewed his fingernails for a moment, then looked at her ear as though he’d like to inhale her”.
“Eva studied the back of her brothers big, round head as he looked out the opposite window—the curiosity and eagerness in his neck, the cowlick that made his hair stick up at the crown—and at that moment, she loved him with her conscious brain, maybe for the first time ever. But even then she knew it wasn’t a love she could count on. At any moment, it could change. She remembered once when a storm was brewing and her mother rushed out to the clothesline to grab the clothes.”
“Bernie looked out his window and Eva out hers at endless fields of corn and melons, at daisies and buttercups and black eyed Susan‘s, at cows standing in the shade of trees. Grain silos, dogs chained in yard, a farmer on a tractor under the skeleton of an umbrella, a falling-down bandstand, towering cumulus clouds. The only thing that relieved the sound of the tires on pavement was Bernie’s excited voice, reading out Burma-Shave advertisements, one sign board at a time”.
Liddie...
“When was the last time she told Harry she loved him?”
“She taught students at home that afternoon, while the snow fell quietly. At first it blanketed every twig, every tip of the picket fence that leaned drunkenly toward the road, settled over the red flag on the mailbox, the peaked roof of the birdfeeder, over the windowsills, laying it’s self down on the larger boughs of the maple trees along the driveway. It fell and kept falling, over the dark limbs of the apple tree, which turned white against the gray and darkening sky. Her last student canceled”.
I don’t mind slow. I don’t mind reflective-introspective novels. I like character driven stories....
But every range-of-development....be it the characters, (no growth), the struggles, the history, the political thoughts, all fell flat.
Sorry....I just can’t possibly glow over this book
However, thank you ( always) > St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Eleanor for providing me with an advance read.
March 31, 2021
Well, I’m sad this over.
I haven’t had much time to read the past week but I’ve spent a little time with this family each day and looked forward to picking up where I left off.
Margreete lives in Burnt Harbor, Maine. She is losing her memory and had an accident where she set her kitchen on fire.
Her daughter Liddie lives in Michigan and packs up her family ... husband, children and dog and they all move back to Maine to live with Margreete.
I just loved the family and how they all lived together and took care of Margreete , and Margreete’s interactions with all of them.
This book covers the years from 1955 to the late 60’s which I loved. JFK, MLK, and the Vietnam War where all a part of the story.
Recommend!
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
I haven’t had much time to read the past week but I’ve spent a little time with this family each day and looked forward to picking up where I left off.
Margreete lives in Burnt Harbor, Maine. She is losing her memory and had an accident where she set her kitchen on fire.
Her daughter Liddie lives in Michigan and packs up her family ... husband, children and dog and they all move back to Maine to live with Margreete.
I just loved the family and how they all lived together and took care of Margreete , and Margreete’s interactions with all of them.
This book covers the years from 1955 to the late 60’s which I loved. JFK, MLK, and the Vietnam War where all a part of the story.
Recommend!
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
May 23, 2021
I always take an interest in a book that is set in Maine. We vacation there a few times a year. Margreet’s Harbor takes place on the Coast of Maine which is truly one of the most gorgeous parts of New England.
Set in the 1960’s, a mother sets her kitchen on fire. Her daughter, currently living in Michigan, decides it’s best if her family moves back to live with her mom, Margreete. The novel spans over 10 years and delves into balancing life’s pursuits and family. It’s about aging and the loss of memory, a husband and wife that are no longer close, and how lack of communication can change everyone.
The novel had an occasional good chapter, but could not keep my interest. None of the characters were developed so it was difficult to stay engaged. A slow-paced book which is also light on intellect.
2 out of 5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Published April 20, 2021
Review posted on Goodreads 5/21/21
March 30, 2021
This was an unexpected powerful story. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the story focuses on a family in a coastal town, Burnt Harbor, Maine. Liddie and her husband Henry return go live in Liddie's family home, where Liddie's mother, Margreete, is developing dementia. There, Liddie and Henry raise their three children, while all keeping an eye out for Margreete. The family goes through ups and downs, sometimes at odds with each other, but still functioning as a complicated organic unit. The writing is great -- understated with an occasional flourish. The characters are ordinary and real -- and very relate-able. The sense of time and place is strong -- civil rights, Vietnam war, etc... -- without making this an issues novel. I especially loved the depiction of how the family relates to Margreete -- she is never defined by her dementia. This was a monthly buddy read with Angela and Diane. I went in with no expectations but we all ended up loving this one. It was hard not to get attached to this family and I definitely was not ready for the story to end. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
April 2, 2021
3.5 stars
This book had some good moments here and there but it took me almost until the end before I started appreciating the story as a whole. So maybe not the best reading experience because I wasn't fully engaged at times, but overall I'm glad I read it.
It's the late 1950s and Margreete wants to maintain her independence even though she is becoming more and more forgetful. Her daughter Liddie is concerned her mom can't properly take care of herself. So Liddie, her husband, Harry, and their children move into Margreete's coastal Maine home. The story spans a few decades and follows the lives of each family member. Stick around and you get to witness the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to this family.
The story has a bit of a slow pace feel even though it moves through many years and alternates between different characters. To be frank, I was bored during certain parts of the story. Having finished the book I can say I like what the author tried to bring to the table for each character even though I didn't always like how it was written. As a family drama, this book doesn't rank high on my favorites list but there were some key moments that hit me in a positive way. By the end, everything came together so basically I liked the final destination even if it was a rough journey.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy! All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This book had some good moments here and there but it took me almost until the end before I started appreciating the story as a whole. So maybe not the best reading experience because I wasn't fully engaged at times, but overall I'm glad I read it.
It's the late 1950s and Margreete wants to maintain her independence even though she is becoming more and more forgetful. Her daughter Liddie is concerned her mom can't properly take care of herself. So Liddie, her husband, Harry, and their children move into Margreete's coastal Maine home. The story spans a few decades and follows the lives of each family member. Stick around and you get to witness the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to this family.
The story has a bit of a slow pace feel even though it moves through many years and alternates between different characters. To be frank, I was bored during certain parts of the story. Having finished the book I can say I like what the author tried to bring to the table for each character even though I didn't always like how it was written. As a family drama, this book doesn't rank high on my favorites list but there were some key moments that hit me in a positive way. By the end, everything came together so basically I liked the final destination even if it was a rough journey.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy! All views expressed are my honest opinion.
April 13, 2022
"Margreete's Harbor" is a gently drawn, intimate picture of a family living in Maine in the 1950's - 1960's. The book opens with Margreete's setting her home on fire, due to her increasing confusion. Her daughter (Liddie) decides that she and her husband and children need to move in with Margreete to ensure her safety. What follows is their life together in a rural part of Maine near the ocean.
The author writes beautifully in a nuanced way. Readers will get to know each member of the family, including their cat and devoted dog. In my experience, life is full of small moments that don't seem significant at the time. Ms. Morse captures these small moments in a graceful, realistic way. She brought back parts of my own childhood that I had forgotten.
Historical events of the time period are introduced in a natural way. JFK's assassination, the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King's impact and the Vietnam War all come into play.
I had hesitated to read the story, due to my own father having dementia. I worried that the book might be too painful for me. Instead, I found a sensitive and realistic portrayal of Margreete. Her family tried to provide a safe harbor for her and she in turn, enriched their lives.
Here is a sample of Ms. Morse's writing. Liddie, a professional cellist, is talking to her young daughter Eva about music. Eva is a beginning pianist.
She said that Eva probably wouldn't understand until she was older but she would say it anyway. "Some people think that playing is all about themselves. They roar through a piece thinking, 'Look at me! Look how fast my fingers are going, listen to how much noise I'm making!' If you're thinking like that, you're not making music. You have to make yourself small enough to disappear inside it. Then you can make music that makes other people feel something."
Eva thought about this at night in bed. Outside the window, the moon shone and the stars shone. She could feel the bigness of the night and she was very small but also inside that bigness. She thought that might be what her mother was talking about. She wasn't the one who was important. She was inside everything that's important.
The author writes beautifully in a nuanced way. Readers will get to know each member of the family, including their cat and devoted dog. In my experience, life is full of small moments that don't seem significant at the time. Ms. Morse captures these small moments in a graceful, realistic way. She brought back parts of my own childhood that I had forgotten.
Historical events of the time period are introduced in a natural way. JFK's assassination, the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King's impact and the Vietnam War all come into play.
I had hesitated to read the story, due to my own father having dementia. I worried that the book might be too painful for me. Instead, I found a sensitive and realistic portrayal of Margreete. Her family tried to provide a safe harbor for her and she in turn, enriched their lives.
Here is a sample of Ms. Morse's writing. Liddie, a professional cellist, is talking to her young daughter Eva about music. Eva is a beginning pianist.
She said that Eva probably wouldn't understand until she was older but she would say it anyway. "Some people think that playing is all about themselves. They roar through a piece thinking, 'Look at me! Look how fast my fingers are going, listen to how much noise I'm making!' If you're thinking like that, you're not making music. You have to make yourself small enough to disappear inside it. Then you can make music that makes other people feel something."
Eva thought about this at night in bed. Outside the window, the moon shone and the stars shone. She could feel the bigness of the night and she was very small but also inside that bigness. She thought that might be what her mother was talking about. She wasn't the one who was important. She was inside everything that's important.
May 27, 2021
Margreete’s Harbor by Eleanor Morse tells the story of ten years in the life of a family. Margreete, an elderly woman with decreasing faculties, almost burns down her house by accident. She does not want to leave her home on the coast of Maine so it is up to her adult daughter Liddie to move her family from Michigan to Margreete’s home. Her husband Harry and children Eva and Bernie will have to adapt to an entire new life. From the fifties to the sixties, this family will face many problems. These are turbulent times but each person will grow close to Margreete as she becomes an important part of their lives. This is a story of ordinary, everyday life told in beautiful prose. It is a true pleasure to read Margreete’s Harbor. The author, Eleanor Morse, tells a simple story in an extraordinary way. This family drama is definitely worth a read. Highly recommended. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2021
This novel unfolds slowly and not a lot happens but I took my time and enjoyed it. In Maine, Margreete almost burns her house down so her adult daughter decides to move her family in to help. Liddie, a cellist, has to abandon her string ensemble, and her husband Henry has to find a new teaching job. They have several kids who grow up somewhat through the novel, which spans from 1955-1968, and touches on the political events of the time in small ways.
The book came out April 20th, and I had a copy from St. Martin's Press through Edelweiss.
I wanted to add a few examples of the writing but this is not from final copy:
"On his way out, he said, 'You know, you don't have to do what you're doing?'
'And what do you think I'm doing?'
'Making a habit of discontent.'"
"She felt sad for him, felt he deserved someone who loved him all the way. She did her best that night, but she was watching herself, the way people who return from the dead describe seeing their bodies laid out below."
"She said that Eva probably wouldn't understand one other thing until she was older but she would say it anyway. 'Some people think that playing is all about themselves. They roar through a piece thinking, Look at me! Look how fast my fingers are going, listen to how much noise I'm making! If you're thinking like that, you're not making music. You have to make yourself small enough to disappear inside it. Then you can make music that makes other people feel something."
"Music, for him, was entertainment, relaxation. For her, as she'd told him the other day, it was beyond necessary. How do you describe that feeling to someone who can't feel it for himself? It was like explaining the smell of the ocean."
"Eva found her teacher's playing accurate and pinched and sad. Why would you be a musician if it didn't make you happy?"
"It seemed Brahms had preferred longing to marriage. The state of longing is not something often celebrated, he thought, but look at the music it created."
"It's not safe to love. There's no way to make love safe. Every time you love someone, you risk losing them. But living in safety is no way to live."
The book came out April 20th, and I had a copy from St. Martin's Press through Edelweiss.
I wanted to add a few examples of the writing but this is not from final copy:
"On his way out, he said, 'You know, you don't have to do what you're doing?'
'And what do you think I'm doing?'
'Making a habit of discontent.'"
"She felt sad for him, felt he deserved someone who loved him all the way. She did her best that night, but she was watching herself, the way people who return from the dead describe seeing their bodies laid out below."
"She said that Eva probably wouldn't understand one other thing until she was older but she would say it anyway. 'Some people think that playing is all about themselves. They roar through a piece thinking, Look at me! Look how fast my fingers are going, listen to how much noise I'm making! If you're thinking like that, you're not making music. You have to make yourself small enough to disappear inside it. Then you can make music that makes other people feel something."
"Music, for him, was entertainment, relaxation. For her, as she'd told him the other day, it was beyond necessary. How do you describe that feeling to someone who can't feel it for himself? It was like explaining the smell of the ocean."
"Eva found her teacher's playing accurate and pinched and sad. Why would you be a musician if it didn't make you happy?"
"It seemed Brahms had preferred longing to marriage. The state of longing is not something often celebrated, he thought, but look at the music it created."
"It's not safe to love. There's no way to make love safe. Every time you love someone, you risk losing them. But living in safety is no way to live."
August 15, 2020
This is a beautifully crafted family drama that takes us back to America in the 50s and 60s. The catalyst is the growing senile behavior or Liddie’s mother, Margreete. Her deterioration brings Liddie and her family back to Maine from Michigan. This move sets the stage for the family saga, as it demonstrates the family values and trials of that time.
The children, Bernie, Eva and Gretchen are emblematic of this period of growing change and unrest. The family is influenced by the values of father, Harry and his social activism. I found this novel very authentic and reminiscent of the roots of protest and activism that are so timely now.
The only criticism of the book is that it left me wanting more! It is rare to feel such an attachment to characters that I’m hopeful that Morse will write another book that follows Liddie’s children into adulthood. Perhaps a trilogy? The characters are so well-drawn that I felt that I was part of their issues. Morse has captured the cultural birth of so many movements that are very timely today. I can think of dozens of questions for discussion with book groups. Personally, I can’t wait to engage in discourse and debate about the ongoing societal issues.
I highly recommend this novel, for its engaging writing and its incorporation of social history.
Thank you Netgalley for this extraordinary opportunity to read what I believe will be a BEST NOVEL of 2021.
The children, Bernie, Eva and Gretchen are emblematic of this period of growing change and unrest. The family is influenced by the values of father, Harry and his social activism. I found this novel very authentic and reminiscent of the roots of protest and activism that are so timely now.
The only criticism of the book is that it left me wanting more! It is rare to feel such an attachment to characters that I’m hopeful that Morse will write another book that follows Liddie’s children into adulthood. Perhaps a trilogy? The characters are so well-drawn that I felt that I was part of their issues. Morse has captured the cultural birth of so many movements that are very timely today. I can think of dozens of questions for discussion with book groups. Personally, I can’t wait to engage in discourse and debate about the ongoing societal issues.
I highly recommend this novel, for its engaging writing and its incorporation of social history.
Thank you Netgalley for this extraordinary opportunity to read what I believe will be a BEST NOVEL of 2021.
April 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about a family being pulled in all sorts of directions while still trying to stay connected.
“Words came from her mouth that she knew weren’t right the minute she said them, but the words she searched for fell down holes. She could see her blunders on the faces lifted to hers. The way strangers called her honey as though she was seven years old. The way they spoke loud to her as though she was deaf. She wasn’t deaf, she was haywire.” Margreete
I am always drawn to books that center around familial relationships. This book is all about them. There is the relationship between Margreete and her daughter Liddie as they maneuver through Margreete’s declining mental capacity and their roles reverse. There is the relationship between Liddy and her husband. With three children, a recent move and Margreete’s care, finding time to nurture their relationship proves difficult. Then there are the relationships that Liddie’s 3 children have with each other, their parents, their Grandmother and their peers. Each one has their own difficulties and growing pains.
Following 13 years in this family’s life through 1950-mid 1960, this is a book to savor- not rush through. If you love character-driven stories then you will love this one. The middle of the book gets just a little mucky and loses course, but be patient as it does come back around. The observations that the author provides throughout this book are heartbreaking, enlightening and brilliant. I am obsessed with gritty honest portrayals of the minutia in families and this book gave me exactly that. There was unrequited love, sickness, loneliness, regrets, political stances, unacknowledged feelings, death, grief, music and unapologetic love. I prefer an ending that wraps up some situations, but still leaves some unanswered – and therefore leaves room for the reader’s own predictions and takeaways, and that’s what I found.
“You have doubts, but don’t ever compare yourself. Do you understand what I’m saying? You are a dreamer. Many dreamers are like clouds blowing here and there. But you are a different kind. A fierce and determined one. It will be harder on you. Everything will be harder.” Eva’s piano teacher.
Final takeaway? I loved it! Definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for allowing me to read and review an advance copy.
“Words came from her mouth that she knew weren’t right the minute she said them, but the words she searched for fell down holes. She could see her blunders on the faces lifted to hers. The way strangers called her honey as though she was seven years old. The way they spoke loud to her as though she was deaf. She wasn’t deaf, she was haywire.” Margreete
I am always drawn to books that center around familial relationships. This book is all about them. There is the relationship between Margreete and her daughter Liddie as they maneuver through Margreete’s declining mental capacity and their roles reverse. There is the relationship between Liddy and her husband. With three children, a recent move and Margreete’s care, finding time to nurture their relationship proves difficult. Then there are the relationships that Liddie’s 3 children have with each other, their parents, their Grandmother and their peers. Each one has their own difficulties and growing pains.
Following 13 years in this family’s life through 1950-mid 1960, this is a book to savor- not rush through. If you love character-driven stories then you will love this one. The middle of the book gets just a little mucky and loses course, but be patient as it does come back around. The observations that the author provides throughout this book are heartbreaking, enlightening and brilliant. I am obsessed with gritty honest portrayals of the minutia in families and this book gave me exactly that. There was unrequited love, sickness, loneliness, regrets, political stances, unacknowledged feelings, death, grief, music and unapologetic love. I prefer an ending that wraps up some situations, but still leaves some unanswered – and therefore leaves room for the reader’s own predictions and takeaways, and that’s what I found.
“You have doubts, but don’t ever compare yourself. Do you understand what I’m saying? You are a dreamer. Many dreamers are like clouds blowing here and there. But you are a different kind. A fierce and determined one. It will be harder on you. Everything will be harder.” Eva’s piano teacher.
Final takeaway? I loved it! Definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for allowing me to read and review an advance copy.
Read
July 20, 2020I simply adored this book and hope it will become a classic of our times. Though it takes place during the 1950's and 60's it has a message that cannot be ignored. The simple, yet elegant writing style and the astute observations and actions of each character combined engage the reader fully. Each character could be someone we know; they are ordinary, yet each extraordinary in their approaches to life and situation.
Margreete herself is a vehicle for both humor and realism. How the family relates to and handles her descent into dementia is very touching.
Finally, this would be an excellent choice for a book club, particularly one with members of this generation. Highly recommended.
Margreete herself is a vehicle for both humor and realism. How the family relates to and handles her descent into dementia is very touching.
Finally, this would be an excellent choice for a book club, particularly one with members of this generation. Highly recommended.
January 26, 2022
This is my favorite type of book. It is adult fiction at its finest. This story takes place mostly in coastal Maine, and is about a family trying to cope with everyday life, over a 10 year period in the 50’s-60’s. This family is perfect in its imperfections, the marriage is better at some times than others, and the kids grow and evolve and life happens. It is poignant, comical, endearing, realistic, and at times, quite beautiful. The author writes so well. The words are almost set to music, at least to my ears. 🎵🎵
A really lovely book and I am sorry to see it end.
A really lovely book and I am sorry to see it end.
August 7, 2020
This novel is on par with every literary novel I've read over the past 40 years that has remained a part of me. Beautifully written with an obvious love and admiration for strong families, the story is a microscopic unzipping of a family at the end of the 1950's and the tumultuous 1960's on their entire family structure. The story takes place on the nature-battered coast of Maine, in the home of Margreete, the matriarchal grandmother who the story is built around, and each member of the family's relationship to and with her. The children are young when they move into their grandmother's home. We witness their growth, their insecurities, and the changing family dynamics that are impacted by the assassinations of President Kennedy and Martin Luther King and the Vietnam War on this loving family. I found nearly every sentence worthy of re-reading. I wish the book were being released now, as I'm going to talking about it until it's April release date!
May 4, 2021
After having read Margreete's Harbor I have had my heart broken and healed both.
I am a better person for having read it.
Full of realistic characters, you won't be able to put it down!
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I am a better person for having read it.
Full of realistic characters, you won't be able to put it down!
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 19, 2021
Oh my this is sad and has such low energy. She writes the individual's thoughts very well. But, and this is a big BUT- these people are very good intent people but don't seem bright or savvy or joyful or much of anything but morose and thoughtful. And absolutely Godless. Sad mounted on sad.
It's the exact period I remember well in another place. Being about 2 years older than Bernie here. Where is all the alcohol and partying adults? Honestly without tv or tech- or much of anything but radio- people had TONS more joy. Even those of us who had 94 year old Grandma's sitting crying on the stairs because it was storming out. (She was terrified of lightening from her childhood for good reasons.) I had to force myself to return to this book- my connections were just nil. Where were their Lone Ranger and Tonto (and YES Black kids had them too) outfits. Or their Davy Crocket hats. Even Red Rover is made into a negative experience. I would classify this book as closely bordering chick lit if not right there. You know the people but little else but some life motivations and it's all effusive cored.
People took care of old people then themselves. Families like mine still do. The reviews on this make it seem like this family is exceptional saints. No, it was absolutely norm. Special needs or whatever shape you were in- we all tended to live with it. Literally.
All in shared bedrooms too. Every family of 48 houses on my block did. Mindless or polio victims immobile or disabled or hearing deaf (she was my best friend for some years)- you name it. They weren't categorized either. Everybody watched out for their proclivities too.
This sounds outlier extreme or that I disliked the book. It's not meant to be that at all. I am just shocked at the ratings on this one. Stolid, morose and at times backwards as an ideal or font of high interest lesson or example. Especially upon the world events insertions and reactions. You should have been there when they were happening to you personally. Like getting your work or stores or own apartment building block burnt down. Or having to put your life and limb at risk just to get to your college class or second job. Often not making it. A couple times hospital trips instead without even telling your parents because then you wouldn't be able to continue with schooling.
This does not seem at all real time period to me after about the first quarter of the book, except for the young father's heart attack death. Especially because of how many veterans of war surrounded me my first 20 years- this is SO different in reactions. Grief was much more personal. And the veterans of every ability or not, they never spent hours brooding and insular as this period portrays occasional aftermath here. Bullet bras were more accurate aspects. And high-balls or Seven Sevens. Where is the "get to the Moon" spirit and inspiration?
Good Lord there had to be a place in Maine similar to this, I guess. But it wasn't on my Earth.
It's the exact period I remember well in another place. Being about 2 years older than Bernie here. Where is all the alcohol and partying adults? Honestly without tv or tech- or much of anything but radio- people had TONS more joy. Even those of us who had 94 year old Grandma's sitting crying on the stairs because it was storming out. (She was terrified of lightening from her childhood for good reasons.) I had to force myself to return to this book- my connections were just nil. Where were their Lone Ranger and Tonto (and YES Black kids had them too) outfits. Or their Davy Crocket hats. Even Red Rover is made into a negative experience. I would classify this book as closely bordering chick lit if not right there. You know the people but little else but some life motivations and it's all effusive cored.
People took care of old people then themselves. Families like mine still do. The reviews on this make it seem like this family is exceptional saints. No, it was absolutely norm. Special needs or whatever shape you were in- we all tended to live with it. Literally.
All in shared bedrooms too. Every family of 48 houses on my block did. Mindless or polio victims immobile or disabled or hearing deaf (she was my best friend for some years)- you name it. They weren't categorized either. Everybody watched out for their proclivities too.
This sounds outlier extreme or that I disliked the book. It's not meant to be that at all. I am just shocked at the ratings on this one. Stolid, morose and at times backwards as an ideal or font of high interest lesson or example. Especially upon the world events insertions and reactions. You should have been there when they were happening to you personally. Like getting your work or stores or own apartment building block burnt down. Or having to put your life and limb at risk just to get to your college class or second job. Often not making it. A couple times hospital trips instead without even telling your parents because then you wouldn't be able to continue with schooling.
This does not seem at all real time period to me after about the first quarter of the book, except for the young father's heart attack death. Especially because of how many veterans of war surrounded me my first 20 years- this is SO different in reactions. Grief was much more personal. And the veterans of every ability or not, they never spent hours brooding and insular as this period portrays occasional aftermath here. Bullet bras were more accurate aspects. And high-balls or Seven Sevens. Where is the "get to the Moon" spirit and inspiration?
Good Lord there had to be a place in Maine similar to this, I guess. But it wasn't on my Earth.
July 29, 2020
This is more a case study of a family than a book with a lot of action and plot. It starts out with an elderly woman, Margreete who lives in Maine, accidently setting her kitchen on fire which results in her daughter deciding to uproot her own family in Michigan to come to live with her. There are multiple viewpoints and struggles to adapt, but Margreete becomes a minor character.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
August 30, 2020
I really enjoyed the time period and the family that was placed in it. This era w
I think for me that this was a hard book for me to read. Why you ask?
I feel that dementia is a hard thing to address. While I might not have any experience in that area I can't imagine what it must be like for the families that do. My heart went out to Margareet and her family.
There were places in the book that I wanted to cry because it was so very sad. In many cases in this story I even snickered at some of the scenes.
I think the author has done an excellent job on this subject and has managed to bring it to life so us readers can get a glimpse of how families deal with this issue.
The characters in this beautiful story were well rounded out and I enjoyed in getting to know each character. Margareet especially. I thought she was a jem.
This book deserves 5 stars and more! I am looking forward to more from this author.
My thanks to Netgalley for a beautiful story. One that I highly recommend. This is one of a few books that I've read that wouldn't let me put it down until I was finished. It also left me thinking about the characters especially Margareet long after the story was finished.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
I think for me that this was a hard book for me to read. Why you ask?
I feel that dementia is a hard thing to address. While I might not have any experience in that area I can't imagine what it must be like for the families that do. My heart went out to Margareet and her family.
There were places in the book that I wanted to cry because it was so very sad. In many cases in this story I even snickered at some of the scenes.
I think the author has done an excellent job on this subject and has managed to bring it to life so us readers can get a glimpse of how families deal with this issue.
The characters in this beautiful story were well rounded out and I enjoyed in getting to know each character. Margareet especially. I thought she was a jem.
This book deserves 5 stars and more! I am looking forward to more from this author.
My thanks to Netgalley for a beautiful story. One that I highly recommend. This is one of a few books that I've read that wouldn't let me put it down until I was finished. It also left me thinking about the characters especially Margareet long after the story was finished.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaways
I loved this novel. It is such a heartbreakingly true picture of what a family is that I couldn't read much of it at a time as I savored each word. Eleanor Morse is a genius with words in this novel. Her descriptions of life in the 60's with all of that decade's tumult and divisions between people just made me think that we haven't changed all that much...sadly...
Margreete is an elderly woman suffering from dementia and living alone along the coast of Maine when she inadvertently burns her kitchen down. Her daughter, Liddie, comes from Michigan to assess the situation and makes the decision to move her husband and children in with her Mother. As the family grows from 2 children to 3 and Margreete's mind becomes more and more confused. the reader is part of the family because we "know" this family; perhaps our family is similar. Liddie's husband, Harry was a conscientious objector during WWII and watches with horror as the US battles in Korea and then Vietnam. Their oldest son Bernie is best friends with a black boy and understands implicitly that Noah will go to war and he will not have to to because he can go to college. Eva plays the piano as though she is a professional from the time she starts just like Liddie plays the cello. Gretchen is the baby of the family who just wants everything to stay the same.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Even though it is set in the 60's in Maine, you will see parts of your family in this book and maybe even get a little misty-eyed. It's just that wonderful.
I loved this novel. It is such a heartbreakingly true picture of what a family is that I couldn't read much of it at a time as I savored each word. Eleanor Morse is a genius with words in this novel. Her descriptions of life in the 60's with all of that decade's tumult and divisions between people just made me think that we haven't changed all that much...sadly...
Margreete is an elderly woman suffering from dementia and living alone along the coast of Maine when she inadvertently burns her kitchen down. Her daughter, Liddie, comes from Michigan to assess the situation and makes the decision to move her husband and children in with her Mother. As the family grows from 2 children to 3 and Margreete's mind becomes more and more confused. the reader is part of the family because we "know" this family; perhaps our family is similar. Liddie's husband, Harry was a conscientious objector during WWII and watches with horror as the US battles in Korea and then Vietnam. Their oldest son Bernie is best friends with a black boy and understands implicitly that Noah will go to war and he will not have to to because he can go to college. Eva plays the piano as though she is a professional from the time she starts just like Liddie plays the cello. Gretchen is the baby of the family who just wants everything to stay the same.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Even though it is set in the 60's in Maine, you will see parts of your family in this book and maybe even get a little misty-eyed. It's just that wonderful.
May 23, 2021
I'm abandoning this one at 60%.
If you want to read a great novel by this author, I recommend White Dog Fell From the Sky.
April 2, 2021
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the opening chapter if this book- after her mother nearly burns her house down, Liddie is faced with a non-choice- She has to pack up her family and move back home to care for her mother. Her mother Margreeth had always been fiercely independent and though no longer of sound mind, resents her, her husband and her children’s presence in her life. Several years ago, as my own mother was beginning to age, I was faced with a similar choice. I instantly recognized the stubbornness of Margreeth that seems to go hand to hand with old age.
As the family adjusts to their life in Maine, we learn more about them as people. Liddie, a professional cellist, music is her solace. Her husband Harry desperately trying to make the world a better place for his children and their children Bernie and Eva. Bernie smart, observant and awkward. Evie the middle child, a creative soul and baby Gretchen who’s tender heart feels all that is wrong with the world. Margreeth aware that she is slowly losing her mind, fierce, proud and trying to hold on desperately hanging on as long as she can to her independence.
It’s essentially a love story of a family. Tender, flawed people living with the choices they made, or didn’t make. The turbulent 1960s when it seemed that everything was wrong with the world, and this little family finds that all you have is each other.
I was hooked from the opening chapter if this book- after her mother nearly burns her house down, Liddie is faced with a non-choice- She has to pack up her family and move back home to care for her mother. Her mother Margreeth had always been fiercely independent and though no longer of sound mind, resents her, her husband and her children’s presence in her life. Several years ago, as my own mother was beginning to age, I was faced with a similar choice. I instantly recognized the stubbornness of Margreeth that seems to go hand to hand with old age.
As the family adjusts to their life in Maine, we learn more about them as people. Liddie, a professional cellist, music is her solace. Her husband Harry desperately trying to make the world a better place for his children and their children Bernie and Eva. Bernie smart, observant and awkward. Evie the middle child, a creative soul and baby Gretchen who’s tender heart feels all that is wrong with the world. Margreeth aware that she is slowly losing her mind, fierce, proud and trying to hold on desperately hanging on as long as she can to her independence.
It’s essentially a love story of a family. Tender, flawed people living with the choices they made, or didn’t make. The turbulent 1960s when it seemed that everything was wrong with the world, and this little family finds that all you have is each other.
November 13, 2020
This is an absolutely gorgeous story. It is so very real, so very anybody’s family, from the youngest daughter who is almost an afterthought to the grandmother with Alzheimer’s, these people are so relatable. Their lives are our lives.
The book explores sexuality, trust and sacrifice, war and ideologies. It examines family and loyalty in a deeply personal manner that is unique yet for each of us. With candor and the deepest insight, Eleanor Morse shows us how we live and that we are not alone.
Margreete’s Harbor is a passionate and profound love story about a family, and that family is us.
The book explores sexuality, trust and sacrifice, war and ideologies. It examines family and loyalty in a deeply personal manner that is unique yet for each of us. With candor and the deepest insight, Eleanor Morse shows us how we live and that we are not alone.
Margreete’s Harbor is a passionate and profound love story about a family, and that family is us.
April 18, 2021
MARGREETE'S HARBOR
BY ELEANOR MORSE
First off, I was a little bit annoyed when this beautifully written story about a wholesome family showed up on my dashboard so close to the archive date because I had to drop everything and read it immediately. I don't even remember requesting it--that's how long ago it took to arrive. I did really enjoy it anyway, so I am grateful to have read it. Basically this was one of those feel good stories about a wholesome family. That is not to say that the story didn't have its heartbreaking moments because it did. For those that loved this, I would like to recommend a historical novel that reminded me of this that I read and reviewed about a month ago. I feel that my review didn't do the book justice called, "IN ALL GOOD FAITH," written by Liza Nash Taylor. It is chock filled with warmth and lovable character's; Even the secondary character's are inherently full of goodness and while reading your brain gives off all of those happy chemicals. It is also family oriented and very interesting for its backdrop setting in the early 1930's after the stock market crash. I can guarantee that if you loved this one then you will feel all of the good feels without the heartbreak reading, "In All Good Faith." It doesn't publish until August of this year so there is plenty of time to read it at your leisure. It is very similar to "Margreet's Harbor," but without the sad parts. I only mentioned it because it reminded me of this one.
In "Margreet's Harbor," written by Eleanor Morse this is a story that takes place in the middle of the 1950's and also up until 1968, making it historical fiction for its time period. The political backdrop that is part of this novel is nostalgic for those of us that lived through the events. Those of us who are old enough to remember those kinder, simpler times can't help but feel a longing and wish things were still as simple compared to 2020 and the present day. Margreet is a lovable senior citizen who has been married three times, who lives alone in the very beginning of this story. She has two son's and one daughter and as the novel begins only two grandchildren, (that we know of). Margreet is suffering with Alzheimer's disease with some dementia. She is lucid sometimes but at the point of forgetfulness. One morning she starts cooking and then walks away to go upstairs and burns down her entire kitchen. She has the presence of mind to throw a pan filled with water to try to put out the fire as it roars towards the ceiling. She also has the presence of mind to run outside and drop and roll around in the snow to put out the fire that has caught onto herself. Lucky for Margreet, her neighbor calls the volunteer fire department and they arrive in time to put out the fire so that its only the kitchen that is destroyed and not her entire house.
After the fire is put out one of the firemen remain and rescues Margreet by offering to go upstairs to her bedroom and get her a change of clothing. The reason being so that she has something to wear so that she can change out of her nightgown and into clothing to wear during the day. She is very outspoken and tells the nice fireman who stayed behind that he is not to touch her underwear. He takes her out to breakfast to a nearby community diner and he buys her breakfast. The owner of the diner offers to make sure that Margreet has cooked meals supplied to her while her entire kitchen gets remodeled. That is what I meant by a kind and simpler time period. People were likely to help out one another in times of crises without expecting to be repaid. People looked out for each other.
As far as the setting is concerned, I don't believe that I have ever heard of a town called Burnt Harbor, Maine. Bath, Maine exists which is mentioned to be North of Portland which is accurate. Also, Bath Iron Works exists. I was wondering if Burnt Harbor, a peninsular that Margreet lives on was based from or borrowed from the actual Bar Harbor, Maine which is located far north from Bath, Maine. Bangor, Maine is also mentioned in this novel which is way up in Northern Maine. I was curious why the author used correct locations in Maine and deviated from actual locations only to make up a fictitious location where Margreet lives in. All other locations mentioned are real except for Burnt Harbor. It could exist but I have never heard of it. At any rate, all the other locations mentioned are real and exist today except for Burnt Harbor.
Margreet tells the fireman who takes her to breakfast that she must reluctantly call her only daughter, Liddie, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan to tell her about the accidental fire in Margreet's kitchen. Liddie is married to Harry and at this time they have two young children named Bernie and his younger sister Eva. Liddie receives the phone call from Margreet telling her the news about the loss of the kitchen due to the fire. Liddie offers to fly back to Maine for a short visit after Margreet turns Liddie's invitation for paying for Margreet's airfare to Michigan. Liddie tells Harry about the fire and he suggests putting Margreet in a nursing home. Liddie refuses to put Margreet in a nursing home and Margreet would never consent to it. She wants to remain in her own home and it is decided that Liddie, Harry, Bernie, Eva and their dog Fred will pack up their lives and move to Burnt Harbor into Margreet's home with her. The reason being is that Margreet can't safely remain living alone anymore. Since Margreet won't move to Michigan and Liddie is the only adult child that simply doesn't have the heart to go against her mother's wishes her own family will make the sacrifice to move in with Margreet so that she can live out the rest of her life on her own terms.
Liddie plays and teaches the Cello. Harry is a history teacher and they decide that the only option is to uproot their family and move to Maine. While they are all together in Maine, Harry and Liddie have a third child whom is another daughter that they name Gretchen. We as reader's get to live with this family and vicariously witness Liddie and Harry's problematic marriage. Liddie, while she is a caring and loving mother to her children and is kind and empathetic towards her mother, she is sort of cold towards her husband Harry. Harry is by no means perfect either. He is strongly against the Vietnam war and he makes his opinion about it very aggressively towards his students by acting inappropriately by bringing his viewpoints about the war by sharing graphic descriptions about it during class. He gets warned more than once by the high school Principal that he is on thin ice as far as his job goes. Harry strongly dislikes his boss and his job. He is warned that he is to keep his classroom curriculum strictly to what is printed in the textbooks and to keep his propaganda out of the classroom. There is some infidelity which didn't surprise me due to the problematic marriage.
Throughout the novel Harry is always kind to Margreet. I didn't like the smacking of the children. I thought that all three kids were good kid's and I was impressed how kind they all were towards Margreet and to the animals. Their dog Fred was such a lovable and protective pet and he was very much a main character. Eleanor Morse writes beautiful and stunning prose. She uses similes and metaphors throughout her nuanced writing to evoke vivid descriptions whether it is the atmospheric setting or her realistic dialogue. The characterization is brilliant and evocative and very believable. Her character's are all very reflective and that is what makes her narrative so unique and brilliant. I really enjoyed this very real rendering of this whole family's trials and tribulations. This is historical and literary fiction at its best. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this novel when it publishes in just two days from now. 5 Glorious stars!
Publication Date: April 20, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, Eleanor Morse and St. Martin's for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#Margreet'sHarbor #Eleanor Morse #StMartin's #NetGalley
BY ELEANOR MORSE
First off, I was a little bit annoyed when this beautifully written story about a wholesome family showed up on my dashboard so close to the archive date because I had to drop everything and read it immediately. I don't even remember requesting it--that's how long ago it took to arrive. I did really enjoy it anyway, so I am grateful to have read it. Basically this was one of those feel good stories about a wholesome family. That is not to say that the story didn't have its heartbreaking moments because it did. For those that loved this, I would like to recommend a historical novel that reminded me of this that I read and reviewed about a month ago. I feel that my review didn't do the book justice called, "IN ALL GOOD FAITH," written by Liza Nash Taylor. It is chock filled with warmth and lovable character's; Even the secondary character's are inherently full of goodness and while reading your brain gives off all of those happy chemicals. It is also family oriented and very interesting for its backdrop setting in the early 1930's after the stock market crash. I can guarantee that if you loved this one then you will feel all of the good feels without the heartbreak reading, "In All Good Faith." It doesn't publish until August of this year so there is plenty of time to read it at your leisure. It is very similar to "Margreet's Harbor," but without the sad parts. I only mentioned it because it reminded me of this one.
In "Margreet's Harbor," written by Eleanor Morse this is a story that takes place in the middle of the 1950's and also up until 1968, making it historical fiction for its time period. The political backdrop that is part of this novel is nostalgic for those of us that lived through the events. Those of us who are old enough to remember those kinder, simpler times can't help but feel a longing and wish things were still as simple compared to 2020 and the present day. Margreet is a lovable senior citizen who has been married three times, who lives alone in the very beginning of this story. She has two son's and one daughter and as the novel begins only two grandchildren, (that we know of). Margreet is suffering with Alzheimer's disease with some dementia. She is lucid sometimes but at the point of forgetfulness. One morning she starts cooking and then walks away to go upstairs and burns down her entire kitchen. She has the presence of mind to throw a pan filled with water to try to put out the fire as it roars towards the ceiling. She also has the presence of mind to run outside and drop and roll around in the snow to put out the fire that has caught onto herself. Lucky for Margreet, her neighbor calls the volunteer fire department and they arrive in time to put out the fire so that its only the kitchen that is destroyed and not her entire house.
After the fire is put out one of the firemen remain and rescues Margreet by offering to go upstairs to her bedroom and get her a change of clothing. The reason being so that she has something to wear so that she can change out of her nightgown and into clothing to wear during the day. She is very outspoken and tells the nice fireman who stayed behind that he is not to touch her underwear. He takes her out to breakfast to a nearby community diner and he buys her breakfast. The owner of the diner offers to make sure that Margreet has cooked meals supplied to her while her entire kitchen gets remodeled. That is what I meant by a kind and simpler time period. People were likely to help out one another in times of crises without expecting to be repaid. People looked out for each other.
As far as the setting is concerned, I don't believe that I have ever heard of a town called Burnt Harbor, Maine. Bath, Maine exists which is mentioned to be North of Portland which is accurate. Also, Bath Iron Works exists. I was wondering if Burnt Harbor, a peninsular that Margreet lives on was based from or borrowed from the actual Bar Harbor, Maine which is located far north from Bath, Maine. Bangor, Maine is also mentioned in this novel which is way up in Northern Maine. I was curious why the author used correct locations in Maine and deviated from actual locations only to make up a fictitious location where Margreet lives in. All other locations mentioned are real except for Burnt Harbor. It could exist but I have never heard of it. At any rate, all the other locations mentioned are real and exist today except for Burnt Harbor.
Margreet tells the fireman who takes her to breakfast that she must reluctantly call her only daughter, Liddie, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan to tell her about the accidental fire in Margreet's kitchen. Liddie is married to Harry and at this time they have two young children named Bernie and his younger sister Eva. Liddie receives the phone call from Margreet telling her the news about the loss of the kitchen due to the fire. Liddie offers to fly back to Maine for a short visit after Margreet turns Liddie's invitation for paying for Margreet's airfare to Michigan. Liddie tells Harry about the fire and he suggests putting Margreet in a nursing home. Liddie refuses to put Margreet in a nursing home and Margreet would never consent to it. She wants to remain in her own home and it is decided that Liddie, Harry, Bernie, Eva and their dog Fred will pack up their lives and move to Burnt Harbor into Margreet's home with her. The reason being is that Margreet can't safely remain living alone anymore. Since Margreet won't move to Michigan and Liddie is the only adult child that simply doesn't have the heart to go against her mother's wishes her own family will make the sacrifice to move in with Margreet so that she can live out the rest of her life on her own terms.
Liddie plays and teaches the Cello. Harry is a history teacher and they decide that the only option is to uproot their family and move to Maine. While they are all together in Maine, Harry and Liddie have a third child whom is another daughter that they name Gretchen. We as reader's get to live with this family and vicariously witness Liddie and Harry's problematic marriage. Liddie, while she is a caring and loving mother to her children and is kind and empathetic towards her mother, she is sort of cold towards her husband Harry. Harry is by no means perfect either. He is strongly against the Vietnam war and he makes his opinion about it very aggressively towards his students by acting inappropriately by bringing his viewpoints about the war by sharing graphic descriptions about it during class. He gets warned more than once by the high school Principal that he is on thin ice as far as his job goes. Harry strongly dislikes his boss and his job. He is warned that he is to keep his classroom curriculum strictly to what is printed in the textbooks and to keep his propaganda out of the classroom. There is some infidelity which didn't surprise me due to the problematic marriage.
Throughout the novel Harry is always kind to Margreet. I didn't like the smacking of the children. I thought that all three kids were good kid's and I was impressed how kind they all were towards Margreet and to the animals. Their dog Fred was such a lovable and protective pet and he was very much a main character. Eleanor Morse writes beautiful and stunning prose. She uses similes and metaphors throughout her nuanced writing to evoke vivid descriptions whether it is the atmospheric setting or her realistic dialogue. The characterization is brilliant and evocative and very believable. Her character's are all very reflective and that is what makes her narrative so unique and brilliant. I really enjoyed this very real rendering of this whole family's trials and tribulations. This is historical and literary fiction at its best. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this novel when it publishes in just two days from now. 5 Glorious stars!
Publication Date: April 20, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, Eleanor Morse and St. Martin's for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#Margreet'sHarbor #Eleanor Morse #StMartin's #NetGalley
February 24, 2025
A family gets the news so many of us dread, an older family member is no longer able to live by themselves and they do not want to go to an assisted living facility. The family sells their home and moves in with the grandmother. This covers the mid 1950's to 1968, a disruptive time and it is paired with an equally messy, complicated family life.
Note this is literary fiction that is character focused, not a fast pace page turner. Beautiful, lyrical prose.
Note this is literary fiction that is character focused, not a fast pace page turner. Beautiful, lyrical prose.
August 19, 2020
Margreete’s Harbor is a tender story of Margreete’s daughter and family trying to balance their lives with their children, while Margreete is slowly losing her grasp on reality.
Eleanor Morse drew me into the story and kept me enthralled and pulling for this family to the end of the book.
This would make a great Lifetime Movie!
Eleanor Morse drew me into the story and kept me enthralled and pulling for this family to the end of the book.
This would make a great Lifetime Movie!
April 27, 2021
A thoughtful and engaging story with wonderful characters that drew me in. The story spans a number of years, incorporating significant events of the times. The writing never felt forced, the story ebbed and flowed beautifully.
August 17, 2021
This was one of those novels that I just knew would become one of my all-time favorites. It touched my heart with its eloquence.
The characters were so authentically and vividly portrayed that I felt I knew them - and shared their lives.
The Maine setting added greatly to the narrative and is one I've come to appreciate. The eye-catching cover drew me in, and I'm so, so glad it did.
Many, many themes were covered within the pages of "Margreete's Harbor". Marital relationships, fidelity, dementia, parenting, hurt, homosexuality, what it means to be a family, and life - glorious, messy life. The book eloquently portrays the complicated intricacies of married life.
"You can't take bad things back. Not as a person. Not as a country. It becomes part of who you are."
Set from the mid 1950s to the late 1960s, in addition to being a narrative about a decent, complicated family, this book also incorporated some pivotal events in American history. The civil unrest in the South, racism, the Vietnam war and the draft, the assassination of President Kennedy, the speeches of Martin Luther King, etc.
I highly recommend this wonderful novel to those who enjoy well executed literary fiction that is character focused and includes more than a little history. A wonderful read!
The characters were so authentically and vividly portrayed that I felt I knew them - and shared their lives.
The Maine setting added greatly to the narrative and is one I've come to appreciate. The eye-catching cover drew me in, and I'm so, so glad it did.
Many, many themes were covered within the pages of "Margreete's Harbor". Marital relationships, fidelity, dementia, parenting, hurt, homosexuality, what it means to be a family, and life - glorious, messy life. The book eloquently portrays the complicated intricacies of married life.
"You can't take bad things back. Not as a person. Not as a country. It becomes part of who you are."
Set from the mid 1950s to the late 1960s, in addition to being a narrative about a decent, complicated family, this book also incorporated some pivotal events in American history. The civil unrest in the South, racism, the Vietnam war and the draft, the assassination of President Kennedy, the speeches of Martin Luther King, etc.
I highly recommend this wonderful novel to those who enjoy well executed literary fiction that is character focused and includes more than a little history. A wonderful read!
August 8, 2020
The setting is in Maine. The timeline is the 1960's at an unsettled period in history.
Margreete Bright's enitre family move into their mother's big, old home to assist her as her dementia progresses..
Margreete has come way to close to burning her home down, as well as often getting lost too many times.
Her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren are all moving in. It certainly will be a challenge!
Margreete is aware that she is not able to recall things easily and often is up all night searching for "things" not recalling what "things" she needs to find. She never wanted to forget her loved ones and prays that this will be over soon.
My very favorite analogy that Margreete relates to her forgetting is this: "Each time the waves pull back a little farther, they take a little more sand with them, grain by grain, until your feet are rocking."
This is a beautiful tale of love, heartache, and family for this family.
Margreete Bright's enitre family move into their mother's big, old home to assist her as her dementia progresses..
Margreete has come way to close to burning her home down, as well as often getting lost too many times.
Her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren are all moving in. It certainly will be a challenge!
Margreete is aware that she is not able to recall things easily and often is up all night searching for "things" not recalling what "things" she needs to find. She never wanted to forget her loved ones and prays that this will be over soon.
My very favorite analogy that Margreete relates to her forgetting is this: "Each time the waves pull back a little farther, they take a little more sand with them, grain by grain, until your feet are rocking."
This is a beautiful tale of love, heartache, and family for this family.
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