BETWEEN THE TIDES by Patti Callahan Henry
There is a new voice rising out of the South and it belongs to Patti Callahan Henry. This Atlanta resident has now published her fourth book, BETWEEN THE TIDES, and it is a rich, enthralling story of today's world mixed with yesterday's memories. Some writers are at their best when creating characters; others specialize in deft plots; and others are most at ease when crafting beautiful words and phrases. Our girl Patti does all three!
In BETWEEN THE TIDES Henry tells the story of Catherine "Caddy" Leary, a young woman who lives in the foothill area of South Carolina but whose past is tied to the low country of that wonderful state. Caddy lived in Seaboro, South Carolina up till the time she was twelve years old. Then a tragedy occurred and her family took her away from her home and her friends.
Now eighteen years later her father has died and she is compelled by his last wishes to take his ashes back to that hallowed place. She is accompanied on this trip to the past by Forrest Anderson, her father's protegee and a man who has loved Caddy for years. Caddy rejected Forrest and told him things could never work between them, but between the tides of the past and the present love may stand a chance.
Henry's story is a tragic one but also one of hope. As Caddy learns the lessons of forgiveness of oneself and of others, the readers can grow from her views. These are moments of insight that are almost painful to read but they all figure into the overall tone of the story and the wonderment it provides.
A love story figures prominently into the plot of the book but it is not necessarily the love story you expect. It is a love story for a place and a time that Caddy feels she can never recapture. This bittersweet nostalgia becomes the cornerstone of Patti Callahan Henry's book and the true essence that remains at the end.
One of the markings of Henry's talent is the way she bookends her story making it totally complete. You will see how brilliantly she does this once you reach the end of the pages, but in between are all kinds of written treats. There is humor, heartache, friendship and warmth.
In her first three novels Henry showed a distinct talent that was beginning to emerge. With BETWEEN THE TIDES this talent reaches full fruition. It is her best book to date and provides a marker against which her future stories will be measured.
If you are seeking a beach book, a family conflict story, or a sentimental southern tale - well this book fills all three requirements and more. It will entertain, educate, confound and amaze you in more ways than one. Read it once for the sheer enjoyment and then read it again for the important memories it produces.
BETWEEN THE TIDES is published by New American Library. It contains 352 pages and sells for $14.00.