Inspired by the author's story of her husband's disappearance and the year that followed, this novel promises depth and intrigue. Sadly, I found neither. Sarah and her artist husband have a young daughter and are three months into a trial separation. He travels to Florida to get some space and never returns, the friend he is staying with reports him missing. Sarah works for a women's magazine, and the story alternates between her work life, home life with daugther Eliza, and search for answers about her husband. I have no doubt that it was cathartic to write about this experience, but it isn't a story that stays with the reader.
I recommend this book because it was a solid light read. It has more oomph than chick lit, but is not a struggle to finish. So as long as you don't believe the inside flap, you're good.
Unfortunately, I don't think that was the author's intention. For more on her story, or the book, or both:
http://www.redbookmag.com/love/1007-waiting-to-surface?link=rel&dom=wmd&src=syn&con=art&mag=rbk
and from the literary mama blog:
http://www.literarymama.com/interact/blog/archives/001880.html
The End.
I feel some guilt that I just didn't enjoy this book... weak writing was part of it. I wanted to like it, and I wanted to share her drama and catharsis. Several parts didn't ring true for me though.
Well, that and the fact that I felt like it had already been done, better in fact, in the Pilot's Wife, personal experiences of the author aside.
Posted by: jill | February 07, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I ran across your blog from the SIS message board and I really like reading it especially because I absolutely LOVE to read!! I'm going to request Waiting to Surface! Looks like a good read.
Staci
Posted by: stacijo | February 08, 2008 at 09:27 PM