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"The Watery Part of the World", by Michael Parker
Published by Algonquin Press of Chapel Hill
Wow! This is a beautifully written tale based on a little known historical event that took place one hundred years ago. Theo, the daughter of an important US politician and wife of the govenor was traveling to NY from Charleston, when her ship was attacked by thieves. Only Theo's life was spared, she was brought to a small Outer Banks island, where she is looked after by Whaley, one with a mysterious past. Thanks to Theo's own vanity, she and Whaley had to escape the murderous Daniels. Theo, almost mauled to death in the process and Whaley travel to an isolated island, Yaupon - where the two create a new life together.
The chapters weave in Theo's experience with her ancestors a century later - two old sisters and an older African American couple. The contrasts of the characters in the different times is complicated with the issues of vanity, slavery, love, change, death and secrets. Whaley and Maggie somehow mirror their ancestor Theo.
I give the book a thumbs up. It is a very quick read, there is depth and complexity. This is a perfect book club book. Margot Farris
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