Beyond the Bright Sea

I recently read Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk with a book club. We all loved it so much that one of my friends decided to read all of Wolk’s books – and pass them on to me. (Thank you Jan! See also Echo Mountain.)

Beyond the Bright Sea tells the story of Crow, a young girl content with her mysterious past, her guardian, Osh, and their neighbor across the sandbar, Miss Maggie. No one else on the island will talk with Crow, but she doesn’t care.

Then one night, she sees a fire across the water on an uninhabited island. Crow wants to investigate. Osh discourages it – but eventually he and Miss Maggie agree to go with Crow to that island.

That visit raises more questions, forces Osh to reveal information about Crow’s past and sets Crow on a path that is dangerous to her, Osh and Miss Maggie.

Wolk is an excellent author. I find her writing, characters and settings haunting, intriguing, and thought-provoking. Beyond the Bright Sea does not disappoint.

Highly recommended for ages 8 and up.