This book was a bit of a punt - it was on offer and, I am pleased to report, I have not been disappointed. The story centres around Adam and his family who are going about their normal routine - he writes, his wife is a doctor and their two daughters are still at school - when their lives are turned upside down by a phone call from the elder daughter's school reporting that there had been an "incident". This, it turns out, was when Mim stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. Now in hospital and undergoing tests, she is feeling okay again, and just wants to go home. As the test continue over days and weeks, she becomes increasingly truculent and bored. However, for Adam, the realisation that his bright, beautiful daughter could cease to be at any moment is earth shattering. He tries to distract himself with his work, researching the devastation wrought on the city of Coventry by bombing raids during World War II and the rebuilding of its Cathedral as a symbol of hope and fortitude. This story of renewal parallels what's happening in his own family, as they find a way to move forward despite the potentially life threatening condition that blights them. The Tidal Zone, by Sarah Moss is written with heart and may appear delicate, but it packs a punch about the important things in life. The characters are believable, although I did get irritated with the wife who seemed to be one step removed from the family at all times. The attention to detail within Adam's research was excellent and I found this element just as interesting as the "drama". Although I enjoyed the book while reading it, it hasn't really stayed with me as much as I was expecting it to. With one exception, it has left me with a real desire to go and visit Coventry Cathedral again - which is no bad thing as far as I'm concerned!
My STAR rating: THREE.
Length: 336 print pages.
Price I paid: £2.98.
Formats available: print, unabridged audio download, audio CD, ebook.
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