Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Watery Part of the World

Author: Michael Parker
Stars: 4
Review by: bd

A fictional account based on two true stories of  island
dwellers off the North Carolina coast in the 19th and 20th centuries. In
parallel narratives, we learn the story of Theodosia Burr (daughter of
recently exiled Vice President Aaron Burr) whose ship is attacked by
pirates and is left for dead on Nag's Head island. One hundred and fifty
years later, her two elderly descendants are among the last remaining
residents of the same North Carolina island. The writing is beautiful
and lyrical and once you are attuned to the local dialect, quite
immersing. I'm giving it four, rather than 5, stars, because I felt that
there were issues and plot points that the author should have resolved,
but overall it was an enjoyable and interesting read.

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