Body Surfing: A Novel

At the age of 29, Sydney has already experienced the pain of divorce and widowhood. Determined to rebuild her life, she has answered an advertisement to tutor the teenage daughter of a well-to-do couple during their summer stay in their oceanfront New Hampshire cottage. However, when the Edwards' two grown sons, Ben and Jeff, arrive at the beach house, Sydney finds herself entangled in a web of old tensions and bitter divisions. As the brothers compete for her affections, the fragile existence she has painstakingly rebuilt is suddenly threatened.

With her signature subtlety of wit, lyrical language, and profound insight into the human heart, Shreve weaves a captivating novel about the complexities of marriage, family, and the immense courage required to love. The author, hailed as "an author at one with her métier" by the Miami Herald, masterfully navigates the emotional landscape of Sydney's journey, as she attempts to find solace and a new path forward amidst the tumultuous dynamics that unfold around her.

As the summer unfolds, Sydney is forced to confront her own past, as well as the intricate relationships and unresolved conflicts that simmer beneath the surface of the Edwards family. The arrival of Ben and Jeff disrupts the delicate balance she has sought to create, and she finds herself caught in the middle of their longstanding rivalry and resentments.

Through lyrical prose and insightful characterization, Shreve explores the universal themes of love, loss, and the profound resilience of the human spirit. Sydney's story becomes a testament to the strength and vulnerability that coexist within us all, as she navigates the treacherous waters of personal redemption and the pursuit of happiness.

Ultimately, Shreve's novel is a poignant exploration of the courage it takes to open one's heart, even in the face of past heartbreak and the complexities of familial dynamics. With her characteristic depth and empathy, the author invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of love, in all its forms.

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