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Summary: I collect Sea Glass too
Review: This is a quiet book, with no great surprises. The plot is a bit thin but the characters are enchanting. It is told from the point of view of many of the characters involved. It is a bit "choppy" at times but it works. I didn't like Sexton from the beginning but I have a low tolerance for "salesmen" anyway. An enjoyable, relaxing read.
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Summary: Strong Characters, Great Story
Review: Sea Glass is Anita Shreve at her best, creating strong, intriguing characters that make the story come alive. I thoroughly enjoyed Sea Glass. Reminiscent of Shade of the Maple by Kirk Martin in the sense that you experience what the characters feel and are caught up in a great story.
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Summary: Sea, sand, love and strikes.
Review: "SEA GLASS" is set against the violent background of the picket line, as the workers of the mill, in the fictional town of Ely Falls go on strike. The start of the book sees the two main characters,Honora and Sexton (although the story line is shared with McDermont, Alphonse and Vivian - who, to my mind, was the most interesting) on their wedding day, moving into their house. The house, too provides interest for anyone who has previously read, The "Piolt's Wife", and "Fortunes Rocks" as it is the same house. Things start to go wrong when Sexton loses his job as a salesman and is forced to work in the Mill. Although Sea Glass is primarily a love story, The author depicts the harsh living conditions, inflicted upon the workers both before and during the strike. Although I did not get quite so emotionally involved in either the story or the characters, as presented in the novel, "Fortunes Rock", I did find that when the story really kicked in towards the last third of the book, I was rapdily turning the pages. The theme of sea glass (which is collected by Honara) continues throughout the book, adding an extra dimension not just to the story, but for the reader as well.
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Summary: this is not Shreve's best
Review: I have enjoyed many of Anita's books. This one, however, did not keep me interested. I looked forward to it with much excitement and it failed to deliver. Sorry.
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Summary: Another Wonderful Story
Review: Anita Shreve once again treats us to well-developed,intriguing characters and a beautifully orchestrated story. Reminiscent of the qualities that make Shade of the Maple by Kirk Martin so amazing as well. Both are well worth the time.
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Summary: Her WORST book to date!
Review: I fell in love with Shreve's books after reading "The Pilot's Wife." I went on to read others, all of which I enjoyed. However, when I read "The Last Time They Met," I began to doubt my devotion to her novels. And now, upon completion of "Sea Glass," I feel certain that I will never pick up another of her books again. I did not like how she switched back and forth between the characters -- most of whom were completely not interesting. Honora and Vivian were remotely "real" and intriguing, but the men were very flat and boring. In fact, I found myself skimming through the last 150 pages just to make it to the agonizing end. I kept thinking that it would get better, but I was wrong. The "massacre" at the end did perk up the action a bit, but only to end with her typical sad ending. I advise all former Shreve fans to abandon her and look for entertainment elsewhere!
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Summary: Should have boarded up the place for good
Review: As an admirer of Anita Shreve's previous books, I couldn't wait to read her latest. While the first several chapters were strong, the story just fell apart. Fortune's Rock was great from start to finish. While I'm not looking for over developed characters, these characters just lacked depth and so did the story. Maybe it's time for Ms. Shreve to find a new locale, or this reader had better find a new author.
Rating: 
Summary: Hated for this book to end!
Review: I've been hooked on Anita Shreve since I read the Pilot's Wife and ordered Sea Glass as soon as it was available. As the mother of infant twins, I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands to read, but I made time for this book! Shreve has a way of making her characters extremely relatable. In this case, I identified with Honora, the central character, who is a young newlywed. I could also find bits of myself in her outspoken, weathly and sophisticated friend Vivian. Sea Glass moves along quickly and I've been missing it ever since I reached the end.
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Summary: Walk through History
Review: Having read most of Shreve's works, this was one of my favorites. The main character of this story, rightfully named Honora, is a woman of class, demeanor and integrity. As always Shreve builds believable, strong characters who deal with a spectrum of human emotions and experiences. This story is told through the eyes of five people, ranging in ages, classes and motives. Some are likeable, some not, all are inextricably linked by the trying times of the Great Depression. This is a quiet story of love, loss and of life's simple pleasures. Sea Glass is weaved throughout the story in a fascinating, intricate way. For sea glass holds history and depth to its simple colors and the ways it captures the light. This is the story of how five different people see and experience the same time -- much like sea glass can be seen in so many different ways depending on how you look at it. The two women in this story are so different, yet so likeable and they show how in a time of depression, the most unlikely of people are drawn to each other. This is a deep, well crafted novel that is highly recommended.
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Summary: She has don it again
Review: I'm a fan of Anita Shreve, I've enjoyed all of her books. She always leave you with a haunting ending, one you'd least expect. If you liked the rest of her books you love this one!
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