Cover Image: The Sea Gate

The Sea Gate

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Member Reviews

I was sent a copy of The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson to read and review by NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this novel. An intriguing story moving between the present day and the 1940s. With a great cast of characters and a beautiful setting, it is a book about memories and secrets. It was very nicely written, although I did have one or two niggles – one being the fact that the author mentioned a Badgers holt…. Badgers have setts – Otters live in holts! Also, there were a few too many archaic words for my liking, which I didn’t think would have been used even back in the 1940s - perhaps the author was trying a bit too hard? Anyway, this was the only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 and I am happy to recommend it as a really good read.

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The Sea Gate is a superbly written story that follows the life of Becky, who suddenly finds herself headed to Cornwall. She must go to the aid of her hospital bound Aunt Olivia to help her save her home, Chynalls, a gorgeous but old and crumbling house that must be made habitable again, if Aunt Olivia is ever going to return there. During her time at Chynalls Becky will come to understand what really matters to her, and maybe even shed some of her demons.

I could comfortably relate to the two protagonists Becky, narrating in the present and Olivia, in the past. Both of these characters were richly portrayed by Jane Johnson and each had lively, vivid personalities. I was quickly absorbed into the narrative, and I particularly appreciated the parts of the story detailing the mystery surrounding the house itself. The author's descriptive writing delightfully encapsulates the beauty and wildness of the locale, transporting the reader to a wonderfully idyllic setting. This was a poignant and thought provoking read that encompassed themes of injustice and prejudice in a quiet, unassuming way. Once I'd started reading I couldn't put this evocative tale down and I was never certain where Jane Johnson was going to take me next. The author wraps things up beautifully in a fulfilling and satisfying conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Head of Zeus via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

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I was first introduced to the writing of Jane Johnson when I read her book Court of Lions. That book’s setting (Granada) was a little different from the Cornwall of The Sea Gate but the two novels share similarities. For example, they both feature the interweaving of past and present story lines and a plot involving hidden secrets.

I recall finding the storyline of Court of Lions set in the present day slightly less engaging than that set in the past, although to be fair that was largely because the latter was so powerful. However, in The Sea Gate I had no such difficulty as the author gives the reader equally compelling stories and sympathetic characters in both time periods.

The Olivia the reader encounters in the present day initially appears a rather irascible and difficult old lady. However, as Becky soon discovers, she’s incredibly spirited and tougher than she seems. “There’s still so much fire in her, so much character, a sort of fierce, frail heroism. I wish I’d known Olivia when she was younger.” The reader is granted Becky’s wish as the story moves back to 1943 and Olivia’s wartime childhood at Chynalls. With her mother away in London and her father serving abroad, Olivia is left largely to fend for herself. Her life is changed through a chance meeting brought about, as she puts it, by “misunderstanding and xenophobia”. Despite being the “epitome of difference”, she and the other character form an unbreakable bond and a chain of events is set in motion that will have far-reaching consequences.

Becky’s discovery of the letter from Olivia in her mother’s belongings, gives her just the project she needs to distract her from recent events in her life, doubts about her relationship with partner Eddy, and worries about the future. She decides, “It’s time to take some responsibility for a change, to try to do some good in the world, to help my elderly cousin as I was never able to help my own mother.” The fact Olivia lives amid the glorious landscape of Cornwall helps Becky’s decision too. “Sea and sky fuse at the distant horizon. Spangles of light glitter like spilled treasure, undulating with the rolling of the waves… This is the Cornwall I have always imagined. The sense of wildness and isolation, of fairy tale and possibility.”

I particularly liked the way Becky’s renovation of Chynalls mirrors her own psychological and physical “renovation”. It was truly heart-warming to witness her growing self-confidence, independence of spirit and the reawakening of her creativity. As Becky admits herself, “Fear has trapped me, rendered me immobile and powerless…fear of everything, really. I’d forgotten I even had wings, let alone how to use them.” Becky’s inner strength doesn’t escape Olivia’s observant eyes though, recognising in Becky “That family gumption. The never-give-up look.” The nature of Becky’s gumption will become evident in the most satisfying way later in the book.

Alongside supervising the renovation of Chynalls by brothers, Mo and Reda, Becky becomes curious to find out more about Olivia’s past. Sorting through old letters and photograph albums, she concludes, “Cousin Olivia is, like Chynalls, stuffed with secrets, and I feel compelled to find out what I can.” What is the meaning of the symbols carved on the sea gate, for instance, or the identity of the artist whose paintings line the walls? Deliciously for the reader, Becky starts to feel “Little mysteries surround me, deliberately withholding themselves, trembling on the edge of revelation.”

I mentioned earlier the subtle connections between the stories of Olivia and Becky. These only increase as the book progresses. Echoes upon echoes, if you like. For example, both Olivia and Becky find themselves in need of guardian angels to protect them from those who would take advantage of them. And I must give a special mention to something else Olivia and Becky share – the gloriously foul-mouthed parrot, Gabriel, to whom it’s definitely worth paying attention.

In the second half of the book, as Becky gets closer to discovering the secret hidden for so long, the pace accelerates, the tension really ratchets up and there are moments of melodrama. The creaks of an old house, the sudden striking of a grandfather clock that has up until then been silent and a thunderstorm are just some of the ingredients that help to create a distinctly spine-tingling atmosphere. For Becky, “The house is full of secrets, and sometimes they come out and whisper together in the night.” However, secrets have a way of not remaining hidden and reading a book such as The Sea Gate wouldn’t be half so satisfying if they did, would it? Never fear, there’s a lot to be discovered before the full picture is revealed.

The Sea Gate is a skilfully crafted dual time story about two women from different generations who are nevertheless bound together by shared experiences and by a cliff-top house that has carefully guarded a shocking secret for decades.

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I have to start with a mention of the book cover. It gives off a sense of atmospheric moody, mystery Cornwall. Not forgetting a secret or two in the salty air.

The Sea Gate centres around the characters of Becky and Olivia. Becky is drawn to Cornwall to her late mum’s elderly cousin Olivia. Olivia is in hospital and can’t come home until her run-down house is brought up to scratch. This is Becky’s job to organise, which I think is her opportunity to escape her present life. But the house holds many secrets.

The book flits between different times – present day and Olivia’s life when she was a 16 year old girl during World War II. It’s interesting reading seeing what Olivia had to go through back then.

I have really enjoyed reading The Sea Gate, and have therefore gave it 4 out of 5 stars. It would have been 5 stars for me, but it did start off a little slow paced. I will definitely be on the look out for further novels by Jane Johnson as I do like her writing style.

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I love to discover new authors and Jane Johnson is definitely a new author for me. I read the synopsis for 'The Sea Gate' and it sounded like just my kind of read- a historical drama with twists and turns throughout the book. Well it was all that and more. I did really enjoy reading 'The Sea Gate' but more about that in a bit.
When I read the synopsis, the fact that family history came into the story really did appeal to me. I am currently researching my own family tree and I have uncovered secrets and lies in my own tree that had been covered up until now that is. I liked the idea of Becky going to visit her elderly cousin in Cornwall and helping to restore the cousin's home to its former glory. Whilst Becky is doing this she uncovers more secrets, which really did strike a chord with me.
It took me a little while to get into this book but that has more to do with the fact that I was tired and my back was killing me when I started to read the book and cannot be taken as a criticism of the book itself. Once I got into the book then that was it, I was away. This wasn't a book that I could read over the space of a single day but I did manage to binge read the book over the course of a few days. Whilst I was reading the story, I would become so immersed in the story that I would lose track of time and also lose track of how quickly the pages were turning. It wasn't unheard of for me to read for a couple of hours at a time. I loved the story and I found the characters very interesting.
'The Sea Gate' is really well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into the story. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Through Jane's very vivid and realistic descriptions, I did feel as though I was part of the story myself. Jane writes beautifully. I felt myself become caught up in the emotion of the story. Everything that the characters went through I went through.
In short, I really did enjoy reading 'The Sea Gate' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Jane's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

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What a beautiful book it was, such a joy to read. It didn´t take long to finish it, because I was so immersed in the story and all the secrets of an old house, that everytime I picked up this book, I lost sense of time. No wonder I gave it ♥♥♥♥.

This book written in a two time lines. One is in present day and the other in a Second World War days. Like often happens to me, so was this time also, I loved Olivias story more, than what was happening with Rebecca. I guess, I jus was more intrigued with Olivia, because of her character and how strong - willed she was. Even in present time she haven´t lost her spark. I wish to be at least a little bit as feisty as she is.

Talking about Rebecca, I loved how she evolved through out the book. She reminded me of a butterfly, who spreads it´s wings and can finally fly. This book shows how one person can take over your life and be so toxic to you, that finally you loose your self esteem and your courage. I´m glad Rebecca, had a chance to change her life.

The third character, who made me smile and even laugh at times, was Olivias parrot. But I won´t tell much about it, you should read a book and see for yourself, how funny it is.

The story was well written and had some plot twists, that I didn´t expect at all, and that made me to like this book even more.

All in all, this book was cozy, heartwarming and thrilling. I hope you give it a chance and read it. And I will definitely check out other Jane Johnson books

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Set in Cornwall. Becky is sorting through her mothers flat after her death. She finds a letter from her mothers cousin Olivia, asking her to come to Cornwall. Becky decides to go and breaking the news about her mothers passing in person. She's also hoping she can take her mothers place by helping Olivia. The house in Cornwall needs a lot of repair. We learn of when Olivia was a young woman, the hardships endured, buried secrets and a parrot.

This story has a dual timeline that covers the present day and WWII. It's told by multiple points of view. A story of family dynamics, mystery, secrets and love lost and found. There's lots of detailed of descriptions of Cornwall and the people who live there. The characters are complex. The parrot was my favourite.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Head Of Zeus and the author Jane Johnson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Life in the contemporary world seems tawdry and insignificant in the wake of the secrets and tribulations faced by young Olivia in WW2. This dual timeline story follows Rebecca in the present day as she attempts to make Oliva's crumbling but magnificent old house habitable for her.

The secrets Rebecca discovers gives an authentic insight into WW2 society and issues of abuse and racism. There is forbidden love, intriguing mystery and a lovely multigenerational relationship between Rebecca and Olivia. The setting is dramatic and complements the revelations perfectly.

Gently paced this atmospheric story engages and holds the reader, as they lose themselves in another time.

I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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It took a little while to warm up for me, but suddenly the story picks up momentum and the reader is drawn into the seascape of Cornwall, and the adventure begins!
This is a book where the dual time lines are plotted to beguile the reader into a thirst for discovery! It’s a story of secrets, family, love, resilience and a secret tunnel!
Enjoyed it and would recommend.

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My rating:

Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical fiction
General fiction

Review: A beautifully written story set in magical Cornwall, the landscape and it surrounds are described in great detail and the writing is very vivid. As the book is written over two timelines it takes you on a journey through both past and present while it tells the story of the main two characters. Both characters are strong women each in their own way, each of their personalities and actions are described in great detail which made them realistic.

Overall this story is very captivating with the right amount of suspense, mystery and intrigue. Before you know it you are transported to a different time and place. The characters have interesting personalities and feel realistic. . I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it.

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The Sea Gate is a beautifully written novel set in Cornwall during the present day, and the Second World War. I found the start of the book to be quite slow, but I am so glad I persevered as I found it to be thoroughly engrossing.
Becky travels to Cornwall after reading a letter from her mother’s elderly cousin asking for help. Upon arrival she finds that Olivia has been hospitalised with a broken leg, and it is now her duty to make Olivia’s home safe for her to return to. As Becky builds a relationship with this difficult old woman, we learn about Olivia’s adventures as a 16 year old during the war. The book covers difficult topics during this era such as child abuse, neglect and racism in such a sensitive way, that it allows the reader to feel the anger, frustration and love felt by Olivia.
This book created a pendulum of emotions for me as the reader, and I found the story and characters to be believable and captivating.

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Becky is broken hearted after the unexpected death of her mother. As she’s cleaning out her mum’s apartment she comes across a letter from her mother’s cousin Olivia, begging for help in saving her beloved home. Becky travels to Cornwall to help her aunt only to discover that Olivia is in the hospital and that the house, Chrysalis, is in danger of collapsing into a heap. Determined to help Olivia, Becky gets to work, and in doing so, uncovers the elderly woman’s fascinating past and her life during the Second World War. Johnson is a consummate story teller, whenever I read her books I am transported to another place and time. I was once late for work because I was so caught up in one of her books!

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Rebecca has lost her mother, her boyfriend is missing in action and she feels completely lost and unable to cope. She finds a letter written to her mother by Aunt Olivia. She barely remembers the woman, but the letter is a plea for help. Olivia lives in Cornwall and she is in the hospital. She will be unable to return to her home unless a massive amount of work is done to make it fit for her.

Rebecca decides she will travel to Cornwall and find out what she might do to help.

The reader is taken back to the time of the final years of World War II, when Olivia is a young girl. At the same time, in the present, Rebecca is trying to figure out how to do repairs and updates to a home which does not have an indoor toilet.

There is no toilet, but there is a resident parrot who has a vivid imagination, a strong thought process as well as a vocabulary which would make a sailor blush.

The parrot was my favorite character.

It was difficult for me to get into this book.

I was not excited by either Rebecca or Olivia. They each felt as though they were just out of reach for me. Neither one of them were someone I wanted to get to know in depth.

I can handle a book which moves from one era to another. But, this book seemed to do it just out of reach for me to get into the rhythm of the story.

This is a story filled with descriptions of everything in sight. But, I felt that things were slipping away from me because of a lack of in depth explanations.

The atmosphere and feeling for Cornwall was terrific. It was complete and provided the feeling of the warm sun and the salt air on the skin.

But, I could not feel warmth from either of the main characters.

There were secondary characters. Most of them were less than attractive. They did add texture to the story. I did not want to spend time with many of these unlikable characters. But, they provided some of the history and understanding for me.

This is my first book by Ms Johnson. It is evident she has a talent for writing. She creates a very complete sense of place and time.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

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Becky is dealing with the sad task of sorting through her Mothers flat following her death. She finds a letter from her Mothers cousin Olivia asking her Mum to come to Cornwall to help her. Becky decides to go, break the sad news to cousin Olivia and take her Mothers place in helping her. Becky's decision is life-changing.
In Cornwall, she is dealing with a house in need of much repair, not one but two women, decades of buried secrets and a parrot! We are transported back to a time during the war when Olivia was a young woman. The hardships she endured, life through a very different lens. Along with Olivia's secrets, Becky also has her own to contend with here in the present.  She has had a hard time, her own relationship with the elusive Eddie is questionable, to say the least. Cornwall provides a backdrop for reflection, time to ponder her future.
This was a really enjoyable read, with a lovely outcome for both Becky and her cousin Olivia.

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The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson is Historical Fiction with romance, mystery and thrills. It is told in two time periods 1940’s and modern day Cornwall with detailed descriptions of the place, time and people. The characters are complex and some have behaviors that are difficult to understand until the end of the book. I especially loved the Parrot. I am always captivated by each new book by Johnson and Sea Gate is exceptional.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

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This was a great book and this is a debut novel so I can't wait for Jane's next book. I really enjoyed the way it spanned the generations with so much detail. The characters were very believable with the wonderful backdrop of a little cove in Cornwall. Would thoroughly recommend.

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I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for asking me to read and review.
This story was a wonderful read.
It is well written with some characters that are well rounded and as a reader you feel you are right there with them and feel the emotions that they are going through. The plot draws you in, keeping you wanting more and turning those pages.
A brilliant, addictive read.

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A good debut but can tell author will improve. Slow start but then very good! Have to stick with this one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher

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I always like to challenge myself with new authors, it can be too easy to get into the habit of sticking to the same all the time and eventually they can have a tendency to merge into one big story. 

The premise for this book intrigued me and still does now, long after I have finished it. 

Rebecca along with her brother is sorting through her recently deceased mother's possessions. Rebecca stumbles across some letters from an elderly cousin, Olivia in Cornwall. Feeling rather bereft at the death of her mother and the worry of her own health, Rebecca takes herself off to Cornwall. 

Olivia's letters tell of her desperation to save her home Chynalls. Olivia is in hospital after a fall, the circumstances are all a bit sketchy and she will not be discharged unless the house is brought up to a good standard. 

There lies Rebecca's first problem. Add to that the lack of money, the foul mouthed parrot and the discovery of what looks to be a finger in the cellar and Rebecca finds herself caught up in Olivia's mysterious life. 

As Rebecca starts to rebuild the house, which she sees as her mother's dying wish, but she stats to rebuild herself and rebuild the life of Olivia. The book use the dual time narrative to show what Olivia was like as a young girl during the Second World War and what life was like and why perhaps events of the present day were all tied up with the long held secrets of the past. 

This book starts slowly, perhaps too slowly, but perseverance with the plot and the characters sees a story develop from the house and the page. This was an intriguing read and I was swept away with the plot and the unlikeability of some of the characters and of course the wonderful setting of Cornwall which added it's own unique charm to the story. 

A book to sweep you away into the past from the present.

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Very much enjoyed this book. Set on a quiet cove area in Cornwall, partly in current day and partly during the war. It was a good well-thought out story and well worth reading. There were some very interesting characters in the story and it held my attention well.

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