Freeman's writing is spare and gorgeous, she uncovers the story bit by bit, all the while the reader is drawn in by the language. The main character, Mara has suffered trauma and nothing she does matters to her as she has nothing left to lose.There is such a feeling of being interstitial or liminal, such a haunting and compelling read.

Suffering from a personal trauma Mara leaves her home in search of healing in a small seaside town. As the summer season closes and the hostel where Mara is stay is closing she finds herself homeless and with little money. Mara finds a job at the local wine shop where she meets Simon the store’s manager. The position is temporary until Simon’s wife returns. As time passes Mara and Simon guardedly become closer. The significant events of Mara’s past slowly come to light.
TIDES is a beautifully told story of how one woman deals with a life changing event. There is a sense of sadness throughout the novel as Mara struggles to regain her footing.
TIDES is an amazing debut novel and I look forward to reading future novels by Sara Freeman.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced digital edition of this book.