Breakwater
by Marijke Schermer
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Pub Date Apr 04 2023 | Archive Date Mar 31 2023
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Description
"Excellent novel. Packed with emotional truth and elegantly turned narrative. A fine translation too."―Ian McEwan, author of international bestseller Atonement
Emilia has it all: a rewarding career as a statistician, a wonderful husband, two healthy young sons, and a house in the countryside. But when a brief moment of panic triggers the memory of a traumatic experience from twelve years before, Emilia finds herself floating away from her average existence. The secret she’s kept for so long refuses to stay hidden, and as Emilia’s grip on reality loosens, heavy rains begin to fall and the river threatens to overflow the house. In this critically acclaimed novel, Schermer explores the impact of sexual violence, and whether or not it’s possible to truly know another person. Breakwater is a haunting examination of memory and trauma, written in prose stunning in its frankness and precision.
Advance Praise
Praise for Breakwater
“This writer knows what she’s doing, that much is clear. Breakwater is a book that hurts. The supreme happiness and blunt violation of it are placed side by side with great precision. Ineluctably, it advances toward a climax. Now I want to read this writer’s other work too.” ―De Groene Amsterdammer
“Her second novel starts in an exemplary and classical fashion in all senses. Schermer work reminds one of Ian McEwan’s. But with the ending she then mocks the classical form and norm. This is excellent literature.” ―NRC
“What Marijke Schermer does in Breakwater is incredible. The story—in language that streams and flows and hits home—grows increasingly oppressive.” ―MARJON KOK
“Every time I read the first chapter I honestly think: this is so good, this is so wonderful. I like everything about it.” ―MARJA PRUIS
“An exemplary tale of lies and silence.” ―De Limburger
Praise for Love, If That’s What It Is
“The author expertly humanizes each of the characters’ desires and flaws as she illuminates the raw, inner workings of a broken marriage. This is as cathartic as it is gut-churning. ... A scintillating debut.” ―Publishers Weekly
“In Love, If That’s What It Is Marijke Schermer dissects ordinary family life so subtly and yet so vibrantly, that it leaves you out of breath and makes you reevaluate your own most self-evident assumptions.” ―ROXANE VAN IPEREN, author of The High Nest
Marketing Plan
- Critically acclaimed novel by Dutch author Marijke Schermer, for fans of books about marriage and secrets
- For readers of Ian McEwan and Lauren Groff
- Virtual or in-person author events
- Advance galleys and digital reader copies
- Digital assets including trailer & author video
- Signed book plates available
- National TV, radio, print, and online review campaign
- Consumer-facing national advertising campaign on Shelf Awareness, Lithub, NPR, Foreword Reviews, Goodreads
- Book club discussion guide
- Bookstore co-op available
- Excerpt placement
- Social media campaign & Goodreads Giveaway Advance reader and digital reader copies
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781642861259 |
| PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 192 |
Links
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