Sue Saliba has done it again with another magical novel of adolescence, set in a place near us. By Vilya Congreave
WHEN I open Sue Saliba’s new book, I’m confused. I thought it was a novel but this looks a lot like poetry. Oh well, I’ll give it a go.
I start reading and within a couple of pages, I’m swept away by the story. I also realise the layout of the book is exactly right.
This book is a special work in every way: the words, the exquisite drawings by Ann Shenfield, the typography, the printing.
Sue’s last two novels have been set in part on Phillip Island – it is a special joy to see our familiar places brought to life.
Once at the edge of the sea is the story of Alice. Something has happened to her. We’re not quite sure what it is but she is leaving the island to start a new life in the city.
WHEN I open Sue Saliba’s new book, I’m confused. I thought it was a novel but this looks a lot like poetry. Oh well, I’ll give it a go.
I start reading and within a couple of pages, I’m swept away by the story. I also realise the layout of the book is exactly right.
This book is a special work in every way: the words, the exquisite drawings by Ann Shenfield, the typography, the printing.
Sue’s last two novels have been set in part on Phillip Island – it is a special joy to see our familiar places brought to life.
Once at the edge of the sea is the story of Alice. Something has happened to her. We’re not quite sure what it is but she is leaving the island to start a new life in the city.
She is leaving the island but she can’t leave the dread and shame behind. Somehow it’s connected to a little wooden box that she carries with her to her new life. She never opens it and we begin to share her dread of what’s inside.
Following Alice’s story, I recalled the pain of adolescence, the discomfort of not fitting in, the doubts, the fears, but also the intensity of friendships and discovery. This is a book to be read slowly and savoured.
Alice finds the courage to face her fears, comes to terms with her mistake and discovers a way to live fully and authentically. The ending is beautiful and optimistic.
Following Alice’s story, I recalled the pain of adolescence, the discomfort of not fitting in, the doubts, the fears, but also the intensity of friendships and discovery. This is a book to be read slowly and savoured.
Alice finds the courage to face her fears, comes to terms with her mistake and discovers a way to live fully and authentically. The ending is beautiful and optimistic.
 Once at the edge of the seaby Sue Saliba is on sale at Turn the Page bookshop in Cowes and Readings bookshops. | When I look at the praise for Sue’s earlier books, I can only repeat the words used to describe her writing … rare, precious, exquisite, elegaic, wise, moving. She has won many accolades: her young adult novel Something in the World Called Love won a Premier’s Literary Award in 2009; she was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for her novel Alaska; and her novel For the Forest of a Bird was selected as a Children’s Book Council of Australia “notable book”. Once at the edge of the sea is marketed as a book for young adults but I think it’s a book for all ages. It also made me realise how important it is to really listen to young people. It’s a lesson I take with me as I return from these magical pages to my everyday life. |