REVIEW: Slanting Towards The Sea
How do you leave something—or someone—that won't let you go?
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Lidija Hilje’s debut novel, SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA, from Simon & Schuster and wow wow WOW. This novel cracked me open in the best way.
I love when books explore the relationship between people and land and all the ways that our shared histories collide with each other. Ivona and Vlaho’s love story feels alive. I felt like I knew them. I felt like I was them. The characters were fully fleshed out people who felt well within reach for me as the reader. Their lives, desires, and flaws felt tangible and real. Set amid the beautiful and hypnotizing Croatian coastline (a destination that was already on my must-see list but now even more so!), we watch as these two lovers grow up alongside their tempestuous, rebellious nation that brings them so much grief and hope and love. Just like humans do with each other all the time.
Our hearts break by the things that we do and don’t do or say or give to each other. Whether it’s our relationship with our parents, siblings, friends, teachers, or spouses, we’re all trying to figure out which ties to cut and which to fortify, hoping desperately that, in the end, we’ll get it right.
SLANTING reminds us that sometimes we don’t. And isn’t that just how life goes sometimes?
I found my heart swelling with emotion and palpable grief as I watched Ivona navigate life after love has all but totally abandoned her. And then, because the universe has a way of mocking us with hope… a glimpse at a possibility of renewal. But is it possible? Is it wise? Are things even more complicated now? Are second chances really real?
Should they be?
This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time and I am so glad to have been able to have had a chance to be an early reader for this incredible novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.