Passionate, stubborn Mado, whose "head is full of rocks" tries to save the livelihoods of the villagers of Les Salants by urging them to work together to save the beach from erosion, both natural and man-made. The villagers, written with endearing panache by Harris, are an eccentric, curmudgeonly bunch, who eventually cooperate with the help of Flynn, a charismatic stranger with a shady past. He's not the only man of mystery in Mado's life; her father, taciturn Grosjean, has a secretive heart that's as "prickly and tightly layered as an artichoke", and local, wealthy businessman Brismand also seems to be hiding something. Mado does her best to unravel these mysteries, while attempting to keep a hold on her own sense of self in the claustrophobic, close community. It's not only the shore line that takes a buffeting. The villagers and the island are so vividly described that it's impossible not to become engrossed in Mado's story.

Happy Reading!

RELEASE NOTES:

To take to the mini meet at Quackers, just after 12.

I know my mum likes Joanne Harris and so I caught this for her.

If she's already read it, it will be released - perhaps when I go to Brittany this summertime.

This is better than Chocolat according to Mrsgg.

RELEASE NOTES:

Being posted off today to sadogs as an 'extra' with another Joanne Harris.

Book arrived yesterday with a Bookring from the same author - thanks garibaldisghost I'm looking forward to reading some more of her books.