Title: The Tide Knot
Author: Helen Dunmore
First published January 1, 2006
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060818555 (ISBN10: 0060818557)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
In the quaint coastal town of St. Pirans, Lily feels lost and disconnected from the sea. She longs for the familiar cove of her childhood home where she first discovered Ingo, the mystical underwater world.
Despite being far from the sea, Lily and her brother Alex find themselves drawn back to the depths of Ingo, where they reunite with their mermaid friend Faro. As Lily delves deeper into Ingo, she realizes that she feels more at home in the sea than on land.
However, the dangers of the sea become increasingly apparent, threatening to upset the delicate balance between Lily’s two worlds. As she tries to navigate this precarious balance, Lily uncovers the mysterious disappearance of her father, a seasoned sailor who should have been able to brave any storm.
And at the heart of it all lies Ingo itself – a powerful, ancient force that is as unpredictable as the tides and more perilous than anything Lily has ever encountered.
About the Author
I was born in December of 1952 in Yorkshire, where I grew up as the second of four children. With my father being the eldest of twelve, I was fortunate enough to have a large extended family that shared many stories with me.
These tales taught me that stories can hold different meanings for different listeners and can be recast from various viewpoints.
From childhood, poetry was an essential part of my life. I began by listening to and memorizing all sorts of rhymes, hymns, and ballads, eventually creating my own poems using the forms I had learned.
Though it wasn’t until later that I started writing them down.
After studying English at the University of York, I taught English as a foreign language in Finland, and it was around this time that I began writing the poems for my first collection, The Apple Fall. I also wrote several short stories that were later collected in Love of Fat Men.
I was fortunate enough to travel extensively for poetry tours and writing residences, which exposed me to many different countries and cultures, ultimately influencing my work.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, I taught poetry and creative writing, tutored residential writing courses, and participated in various programs that brought poetry to schools, hospitals, prisons, and other places where a poem could be appreciated. During this time, I also published my first short stories, which eventually led me to writing novels.
My first novel for adults, Zennor in Darkness, was published in 1993, and was set in Cornwall during the First World War, exploring the life of D.H. Lawrence and his wife Frieda, who were suspected of being German spies. Since then, I’ve published several other novels, short story collections, and books for children.
A Spell of Winter, my third novel, won the inaugural Orange Prize for Fiction in 1996. The Siege, another researched novel, was shortlisted for both the Whitbread Novel Award and the Orange Prize for Fiction.
This novel, set in Leningrad during the first year of the siege of the city by German forces, was translated into Russian and broadcast on radio in St. Petersburg.
In 2008, I published Counting the Stars, a novel that follows the life of the Roman poet Catullus during the last years of the Republic.
Editoral Review
The Tide Knot by Helen Dunmore is a stunning novel that explores the power of friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s actions. Dunmore, who has written numerous award-winning books for both adults and children, displays her tremendous writing skills in this compelling tale set in the fictional world of Lume, a magical archipelago where myths and legends blend.
The book, first published on January 1, 2006, is a part of The Ingo Chronicles, a series of four novels aimed at young adults but suitable for readers of all ages. The Tide Knot follows the lives of brother and sister, Connor and Grace, as they navigate their way through the mysterious undersea world of Ingo, a place where humans and mermaids share a delicate balance.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Cornish coast, the novel takes the reader on a gripping journey filled with adventure, mystery, and danger. The plot takes some interesting and unexpected turns as the two kids discover that the future of the ocean and their own lives are intertwined.
Dunmore’s writing style is excellent, and she creates a magical atmosphere with her language, crafting vivid imagery that transports the readers to Lume. Even the smallest details are described in exquisite detail, from the sparkling coral reefs to the ominous caves that line the sea.
The book is also rich in metaphors and symbolism, which adds depth and nuance to the story. The characters in the novel are well-developed and authentic.
Connor and Grace’s relationship is the heart of the story, and their loyalty and love for each other are what drives the narrative forward. The other characters, including the mermaids, are also compelling, and the reader shares in their struggles and triumphs.
The themes explored in The Tide Knot are both universal and timely. Topics such as environmentalism, conservation, and climate change are subtly woven into the story, making it more relevant today than ever before.
The novel also touches upon issues of identity and belonging, as the characters grapple with their inner struggles while trying to find a place in their world. One of the strengths of the book is its pacing.
The story moves at a good clip, and there is never a dull moment. The plot has many twists and turns, but they are all well-executed and fit naturally into the story.
The ending is both satisfying and bittersweet, leaving the reader with a sense of closure but also a longing for more. If there is a weakness in the book, it would be the lack of diversity in the characters.
While the author makes an effort to include characters of different ages and backgrounds, the main protagonists are both white and middle-class. Nevertheless, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent book.
In conclusion, The Tide Knot is a delightful read that will transport you to a magical world filled with wonder and adventure. Dunmore’s beautiful prose, authentic characters, and compelling story make it a must-read for young adults and adults alike.
I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure with a message.
