Storm Tide

Once I started reading it, I had to pace myself to make it last a little longer. The characters are believable and engaging. The small town setting is very true to life. I especially enjoyed the technique of reading each of the principal characters perspectives in the form of separate chapters, with the main character being written in first person. It gives you the ability to really get into each of their heads. The only downside for me was what seems like an over reliance on sexual descriptions. Sex is important to the plot and a character motivating factor, but the emphasis on sex, for my personal tastes, bordered on gratuitous.

Beautifully and seamlessly written, the husband and wife team of Piercy and Wood have crafted an intelligent novel, which is both political thriller and mystery. The story is as erotic and seductive as the relationship between David, Judith and Crystal is. STORM TIDE is filled with strong images of religion and nature which play an important role to the story. Smart, clever and definitely a page-turner, STORM TIDE shouldn't be missed.

I have enjoyed several of Piercy's other works and I am always intrigued by the way she takes "odd" relationships, turns them around til you, the reader, see them differently--as optimal. While I enjoyed the whole dynamic, the character of Crystal was truly well drawn. Unfortunately, I have known women like Crystal, for whom drawing and binding a partner to you in a pathologic fashion was their conception of love. Intriguing and a great read.

Read this now!! Piercy has always drawn powerful and interesting characters, especially those who grow out of the sixties spirit. The three around whom the story revolves are vivid, memorable, and, if not always loveable, certainly always compelling. The first person point of view of David's story gave an added intimacy to the relationship with his character, at least for this reader. The intrigue of the plot on both the personal and political levels was great! I love the way that Judiasm, food and respect for learning are woven into the plot. Now I will have to add Mr. Wood to my list of favorite authors, which has long been topped by his wife. Like many of her books, notably, for me, He, She and It and Vida, I couldn't decide whether to whip through in one or two sittings, or to savor for a while. Sadly, I really couldn't put it down, and wait eagerly for the next work, collaboration or otherwise. The notes about the art of collaboration at the end were also of great interest, and added to my appreciation of this terrific story.