The Sea Flower by Ruth Moore
Reviewed by James M. FIsher
In a recent review for *The Seaboard Review*, author Emily Weedon commented “…drinking from a firehose of gloom and despair in the real world makes reading about a fictional world of gloom and despair repetitive and such works do not galvanize me—they freeze me into catatonia.”
There exists an abundance of dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels; and while they offer a form of escapism from the “real world,” they frequently fail to uplift the reader, leaving them devoid of the satisfaction akin to that derived from savoring a fine meal, a glass of premium wine, or a good whisky.
The remedy for this lies in discovering a well-crafted, uplifting narrative that simultaneously entertains and provokes thought. Maine’s Islandport Press has addressed this need by republishing the catalogue of Ruth Moore, offering readers enjoyable literature set in a simpler era, replete with memorable characters and compelling storylines.
Ruth Moore (1903–1989), a significant literary figure of twentieth-century Maine, is celebrated for her authentic depictions of Maine’s residents and her vivid portrayals of the state’s landscape.
The Sea Flower, originally published in 1964, is the latest addition to the republished works of Ruth Moore by Islandport. In this novel, Moore skillfully intertwines three storylines set across several Northeastern states, culminating in a confluence on a small island off the coast of Maine.
The first storyline follows Marney Lessard, a teenage boy taken in by his Uncle Joe following the death of his grandfather and the institutionalization of his grandmother. After Joe perishes in a motorcycle accident, Marney resolves to embark on his own journey, accompanied by Joe’s motorcycle and Toughy, the cat, to escape the unsavory life he endured under Joe’s roof.
The second storyline centers on Elizabeth “Liz” Bigelow, a nine-year-old girl seeking to escape her oppressive circumstances. She seizes her chance by boarding a newly outfitted houseboat, the Sea Flower, and setting it adrift down the river. A subsequent storm (and a devastating flood) unites Marney and Liz’s narratives as they find themselves adrift, eventually coming to rest on General Remarks Island off the coast. The houseboat is a metaphor for Noah's own lifesaving ark.
The third storyline introduces Arvid Small, a lifelong bachelor in his sixties, who owns a cabin on the island and a residence on the mainland. It is Arvid who discovers Liz, Marney, and the Sea Flower after the storm. The convergence of these characters prompts a series of decisions and questions: Who owns the houseboat? What will become of Marney and Liz? Are Liz’s parents or guardians aware of her whereabouts? Are they even alive after Hurricane Fanny has swept through the state?
*The Sea Flower* embodies humor, adventure, and the individual struggles of its characters, ultimately presenting a compelling narrative. The realism embedded in the story prevents it from appearing mawkish or overly sentimental. Memorable characters are a hallmark of Ruth Moore’s novels, and *The Sea Flower* is no exception. It is highly recommended as an antidote to the current “real world” atmosphere.
About the Author
Born and raised in the Maine fishing village of Gotts Island, Ruth Moore (1903-1989) emerged as one of the most important Maine authors of the twentieth century, best known for her authentic portrayals of Maine people and her evocative descriptions of the state. In her time, she was favorably compared to Faulkner, Steinbeck, Caldwell, and O'Connor. Ultimately, she wrote fourteen novels. Moore and her partner, Eleanor Mayo, travelled extensively, but never again lived outside of Maine. Moore died in Bar Harbor in 1989, leaving a nearly unmatched literary legacy.
Book Details
Publisher : Islandport Press (April 9 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 264 pages
ISBN-10 : 1952143845
ISBN-13 : 978-1952143847