Strange Waters

Coastal erosion and flooding are central to this collection of short stories set in Cornwall, where lives and relationships ebb and flow with the tide. The community and three generations of women from the same family struggle with their over-close affinity for the sea.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Arachne Press

In the picturesque coastal town of Cornwall, the forces of erosion and flooding assume an almost mythical presence as the captivating short stories in this collection intricately weave their way through the recent past and the near future, intricately intertwining the lives and relationships of the community with the ebb and flow of the tides. From one maritime tragedy to another, the town, and three generations of women from the same family, grapple with their deep and enduring connection to the sea, navigating the treacherous waters of their affection and longing.

The sea has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of Cornwall. It is a source of livelihood, a place of beauty, and a constant reminder of the vastness and power of the natural world. For generations, the fishermen of Cornwall have braved the treacherous waters to catch the bounty of the sea, and their families have grown up with the rhythm of the tides.

However, the sea is not without its dangers. The coastal erosion that plagues Cornwall is a constant threat to the town's infrastructure and the safety of its residents. The relentless waves and currents erode the cliffs and beaches, leaving behind a landscape that is constantly changing and evolving. Flooding is also a common occurrence, particularly during stormy weather or when the sea levels rise due to climate change.

The community of Cornwall is deeply affected by the erosion and flooding. The loss of homes and businesses, the disruption of livelihoods, and the emotional toll of watching one's home and community be destroyed by the sea are all challenges that the town faces on a daily basis. Three generations of women from the same family, the Trenchers, are particularly affected by the sea's power.

The Trenchers are a family of fishermen who have been fishing the waters off the coast of Cornwall for generations. They are deeply connected to the sea and its rhythms, and their lives revolve around the tides and the catch of the day. However, their love for the sea has also led to their downfall.

In the early 1900s, a terrible maritime tragedy struck the Trencher family. A stormy night, a fierce gale, and a navigational error led to the sinking of their fishing boat, the Maria. The loss of the boat and the lives of the three Trencher men who were on board was a devastating blow to the family. The women of the family were left to pick up the pieces and carry on the family business.

Despite the tragedy, the Trencher women refused to give up on their love for the sea. They continued to fish the waters off the coast of Cornwall, using their knowledge and experience to catch the fish that would feed their families and their community. They worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives and their community, and their resilience and determination were an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

However, the sea's power was not something that the Trencher women could easily overcome. The erosion and flooding continued to threaten their homes and their livelihoods, and the emotional toll of watching their homes and community be destroyed by the sea was a constant burden. The women of the family struggled with their over-close affinity for the sea, knowing that it could be their downfall.

Despite the challenges that they faced, the Trencher women never lost their sense of hope and determination. They continued to work hard and to support each other, and their love for the sea never waned. They knew that the sea was a powerful force, but they also knew that it was not unbeatable.

In the end, the Trencher women's love for the sea was a source of strength and resilience. They faced the challenges of erosion and flooding with courage and determination, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of fishermen and women in Cornwall. The sea may be a powerful force, but the Trencher women have shown that it is not unbeatable.

In conclusion, the short stories in this collection explore the complex and enduring relationship between the people of Cornwall and the sea. From one maritime tragedy to another, the community, and three generations of women from the same family, struggle with their over-close affinity for the sea. The sea has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of Cornwall, but it is not without its dangers. The coastal erosion and flooding that plague Cornwall are a constant threat to the town's infrastructure and the safety of its residents. The Trencher women, three generations of fishermen who have been fishing the waters off the coast of Cornwall for generations, are particularly affected by the sea's power. Despite the tragedy that struck their family in the early 1900s, the Trencher women refused to give up on their love for the sea. They continued to fish the waters off the coast of Cornwall, using their knowledge and experience to catch the fish that would feed their families and their community. Their resilience and determination were an inspiration to everyone who knew them, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of fishermen and women in Cornwall. The sea may be a powerful force, but the Trencher women have shown that it is not unbeatable.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913665364