The Edge of the Earth by Christina Schwarz is a stunning portrayal of life spent living in a lighthouse on a lonely and isolated area in the cliffs above Port Lucia, California back in 1897. I listened to the audio version of The Edge of the Earth narrated by Candace Thaxton and she did a wonderful job. She brought out the feelings of isolation and the desolation of the lighthouse much more than I think I would have gotten through reading a paper copy. I would certainly love to hear more books narrated by her in the future.
Trudy is a young woman living in 1897 Milwaukee but she doesn’t want the standard life of getting married and living a comfortable life like her parents. She wants adventure and to experience life. So when she meets Oskar it’s no wonder that she is attracted to him and his free spirit. When Oskar accepts a post at the lighthouse Trudy thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to live a very different life although even she ends up being surprised by how different.
Life at the lighthouse also includes the Crawley family and their three kids and Mrs. Crawley wastes no time in telling Trudy that life will be very different from her previously privileged existence. Trudy though has a side to her that always seems to propel her forward and it isn’t long before she’s actually enjoying her life out there. She spends time collecting marine samples, teaching the children, and investigating rumours of a mermaid. Soon enough Trudy starts to question her marriage as Oskar becomes more distant and more obsessed. Ultimately Trudy uncovers secrets that force her to make one of the biggest decisions of her life.
Christina Schwarz has very vividly described how life would have been manning a lighthouse in the 1800’s and I found it fascinating. I can’t imagine living a life of isolation like that but at the same time I’m drawn to it. With the audio version of The Edge of the Earth I felt as though I was standing on the cliffs looking out on the sea and feeling the wind whip around me. It was so well done that between the excellent storyline and the great narration I very much enjoyed the little over eight hours I spent immersed and captivated by this story!
Reading Group Guide
Buy at: Simon & Schuster, Audible, and iTunes
Be sure to check out my giveaway for a giveaway copy (book only) of The Edge of the Earth!
Review copy provided by the Publisher. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
Sounds like a compelling story and wonderful audio, Dar. Loved your review!
Oh that’s the same author who wrote “Drowning Ruth”! Did you ever read that? That was excellent!
I can’t imagine living so isolated. This sounds wonderful!
I’ve always been fascinated by the lives of lighthouse keepers. Although there have not been that many single women doing this job, there are instances of them. The lives of people who live in them are so interesting. Since some are remote and others not, the loneliness that some experienced must have been vast.
I’ve been reading about this book and have added it to my Wish List. Thanks for the great review, Dar.
Connie Fischer
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Will tweet and share on Facebook.
I so want to read this one, and am going to look for it on audio. Life during the 1800’s at a lighthouse! Now that’s something that I would love to read about! I am off to see if I can find it now. Thanks, Dar, as always, a lively and wonderful review!
I have this one on audio also and can’t wait to get to it. With all the lighthouses right on Lake Superior I’m sure I will enjoy it.
Wonderful review Dar. I definitely plan to read this one. Her previous novels are excellent as well.
I am so loving audio books right now!! I’m adding this as a possible purchase!! Excellent review!
Sounds like another winner from Christina Schwarz – thanks for the review!
Wow! This sounds really fascinating, Darlene! There is something so romantic about lighthouses. Excellent review!
This sounds so good, there’s something intriguing about lighthouses.