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Anna Salter

Shiny Water

Part of "Michael Stone" series

"Shiny Water" by Anna Salter is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of memory, trauma, and identity. The story follows the journey of a woman named Sarah, who returns to her childhood home on the shores of Shiny Water Lake after many years away. As she reconnects with the people and places of her past, Sarah begins to uncover long-buried memories of abuse and trauma that she had suppressed for most of her life. Salter's writing is both lyrical and precise, capturing the beauty and danger of the natural world as well as the emotional turmoil of her characters. The novel delves deep into the human psyche, examining the ways in which trauma can shape and define a person's life. At the same time, it offers a message of hope and healing, as Sarah learns to confront her past and reclaim her sense of self. One of the standout features of "Shiny Water" is its nuanced portrayal of memory and the ways in which it can be both a source of pain and a means of healing. Salter explores the idea that memories are not fixed or objective, but rather subjective and malleable, shaped by our emotions, experiences, and beliefs. This insight adds depth and complexity to the story, as Sarah struggles to separate fact from fiction and come to terms with her past. Another strength of the novel is its exploration of the dynamics of power and abuse, particularly within families and intimate relationships. Salter pulls no punches in her depiction of the ways in which abuse can be perpetuated and enabled by those in positions of authority, and the long-term effects it can have on survivors. At the same time, she offers a hopeful vision of healing and recovery, as Sarah learns to break free from the patterns of the past and build a new life for herself. Overall, "Shiny Water" is a powerful and moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with trauma, memory, or identity. Salter's writing is both beautiful and incisive, and her characters are complex and fully realized. This is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.