Sea Change by Jeremy Page

I felt very noble when I decided to read Sea Change by Jeremy Page. It was clear even from the summary, that this was a reflective, intelligent book. There are times when I enjoy reading books like that. This isn’t really one of them. I want to be entertained. However, I decided to give it a fair shot.

The book is extraordinary. I don’t think I have it in me to explain how Mr. Page can illuminate both the beauty and pain of a single moment. I was captivated from the beginning, held in suspense by his deceptively leisurely narration.

In 2010, shortly after the book was released, Washington Post staff writer Ron Charles wrote, “As introspective and painful as “Sea Change” is, it remains engaging and even surprising all the way to the end. Page knows enough about real grief to be aware follows no regular stages.”

I take issue only with one thing that Mr. Charles said. “This is a difficult book to recommend – a voyage into dark waters all of us want to avoid – but if something about the description resonates with you, seek it out; it won’t lead you astray.”

It’s true that the subject matter is painful, but the story is so beautiful, the main character’s grief so authentic, I can’t help but recommend it. It’s not light reading, and I hate endings that leave major questions unanswered, but the story will stay with me. In my estimation, that earns it highest praise.