Through Waters Deep (Waves of Freedom #1) by Sarah Sundin is the fourth book I have read by this author. The title and author sparked my interest because I enjoyed the (Sunrise at Normandy) series and learned Through Waters Deep placed as a 2016 Carol Award Finalist.
I started listening to the audiobook in which one narrator voiced both Mary Stirling, a Boston Navy Yard secretary, and Navy officer Ensign Jim Avery. The audiobook could have benefited from a male narrator with an authentic Bostonian accent and a deeper, more masculine voice.
This novel has a strong romantic thread throughout the storyline that will keep readers engaged and sympathetic toward Mary’s longings for Jim, a former high school classmate who had eyes only for Quintessa. When I reread the paperback version of the story, I appreciated Sundin’s stylistic prose and expertise in conveying the emotional connection between Mary and Jim. Even though I wanted to read more about the plot of sabotage, intrigue, and “maze of suspects” over romantic scenes, Sundin held my attention.
Chapter 33 was my favorite chapter because Jim faced a huge decision. He could “float” into a romantic relationship, avoid romantic relationships, or pursue a connection with a woman whom he loved but might not return his affections. The third decision required an extra dose of faith and commitment on Jim’s part.
What I loved most about this book was Sundin’s ability to make me want to read Nehemiah again and reflect on how many times the biblical character didn’t “float” but decided to follow God’s path. If Jim selected choice number three, he risked not only following where God was leading him but also perhaps ending up without the woman he loved.
One exciting scene involved spotting a torpedo slamming into the side of a destroyer. Throughout the novel, I learned much about Navy protocol and how men can gang up on coworkers, bully, and intimidate colleagues every bit as much as women. Interestingly, Sundin included several friendships among men as well as women that featured positive and not-so-positive dynamics.
If you enjoy learning more about Boston, Massachusetts, in 1941 and sailing lingo, this may be the book for you. If you are searching for more historical insight into the Battle of Normandy, I highly suggest the (Sunrise at Normandy) series: The Sea Before Us, The Sky Above Us, and The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin.
