Book Review: Sweet Brackish Salt: A Novel. Marike Finlay. Pottersfield Press. 2023
In Marike Finlay’s captivating new novel, Sweet Brackish Salt, readers embark on sailing adventures that traverse a multitude of waters. From the vast Great Lakes, including the bodies of water that need to be followed to get there, to the historic US Eastern Seaboard, ultimately finding anchor in the evolving embrace of Finlay’s new Nova Scotian home waters.
Finlay’s storytelling artfully intertwines the practical aspects of life at sea with profound personal reflections, inviting readers aboard two of her vessels to share in the exhilarating successes and contemplative challenges of life lived on the water – its salt content notwithstanding. Her beloved dog, Negrita, plays a catalytic role, accompanying Finlay on her journeys and becoming an important figure in the distinct yet interconnected stories that shape the narrative. Through vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Finlay paints a rich tapestry of maritime experiences, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the profound connection between humans and the natural world. This book isn’t focused on rigging failures or hardware choices, though those do play a part. It’s more about the personal relationships forged and tested, both on board and on land.
Finlay’s success as a female sailor is indicative of the growing number of women excelling in some of the world’s most demanding ocean races. Yet, some of her male counterparts remain astonished by her solo accomplishments.
Her journey is not without its trials. She asks, “Why take on all this misery to come here? Why the sacrifice?” These are questions that are relevant to the difficult approaches to the Lakes from her home port, and equally appropriate as she recounts the arduous refitting of a classic wooden schooner—a testament to her perseverance and determination. Through well crafted prose, she shares the intricate details of boat building, painting a rich picture of the challenges and triumphs involved in restoring a vessel to something close to its former glory. Finlay’s evocative writing style transports readers to the heart of a small Nova Scotian community. A community that has become her adoptive home, where the schooner’s restoration becomes a symbol and catalyst of community and belonging, fostering deep connections between Finlay, her partner, and their newfound seaside home.
The book depicts Finlay’s journey through waters that are sometimes as unpredictable as the social encounters she faces—sometimes turbulent and littered with treacherous rocks and shoals, sometimes breathtakingly sublime. Finlay’s passion for sailing and an adventurous life shine through every page, infecting readers with her enthusiasm for wind, waves, and the unique rhythm of life on the water or near it. She candidly shares the moments of “terror”, “misery” and “sacrifice” that sometimes accompany a life on the water, yet her unwavering love for the ocean and sailing ultimately prevails. Her story is an ode to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing the transformative power of the sea to challenge, inspire, and ultimately reward those who listen to its call.
Whether you are an experienced sailor or simply a dreamer of distant horizons, Sweet Brackish Salt promises a captivating read. Finlay’s masterful storytelling and deep-rooted passion for sailing will resonate with anyone who yearns for adventure, self-discovery, and the enduring allure of the ocean.
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