crossinthepnw's review
5.0
“Go. Live, you wild heart.”
Where to even begin on Out Front Following the Sea! I think I felt every emotion while reading this fantastic story; hope, heartbreak, anger, despair, humor, joy, angst, and anticipation to name a few. Angstman is a historian, so naturally her tale was incredibly well-researched, and I really enjoyed reading about her investigative process, especially as it applied to the Pequot language she used throughout the novel. Her rich prose transported me to 17th century New England, and I became so absorbed in Ruth’s story that I felt truly gutted during all of the hardships she faced, and admired her will to persevere despite it all. All of the characters were so well fleshed out that I felt a connection to all of them (even the ones I despised). Highly recommend this tale if you’re a fan of historical fiction, badass women, or just love epic stories! Just make sure you have some tissues nearby, you’ll need them. TW for misogyny, domestic, mental and physical abuse, ostracization, ethnic epithets, and war, among others.
“What is a woman’s purpose, son, but to encourage the wicked ways of another woman against all of man’s laws and conventions?
Thank you Book Sirens and Regal House Publishing for the free ARC, and to Leah Angstman for putting this story out into the universe!
Where to even begin on Out Front Following the Sea! I think I felt every emotion while reading this fantastic story; hope, heartbreak, anger, despair, humor, joy, angst, and anticipation to name a few. Angstman is a historian, so naturally her tale was incredibly well-researched, and I really enjoyed reading about her investigative process, especially as it applied to the Pequot language she used throughout the novel. Her rich prose transported me to 17th century New England, and I became so absorbed in Ruth’s story that I felt truly gutted during all of the hardships she faced, and admired her will to persevere despite it all. All of the characters were so well fleshed out that I felt a connection to all of them (even the ones I despised). Highly recommend this tale if you’re a fan of historical fiction, badass women, or just love epic stories! Just make sure you have some tissues nearby, you’ll need them. TW for misogyny, domestic, mental and physical abuse, ostracization, ethnic epithets, and war, among others.
“What is a woman’s purpose, son, but to encourage the wicked ways of another woman against all of man’s laws and conventions?
Thank you Book Sirens and Regal House Publishing for the free ARC, and to Leah Angstman for putting this story out into the universe!
lucyp747d4's review against another edition
Unfortunately this book really wasn't for me. I was very intrigued by the synopsis but struggled to connect with the writing or the characters. At 100 pages in I decided to DNF. I am clearly in the minority as I've seen lots of great reviews for this one so please do not let me rating put you off.
natalier3's review
4.0
With thanks to Lori at TNBBC for my physical copy of this beautiful novel!
I was so excited to read this- a woman suspected of being a witch has to leave her town and start afresh- largely due to the high ratings and the fact I am fascinated by suspected witches and the treatment of them.
This took a while to get used to the writing style, and I have to admit, made me feel a little stupid when I had to reread things several times to get the meaning. I think that shows the author's talent at writing in the time period though, it showed real authenticity.
The plot was fast paced, although did make for dark, grim reading at times. Some scenes were extremely stressful to read, and it was pretty relentless. But, I guess, that was probably the experiences at the time.
I read it quickly enough once I had adjusted to the writing, and I did enjoy it. I do wish there had been more content about the witch accusations though, but that's just from my own interest. It was definitely not the author's aim- she had a huge task to write about a woman's survival instead.
I was so excited to read this- a woman suspected of being a witch has to leave her town and start afresh- largely due to the high ratings and the fact I am fascinated by suspected witches and the treatment of them.
This took a while to get used to the writing style, and I have to admit, made me feel a little stupid when I had to reread things several times to get the meaning. I think that shows the author's talent at writing in the time period though, it showed real authenticity.
The plot was fast paced, although did make for dark, grim reading at times. Some scenes were extremely stressful to read, and it was pretty relentless. But, I guess, that was probably the experiences at the time.
I read it quickly enough once I had adjusted to the writing, and I did enjoy it. I do wish there had been more content about the witch accusations though, but that's just from my own interest. It was definitely not the author's aim- she had a huge task to write about a woman's survival instead.
i_hype_romance's review
5.0
Ruth refuses to be bound. She has known nothing but heartache, loss and sorrow in her short life. She suffers constant cruelties, both petty and large, in her struggles to feed and clothe she and her elderly grandmother. Orphaned at a young age and branded as a witch, the townsfolk show her no mercy or kindness, but instead constantly demonize and chastise her.
Ruth is resilient. Though she rails at the injustice of her situation, she finds solace in her friendship with Owen. He brings her cherished books from his sea travels, and they expand her world and her mind. He becomes her port in the storm when she narrowly escapes death.
This book was raw and emotional and unforgettable.
A full review, with excerpt and author interview, can be found on my blog on Jan. 10.
Ruth is resilient. Though she rails at the injustice of her situation, she finds solace in her friendship with Owen. He brings her cherished books from his sea travels, and they expand her world and her mind. He becomes her port in the storm when she narrowly escapes death.
This book was raw and emotional and unforgettable.
A full review, with excerpt and author interview, can be found on my blog on Jan. 10.
vellanorah's review
3.0
I am not sure who picked this in my book club but I reluctantly read it and it ended up not being too bad. The ending was rushed and silly but happy at least. The storm lasted way too long. I didn’t really like the Indian/ white woman portion - as one of my friends pointed out - white savior. But all in all, it was not awful.
theflyingb's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This might have been one of my favorite books I have read in a long time. The author is very talented at putting you in the period without being long winded.
Following Ruth through this adventure was hard to put down.
In the last 50 pages my heart soared, I cried often and I was right there with the climax.
Seriously I can’t recommend this book enough.
Following Ruth through this adventure was hard to put down.
In the last 50 pages my heart soared, I cried often and I was right there with the climax.
Seriously I can’t recommend this book enough.
kitnotmarlowe's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rating this 5 stars is not enough i need to live in leah angstman's brain!!!!
honestly i respect leah angstman so much because she knows exactly who her audience is: washed up history/english majors who audibly cheer upon the discovery that their book has a map in the front. several maps, in fact, including one of a ship! plus a dictionary in the back! wow my french is really not what it used to be! anyway i love this book because i am a special sort of freak who savours the minute details of someone making bread by hand, or moving stones across a field. i love history and felt that not only could i see and feel the history that angstman reproduced, but i could hear, smell, and taste it as well. no detail is too small or unworthy of attention. the writing shifts between period evocation and dialect and modern banter pacing between ruth and owen, showing not only how modern ruth is in comparison to the repressive religious communities of shrewsbury and stonington, but also reflecting the easy chemistry the two have with each other.
i find it difficult to discuss things i like rather than things i don't, because sometimes when you like something so much it nestles inside you and is impossible to extract. so i will say that the next time i'm asked for a 'weird' or 'offbeat' book recommendation, i'm recommending out front the following sea.
honestly i respect leah angstman so much because she knows exactly who her audience is: washed up history/english majors who audibly cheer upon the discovery that their book has a map in the front. several maps, in fact, including one of a ship! plus a dictionary in the back! wow my french is really not what it used to be! anyway i love this book because i am a special sort of freak who savours the minute details of someone making bread by hand, or moving stones across a field. i love history and felt that not only could i see and feel the history that angstman reproduced, but i could hear, smell, and taste it as well. no detail is too small or unworthy of attention. the writing shifts between period evocation and dialect and modern banter pacing between ruth and owen, showing not only how modern ruth is in comparison to the repressive religious communities of shrewsbury and stonington, but also reflecting the easy chemistry the two have with each other.
i find it difficult to discuss things i like rather than things i don't, because sometimes when you like something so much it nestles inside you and is impossible to extract. so i will say that the next time i'm asked for a 'weird' or 'offbeat' book recommendation, i'm recommending out front the following sea.
onebookmore's review
5.0
Out Front the Following Sea is a historical novel that follows Ruth Miner as she fights to survive in 17th century New England. This book moved me in ways that I didn’t expect. I don’t know if it is because the story takes place in New England where I’ve lived for my entire life, or if it’s because of the strong female protagonist whose story is so unbelievably compelling, or if it is because of the rich imagery and history, but I fell in love with this unique and engrossing story.
Ruth Miner is a survivor – brave, strong, fierce, and fearless. An unconventional girl in a world that thrives on conformity is never safe, as Ruth knows too well. She is a woman ahead of her time with desires that are forbidden in a strict, patriarchal society that demands submission, especially among females. No matter what happens, Ruth never gives up, and I admire her perseverance and fighting spirit, especially considering the insurmountable obstacles she faces.
Heartbreaking and yet hopeful, the story reveals the brutal and harsh realities of 17th century New England. As a life-long resident of New England, I found the rich history of the story fascinating. The deeply researched and historically authentic world is vivid and immersive, and it captivated me from the first pages. New England is on the cusp of war, and the characters are on different sides of it. I like that the story offers perspectives from different sides of the multitude of conflicts going on at this time, as it provides a well-rounded view of Ruth’s world and the people who inhabit it.
The book also highlights the lack of options for women during this time and how devalued people were because of their gender and race. This is particularly evident as Ruth makes unlikely friends who prove more honorable and just than the townspeople who tout these qualities. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, as many of the people Ruth should be able to trust are hypocrites and are often less trustworthy and more vicious than those who are shunned from society.
Few people understand and accept Ruth, though she does make several allies throughout her journey. However, Owen, a young man that has known Ruth since childhood, accepts her unequivocally. Owen suffers as much as Ruth throughout the story, yet his loyalty to her remains. His character, as well as many of the other characters in the novel, is well-layered, dynamically developed, and compelling.
And the romance? I loved it! It’s heartbreaking and uplifting and devastating and hopeful. It’s everything! Two people bound by tragedy find home with each other, yet they are repeatedly torn apart. This couple went on an epic journey (both together and apart) riddled with obstacles, and I couldn’t get enough of their story. I must admit, they broke my heart on more than one occasion, and I so wanted them to find some happiness together. Their deep and profound love story isn’t always pretty, but it is honest, complex, breathtaking, and absolutely epic!
An amazing story of love, perseverance, and survival, Out Front the Following Sea is both dark and hopeful. A wonderful mix of action, suspense, history, and romance, this is a story that will stay with you a long time after finishing it. I’m so thankful to Leah Angstman, Regal House Publishing, and Lori Hettler at TNBBC for a copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
Ruth Miner is a survivor – brave, strong, fierce, and fearless. An unconventional girl in a world that thrives on conformity is never safe, as Ruth knows too well. She is a woman ahead of her time with desires that are forbidden in a strict, patriarchal society that demands submission, especially among females. No matter what happens, Ruth never gives up, and I admire her perseverance and fighting spirit, especially considering the insurmountable obstacles she faces.
Heartbreaking and yet hopeful, the story reveals the brutal and harsh realities of 17th century New England. As a life-long resident of New England, I found the rich history of the story fascinating. The deeply researched and historically authentic world is vivid and immersive, and it captivated me from the first pages. New England is on the cusp of war, and the characters are on different sides of it. I like that the story offers perspectives from different sides of the multitude of conflicts going on at this time, as it provides a well-rounded view of Ruth’s world and the people who inhabit it.
The book also highlights the lack of options for women during this time and how devalued people were because of their gender and race. This is particularly evident as Ruth makes unlikely friends who prove more honorable and just than the townspeople who tout these qualities. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, as many of the people Ruth should be able to trust are hypocrites and are often less trustworthy and more vicious than those who are shunned from society.
Few people understand and accept Ruth, though she does make several allies throughout her journey. However, Owen, a young man that has known Ruth since childhood, accepts her unequivocally. Owen suffers as much as Ruth throughout the story, yet his loyalty to her remains. His character, as well as many of the other characters in the novel, is well-layered, dynamically developed, and compelling.
And the romance? I loved it! It’s heartbreaking and uplifting and devastating and hopeful. It’s everything! Two people bound by tragedy find home with each other, yet they are repeatedly torn apart. This couple went on an epic journey (both together and apart) riddled with obstacles, and I couldn’t get enough of their story. I must admit, they broke my heart on more than one occasion, and I so wanted them to find some happiness together. Their deep and profound love story isn’t always pretty, but it is honest, complex, breathtaking, and absolutely epic!
An amazing story of love, perseverance, and survival, Out Front the Following Sea is both dark and hopeful. A wonderful mix of action, suspense, history, and romance, this is a story that will stay with you a long time after finishing it. I’m so thankful to Leah Angstman, Regal House Publishing, and Lori Hettler at TNBBC for a copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
aliteraryescape's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5