REVIEW: The Music of the Deep

The Music of the Deep
Author: Elizabeth Hall

Alexandra Turner is running from an abusive marriage. She secures a job assisting a biologist with her notes on Orcas in Puget Sound and runs from her violent husband. 1200 miles ought to be enough distance for her to be safe. The locals notice the bruises on her face and wonder what she is running from, but Alex doesn't trust anyone enough to share her past. She makes some good friends in the small coastal town, learning to spin yarn with a local group called The Spinsters. She enjoys the stories they share about the whales, and life in the small town. She tries to relax and start a new life, but Alex is still deeply haunted by her fear, pain and the recent death of her mother. She prays her husband doesn't find her. She wants peace and to finally have a place where she feels safe. But she knows a person can't ever really outrun their past....no matter where she goes she brings the pain with her.

I enjoyed this book. I love how the story of Alex, her friends and the Orcas all intertwine together, creating a magical story. Some portions dealing with abuse are rough, but realistic. Alex has spent years in a horrific relationship, and there's deep portions of her that are wounded. I normally don't like stories that switch back and forth from past to present as it can become confusing and cumbersome. But, in this story, it worked. Past and present meld together into a strong story of love, loss and healing.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The audio is nearly 9 hours in length and narrated by Emily Sutton Smith. She reads at a good pace and has a nice voice. I suffer from hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand.

This is the first book by Elizabeth Hall that I have read. The story is well-written, complex and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more by this author!