"Wherever we go, can we go together." - West

This simple yet profound statement sets the stage for a poignant story that delves into the complex themes of life choices and adventure. It is a tale that explores the lengths one is willing to go for love, and the sacrifices that come with it.

The story follows the journey of two individuals, each with their own dreams and aspirations. As they embark on a series of adventures, they discover that their paths are intertwined in ways they never expected. Along the way, they face numerous challenges and obstacles that test their love and determination.

Despite the difficulties, they refuse to give up on each other. Their love grows stronger with each passing day, and they learn to rely on one another in ways they never thought possible. In the end, they realize that their love is worth keeping, no matter what the future holds.

"Seaward" is an enjoyable short read that will capture your heart and leave you longing for more. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy both adventure and meant-to-be love stories. So, if you're looking for a book that will take you on a thrilling journey and make you believe in the power of love, then look no further than "Seaward."

Friends recommended this book to me, specifically stating that they thought I would like it. Some of the quotes they shared made me believe that, indeed, I likely would. It's a book from 1983 targeted at young teens, a very dreamlike story. In it, a boy named Westerly and a girl named Cally from our world encounter each other in a liminal otherworld and embark on a journey towards the sea, which holds an Answer for both of them, though in vague, unspelled-out terms.

If I had come across this book at the appropriate age, I firmly believe I would have loved it without any reservations. (Well, almost without caveats... I think the big explanation that occurs at the end might not have pleased me, and even at that young age, I might have had a few moments of "but if... then how about...?") However, overall, I would have accepted the dream logic in which threats and aid materialize and disappear according to the whim of the narrative. I would have regarded it as simply how mysterious otherworlds function, and I would have fully immersed myself in the waking dream of it all.

Reading it at my current advanced age, there were aspects that I still adored. The language, for instance, endows everything with beauty and mystery. Some of the philosophical moments also left an impression on me. And there were broad sections of the book during which, even though my current self felt rather detached, I could summon up my past self and let her enjoy it.

Examples of the beautiful language include: "He came to a fork in the faintly-marked path, the way trodden no longer by men but written on the land by the memory of them." And "The silver fish blackened and sputtered, and the smell of it made Westerly’s stomach clutch at him with emptiness."

Examples of the philosophical moments are: “Oh selkie girl, selkie girl—wherever they are, they have not become nothing, they are not gone as if they had never been.... Your world is all change, all journeying, and nothing that happens and no one that lives is ever lost.”

But my adult self had both major and minor dissatisfactions. The book explores grief, loss, and death through a fantasy setting, which is fair enough as many books do this. However, I feel that the ones I like best also have a coherent in-story reason for the fantasy, for why these particular characters, this particular place, and these particular happenings. I don't think "Seaward" had that. Mytho-godlike figures with names from Welsh mythology guide and hinder Cally and Westerly, but not in any way that is firmly rooted in the myths they originate from. And Cally and Westerly's own attributes are somewhat unclear. Cally has selkie blood, but it has no impact on her trajectory. Westerly has special magical knowledge from his mother, but the why and how of this are not clear.

I really didn't like the explanation at the end regarding life, death, and a Welsh-myth-inflected (but universal!) heaven. I also had been envisioning Cally and Westerly as younger until suddenly, in the eleventh hour, they start becoming aware of each other in that particular way, and then that has to be a thing too. And this story contains one of my least favorite tropes, where the characters return to our world with no memory of their adventures or each other, but with the assurance that they'll find each other eventually. Great. This is especially wonderful because in Westerly's case, he's going back to some unspecified authoritarian state - I initially thought he was from a completely different world because of his ability to work magic and the lack of specificity regarding his origin, but no; it's our world - and both Cally's parents are dead, which is just lovely.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't think I would have liked that ending even as a child, but I would have relished the rest of the story. And that's who it was intended for - a me of 13 or 14 years old. So I'm rating it for the me of that age, and I'm glad I read it, despite the gripes of my adult self.

Eigentlich hat dieses Buch alles, was ich mir von ihm wünschte. Es hat sympathische Charaktere, die man sofort in sein Herz schließen möchte. Außerdem befindet sich darin eine fantastische Welt, die geheimnisvoll mit unserer verbunden ist. Darüber hinaus gibt es viele schöne Ideen, Orte und Wesen, die einem die Phantasie entfachen sollten.

Und trotzdem will der Funke nicht so richtig überspringen. Sobald eine Idee sich andeutet und sich die Bilder vor dem inneren Auge entfalten, hetzt das Buch bereits weiter. Dem Leser bleibt nie Zeit, sich alles genau anzusehen. Ich bin kein Freund von Tolkiens endlosem Redefluss. Aber wo er durch endlose Beschreibungen den Leser immer wieder ausbremst und mit zu vielen Details jede Fantasie immer wieder zunichte macht, fühlt man sich von Cooper in diesem Buch ständig getrieben.

Ich wäre gern mit etwas mehr Ruhe und Zeit in diese Welt getaucht, denn das, was ich mitbekommen konnte, war wirklich toll. Ich habe die Idee und die Bilder gesehen, aber ich hätte sie gerne länger genossen und mich tiefer in ihnen versenkt. Vielleicht wird das bei einem zweiten Durchgang möglich sein, wenn ich mir die Zeit nehme, alles zu entdecken, was dieses Buch zu bieten hat.

I vividly remember reading this book what felt like a million years ago and having an absolute love affair with it. However, for the longest time, I couldn't recall what on earth it was called.

Today, to my great surprise, it suddenly popped up at work. It was like a long-lost friend had come back into my life, and I knew I had to read it again.

Someone on Facebook shared that she had had the exact same experience with this very book. She wondered aloud why it was so incredibly memorable and yet, at the same time, so easily forgettable. After reading it for the second time, I think I have a bit of an understanding.

The writing within the book is truly beautiful, filled with classic themes of life and death, good and evil, and the contrast between the sun and the moon. But in the end, I'm still not entirely sure what the overarching message or purpose of the story is supposed to be.

West and Cally embark on a difficult journey through a fantastical landscape. But the reason for their quest isn't all that clear-cut. They aren't out to save the world or find a hidden treasure. Instead, it seems that their journey is more about growing up a little bit, learning some life lessons along the way.

This book was truly wonderful!

For a junior fiction, it possessed an astonishing amount of depth. It was filled with so much wisdom that could easily be applied to real life. The many life long lessons found within its pages were like precious pearls waiting to be discovered. The characters were enchanting, each with their own unique personalities and traits. They came to life on the pages and made the reader feel as if they were part of the story. One could always find a refuge in this book, a place to escape from the chaos of the outside world and lose oneself in the magic of the story. It was a book that would stay with you long after you had finished reading it, leaving a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

Another charmer from Susan Cooper.

West and Cally, both finding themselves in a strange country by different means after their parents leave them. They both have an intense feeling that they must go to the sea.

As they bravely struggle through the country, they encounter numerous obstacles. They are blocked by some inimical figures such as Taranis, the Stonecutter, and even the unforgiving desert itself.

However, they are not without help. They receive assistance from others like Rhiannon and her birds, Lugan, Peth, and Snake.

Finally, when they reach the seashore, they are faced with a crucial decision - whether to go home or to stay. This decision will shape their future and determine the path they will take in this strange and mysterious land.

Their journey is filled with adventure, danger, and unexpected friendships, making it a captivating story that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

A pleasure to find this writer did not stop after "The Dark is Rising" sequence. The story continues with Cally and West, who embark on a journey through turmoil. Their path is filled with challenges and uncertainties as they strive to reach an unknown future.

As they make their way, they encounter various obstacles that test their courage and determination. The turmoil they face seems insurmountable at times, but they refuse to give up.

Despite the hardships, Cally and West remain hopeful. They believe that there is a better future waiting for them, even if they cannot see it yet. Their unwavering spirit keeps them going, and they continue to push forward, one step at a time.

Their journey is not only a physical one but also an emotional and spiritual one. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about themselves and about the world around them. They grow stronger and more resilient, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

In the end, Cally and West's future remains uncertain. But they are prepared to embrace it, no matter what it may bring. Their story is one of hope, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit.

I found this story a bit strange. It felt more like an allegory than a typical fantasy.

Two children's parents have passed away, and they find themselves in a strange land. They are compelled to head 'seaward', and during this journey, they have to overcome several monsters.

There is a hint of Alice in Wonderland here, but with a great deal more sadness. Additionally, there is a budding romance between the young ones, which seems rather out of place within the narrative.

Now that I've provided a synopsis, nothing about this book really seems odd on the surface. However, the way it's told is just rather clumsy, perhaps. As a result, the various elements don't seem to fit together seamlessly.

It's as if the author was trying to convey multiple ideas and emotions, but the execution didn't quite manage to bring everything together in a cohesive and engaging manner.

Despite this, there are still some interesting aspects to the story that could potentially draw in readers who are willing to look beyond the flaws in its telling.

This piece is truly very different.

It has a certain allure that makes it worth reading, yet at the same time, it leaves one with an unsettling feeling.

The content presented here challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to look at things from a new perspective.

It may make us question our beliefs and values, which can be both uncomfortable and thought-provoking.

Despite the unease it may cause, there is something captivating about this article that keeps drawing us in.

It makes us realize that there are many different ways of seeing the world, and that sometimes, the most unexpected and uncomfortable ideas can be the most valuable.

Overall, this is an article that is not to be missed, even if it leaves us with a sense of disquiet.

A beautiful little book indeed.

What makes it truly remarkable is Cooper's exquisitely crafted prose. Each word seems to be carefully chosen, flowing together seamlessly to create a vivid and enchanting narrative.

Accompanying this beautiful prose is a powerful and delicately mystical philosophy. It weaves its way through the story, adding depth and meaning that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Although it has been some time since I last read this book, and the specific characters and plot details may have faded from my memory, the rare sweetness and power that it possesses have left an indelible mark on my heart.

It has earned a small but permanent place within me, a testament to its enduring charm and significance.

Whenever I think of this book, a sense of warmth and wonder washes over me, and I am reminded of the beauty and magic that can be found within the pages of a well-written story.

It is a book that I will always cherish and recommend to others, for it has the ability to touch the soul and inspire the imagination.

I liked it, but not in a couldn't put it down sort of way.

It was an interesting piece, to be sure. The story had its moments that captured my attention and held it for a while. However, there was something lacking that prevented me from becoming completely engrossed.

Perhaps it was the pacing. At times, it felt a bit slow, as if the author was taking too long to get to the point. Or maybe it was the characters. They were well-developed, but I didn't feel a strong connection with any of them.

Despite these shortcomings, I still found the article enjoyable. It had its strengths, such as the vivid descriptions and the unique plot. I would recommend it to others who are looking for a light read that won't consume all of their time.

Overall, it was a decent piece that could have been better with a few tweaks here and there.

I really loved this a great deal. It was engaging and interesting right from the start.

However, when I reached the last dozen pages, it took a bit of a turn for the worse. It felt a little too forceful or heavy-handed.

I mean, seriously, Susan. You have to admit that it was a bit of a letdown.

After all the build-up and anticipation, the ending just didn't quite deliver in the way I was hoping.

It's a shame because the rest of the piece was really quite good. But those last few pages just seemed to overdo it and kind of spoiled the overall experience for me.

Still, I guess there's always room for improvement, and maybe next time it'll be a more satisfying read from beginning to end.