Reviewed by Beverly A. Jackson *

With two novels so far, Maryanne Stahl's readers await her next book, stand in line for autographs; and the book clubs who heralded her first novel, Forgive the Moon, seize her latest, The Opposite Shore.

In this second lyrical story, she presents an aspect of a modern-day Tempest. Ms. Stahl, inspired by a recent reading of Shakespeare's play, opens her new book with a love triangle worthy of stormy drama. As in every sibling's worst nightmare it consists of the protagonist Rose, her husband, and her sister. Rose's teen-aged daughter, captured in the throes of puppy love, is a poignant counterpoint to the searing adult emotions.

Maryanne Stahl’s strengths lie in mastery of poetic imagery, irony, and a commanding expression of the subtleties of the human heart. Her careful eye moves over the complex relationships of lovers, spouses, parents, and child with affecting openness as her characters -- the kind you care about, and cry for -- deal with essentials, the realities of the world. I impatiently await her next fictional sojourn into the tempests of living.

* Editor/Publisher of:

Lit Pot, eclectic e-zine
Ink Pot, a literary journal

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