Book Review: ‘Beyond the Brightening Sea’ by Trudy J. Morgan-Cole

How do you survive and thrive in a world where you are not meant to have power? Beyond the Brightening Sea by Trudy J. Morgan-Cole aims to answer this question. Set in the middle of the seventeenth century, this historical fiction follows four distinct, contrasting women. Whether through marriage or occupation, they all find themselves in a Newfoundland colony by the name of Ferryland and must discover a way to flourish despite their respective stations.

The characters in this novel feel real. They have a variety of attributes that set them all apart and are not simply defined as good or bad. Even if they are unpleasant, they have plausible ideals; even if they are wonderful, they nevertheless make mistakes. The relationships between characters are complex. The book highlights how relationships with others can either do us more harm than good or provide unexpected solace in a troublesome time. Morgan-Cole describes tiny moments that make the characters feel authentic. These details make the world come alive. 

While the book has a slower start, the setting is enriching, convincing, and inviting. I initially thought I had signed myself up for a bore of a novel, but sooner than expected I found myself engrossed. I became completely drawn into the world of Newfoundland, as it was approximately 400 years ago. The time and place proved themselves a perfect frame for the essence of the story: the complexities of religion, wealth disparity and the accompanying misuse of power, and internalized misogyny. These themes kept me hooked, and learning more about the history of a province I have never had the privilege of visiting was a bonus.

Morgan-Cole was born and raised in Newfoundland and has primarily written stories that take place on the island. In fact, Beyond the Brightening Sea is set in the same universe as her award-winning Cupids trilogy. Despite her familiarity with the setting, Morgan-Cole did not rely solely on her existing knowledge. Instead, she made sure to do additional research. This care undoubtedly paid off — the historical context was essential for illustrating a relevant and appealing story. 

Enchanting, archaic words are used in the novel to paint a picture of the past. Morgan-Cole seamlessly shifts between the tense, rigid conversation of the governor’s family and the unrepressed, natural flow of the working class. The book contains carefully chosen bygone phrases, many of them quite amusing. The moments of humour work excellently in tandem with the more serious tones in the book.

The patriarchal ideas are tied to their time, but are familiar and relatable even to modern readers. Refreshingly, Morgan-Cole does not fall into the trap of over-explaining why the problems in the book are problems, but instead lets the actions speak for themselves. The women of the novel face insults and dismissals with a tiredness that is no stranger to marginalized people of today. Nevertheless, they are not powerless, nor do they fail to hold their ground at the important moments. 

At its heart, Beyond the Brightening Sea is a story about standing up for yourself and your rights. It is a story about prevailing and prospering even when the culture around you is telling you that you cannot. It is a story about friendship and the bonds that hold us together when we feel most alone. The novel releases on October 6. If you pick it up, the story may just feel like a cup of hot tea in your hands after facing the bitter Canadian wind chill.