I read this novel in one sitting and found myself weeping at the end of it. While it is a novel about rowing---a sport I knew nothing about when I started reading--- the love story at its center broke my heart. The story of Rob and Carolyn resonated with me. It felt incredibly real, raw, emotional and true and there were times I held my breath while I read about the two of them struggling to stay together. I enjoyed the rowing segments and felt they were woven beautifully into this romantic tale about two people finding each other despite it all. I think this is one of the best novels of the year.