This book is not likely to be long-lived; indeed, finding a current readership may be a challenge. Without establishing or building a platform for why or how the Fundamentalism/Evangelical thread and parochial backgrounds exert their powers over the plot and characters, little curiosity or caring is generated for either the 20 year-old unsolved murder central to the story or its many players. A second reading might bring more clarity, but the language does not invite investing in a reread. Too many "prickly spines", " grips of ecstatic revelation"; contemporary cultural war references from anorexia and abortion to trans gender issues; and florid sentences like, "...the worst devils are devious in their attack. With their treachery, they turn you into the agent of your own demise." or " ...Karlie, slavering, panting Karlie, cannot help but lap up even the most paltry morsels of affection." To be fair, the author, in her professional psychiatrist element, has a promising field of stories and personalities to mine in future endeavors. I hope one will include development of Bright and Tender Dark's intriguing chapter The Weeper.

Few things are as satisfying as a good story skillfully written. Wild and Distant Seas is the kind of book you find yourself pondering about between readings. Spanning 56 years, two continents and four generations of Hussey women, the author never obscures the story with undue description, details or fantasy. Indeed, among the pleasures of this book is Roberts' ability to convey layers of meaning within deft sentences and images. Male characters are not neglected, but relationships between women, both mothers and daughters and the diverse women who sustain them, builds our understanding of the enduring values of caring and loyalty.