‘Where Light Meets Water’ by Susan Paterson
A full-bodied historical tale merging land and sea.
London, 1847, Thomas Rutherford is on extended shore leave from his maritime service and has the chance to indulge in his second love, painting. Watercolours, charcoal sketches and a mind full of ideas as he’s observed the vivid colours and light of the ocean. His solitary life affords him to be lost in the varieties of hues he transports to his sketchbook. A chance meeting with Catherine Ogilvie – a woman far beyond his class, transforms his life. Linked via their paints, oils and canvases, but more importantly, a fusion of their minds and ideas. But this is a time where they are out of step with society’s rigid expectations.
Patterns of art’s light and colour clash with Tom’s call to the sea and he has choices to make in the face of stark realities.
I am often drawn to debut authors – the unknown – to what will unravel and reveal itself. Susan Paterson revealed a delight to read with the story building like paint applications on canvas that she so adequately describes and transports you to the era.
Susan’s imagination brings to life her great-great-great Grandfather Captain Thomas Robertson’s story, a significant maritime artist and master mariner. From London to far flung continents, then Melbourne and Port Chalmers, New Zealand, Paterson provides a literary feast.
Expect the unexpected and be drawn into the world of Thomas and Catherine. Love, impossibilities, loss and resolve, meticulous art detail and the wilds of maritime service, Susan gifts us a perfectly formed debut. Like the salt from the ocean, Where The Light Meets The Water will take a while to shake from my mind.
