The Restless Sea

An epic story of changing times, courage and a love story only made possible by war.

‘A rich and skilful novel dramatizing how the war changed so many lives’ Elizabeth Buchan

For Jack, orphaned and homeless after the Blitz, a new life begins in the Merchant Navy. As he waits for the ships to gather in a secret Scottish harbour, he meets Olivia – adrift from her sheltered home, yet relishing her new freedoms.

Before the war, they would never have met. But these are extraordinary times, and the only choice is to live like there is no tomorrow.

Praise for this epic, heart-rending debut:

‘An emotional and memorable read’ Woman’s Own

‘A story about class changing conventions, as much as it is a war story . . . De Haan writes with depth and compassion’ Times

‘The sure-footedness of a pro – a remarkable debut’ Jeffrey Archer

Reviews

‘A rich and skilful novel dramatizing how the war changed so many lives’ Elizabeth Buchan

‘The sure-footedness of a pro, an amazing debut’ Jeffrey Archer

‘This is a story about class changing conventions, as much as it is a war story . . . De Haan writes with depth and compassion’ The Times

‘The second world war brings three people's lives crashing together in this nuanced debut . . . Carefully researched and sensitively written, this is an emotional and memorable read’ Woman’s Own

‘A beautifully layered, expressive novel’ Historical Novel Society

‘Packs a powerful emotional punch . . . a wonderfully engaging new voice' Toronto Star

About the author

Vanessa de Haan is a freelance journalist and editor. She has worked in-house for various media companies and spent most of her career at The Spectator magazine.

In 2005 Vanessa moved temporarily from London to Devon to concentrate on her own writing and never left. She completed the MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and was a columnist on the Western Morning News for almost three years. When not writing, Vanessa is a proofreader and copy editor. She still lives in Devon, now with a husband, three children and various animals.