Sadly this one was not for me. It was a slow long drawn out read. I had committed to 50% read before I knew I was not going to love it. I think the main reason it didn't work for me is because the author simply tried to tackle far too many sensitive themes ans in my opinion not in any great detail, therefore did not do any of them well. It was incredibly melodramatic with an unlikeable protagonist in Grace Adams and her teenage daughter Lotte. Told in present day with flashbacks to storytell how the events of Grace's past have effected her and bringing it around to her current situation. 

I guess the author was trying to explore the importance of womanhood and all the nuances around being a strong woman. 

I struggled to get into this book despite such a gripping book synopsis.  

When I saw the proof of Behind Ocean Lines I just knew I had to read it. Was it insightful?  Hell yes. Have I still got a desire to go on a luxury yachting holiday? Hell NO! 🤣

Melanie has shared a warts and all insightful memior charting her life in early 20's, her highs and lows of following loves young dream alongside her boyfriend and his maritime passions.

A job that guarantees you will travel the world, save money, and be amongst the world's richest. But at what cost? Mental health and the darker side of being a seafarer is what you will read about in Behind Ocean Lines. 

People often ask me why or how I find time to read. It's simple really, for pleasure, for escapism and to learn something new. To experience life from somebody else's perspective either factually or fictionally. Behind Ocean Lines is a perfect example of why I chose to read for pleasure. 

It's excellent, gripping and I have a new found respect for anyone who chooses a seafarering career. Thank you Melanie for sharing your story, bravely uncovering the harsh realities of life on Ocean Lines.

Another aspect of this book I particularly enjoyed was Melanie's passion for food and her journey into becoming a chef so not only does this memior uncovers harsh realities of yacht life Melanie also shares some recipes she's perfected for budding foodies like me. 

So all in all I hope I've inspired you to pick it up.

Super slow plot plus the narrator did not hold my attention at all.