“Tides” hooked me for good within the very first pages. It’s the story of the retired Jackie Cunningham, a well-known and respected investigative journalist as we come to learn. It’s also the story of a whole generation in a nutshell as seen through the eyes of someone who often was “on the spot” when history happened or was made. The book spans from the bombing of England in WWII to our times and spans as well the whole globe.

Ladies, you’re gonna love the character of Jackie!  The story is told from her perspective and beware of this innocent looking white-haired lady and her devious designs! She is spunky despite a life with low and high tides and I had to laugh out loud several times at her antics and caustic remarks! Go Jackie!

Anne Azel, an award-winning author, shows her penmanship in interweaving the storyline set in the present with flashbacks into history. It’s a delight to re-live those times in masterfully short vignettes. And not only history at large, but esp. our “herstory” – how being a lesbian was “done” and perceived way back when. Yes, even those old biddies were once young and at times had a rather wild and colourful life!

This is not a romance nor historical fiction but a wonderful heartwarming, unusual and uplifting read.  In our global community it is most welcome to see that there is great lesbian fiction from all over the world.  Anne Azel herself is Canadian, some of the story is set in Newfoundland and Azel’s love for this part of the world and “home” shines right through. It’s another reason this book is outstanding