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Dec 25, 2017carolefort rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I gave a lot of thought to the writing of this review. The Pulitzer prize-winning author obviously did extensive research for the writing of this book. The reader learns a great deal about the history of naval yards, the depression era, the second world war, merchant mariners etc. However, the body of the story seems disjointed. It is more an assortment of short stories, all linked to Anna Kerrigan, who is twelve years old at the start of the novel. Anna is very close to her father Eddie, who takes her with him for business meetings. It is during one such meeting that Dexter Styles is introduced as an important person in her father's business life. Years later, after her father disappears without a trace, Anna becomes the family breadwinner. How this young woman lives her life during a very difficult period of history is covered in the rest of the novel. I learned a great deal while reading Manhattan Beach but it left me wanting to know more about the interactions of the characters. Recommended for history buffs.