Set in the Depression era of the 1930s in New Hampshire, Sea Glass tells the story of Honora Beecher; quiet and unassuming, married to Sexton and mostly content. Sexton is a successful salesman and spends time away from home selling typewriters, whilst Honora keeps house and whiles away hours searching for washed up sea glass on the beach. Honora's story alternates with those of her mother - told via the letters she sends her middle class neighbour Vivian, and lower-class workers from the local textile mill, which all culminate to paint the scene for the imminent mill strike over wage cuts. Shreve has already written nine novels, including The Pilot's Wife - the biggest-selling trade paperback in America in 1999. Her appeal is apparent from her elegant style and skilful writing.

Anita Shreve is the author of the international bestseller THE PILOT'S WIFE (a selection of Oprah's Book Club), and of 8 other novels. THE WEIGHT OF WATER was shortlisted for the prestigious Orange Prize. All of Anita's titles are published by Little, Brown/Abacus.