What the Tide Leaves Behind - by Malcolm McDowell Woods (Paperback)

About the Book

A heartwarming tale of personal growth, the charm of small communities and the enduring bond between man and dog. Set in County Donegal, Ireland, it explores themes of community, connection, and the transformative power of companionship.

Book Synopsis

Thomas McKay is lost. He has shuffled through life since losing his father in one of the last explosive acts of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Now he finds himself tending to his late mother's cottage in the remote, wind scoured Donegal coast and trying to connect with her enigmatic border collie. As he adjusts to life in the small village of Dunnybegs, he discovers the rhythm of the community, filled with colorful characters and rich archaeological history.

So begins a year of self-discovery as Thomas forms a deep bond with the dog and through her, learns to really see the world. On long walks along the stunning coastline, he becomes a keen observer of the area, documenting their adventures through photography. Their story gains international attention on social media, turning them into local celebrities and embroiling them in a battle over the future of Killfish Bay, the small cove near Dunnybegs. There is an American corporation eying the bay and an offer on the cottage. Thomas may have finally found his place in the world, but will he lose it all? What the Tide Leaves behind is a heartwarming tale of personal growth, the authentic charm of small communities and the enduring bond between man and dog. The novel explores themes of community, connection, and the transformative power of unexpected companionship.

Review Quotes

"The book took me right back to Ireland (and) perfectly captured the people of Ireland and the beauty of this country. Grab tea and a blanket and lose yourself in this great read."

"A beautifully written debut novel ... captures the beauty of the country and its people. His writing is succinct and yet descriptive. Reminds me of Hemingway's style."

"A book about discovering love: love of place, love of family, and love of self. The novel transported me to a fictional coastal village in Ireland and I fell in love with it, too."

"The story creates such a lovely sense of place and how we find ourselves at home (or find ourselves AND home) or not in different places. It unfolds like a long stroll through the countryside, but with a gentle compelling urge to the reader to keep going, just one more chapter before turning out the light."