The Crossing — Andrew Miller

“In pristine, elegant prose,” the Costa Prize�"winning author “creates an indelible portrait of a mysterious woman” and her quest for total independence (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
 
Maud enters Tim's life as no one else could: by falling straight past him, seemingly to her death, then standing up and walking away. From that moment on, Tim is desperate to love her, rescue her, reach her. Yet there is nothing to suggest Maud has any need of him. She is already complete. A woman with a talent for survival, she works long hours and loves to sail -- preferably on her own.
 
When Maud finds her unfulfilling marriage tested by unspeakable tragedy, she attempts to escape from her husband and society's hypocrisy. In her quest, she encounters the impossible and pushes her mind and body to their limits.
 
A wise and thrilling portrait of an irreducible heroine who asks no permission and begs no pardon, The Crossing explores a truth that's absent from most contemporary literature.
 
“An extraordinary portrait of an enigmatic woman.” -- The Guardian