Review of Before the Wind by Jim Lynch

I am not a sailor. To be honest, I can think of only one time that I was ever on anything with a sail, and that was a catamaran. However, this book truly resonated with me because it concerns a family passion that centers around the rather esoteric art form or sport of sailing. The Johannssen family are ship builders and sailboat racers. Following a critical race, in which blessed-by-the-wind Ruby chooses to exit the race course, the family drifts apart. Years later, they all come together again for one last run at the Swiftsure sailboat race. It is like they have never been apart. While on land, there may be issues dividing them, but while on the water, they fall into synchronicity and critical truths are revealed. 

Any person who is a member of a family that is deeply invested in any passion, whether riding horses, curling, or ski jumping, knows of the special connection between family members around this passion. So easily, you fall back into the old rhythyms of action and speech, each one knowing what the other is doing. Sharing the bond of an overwhelming passion when laid on top of family dynamics can be intensely challenging and even divisive. Jim Lynch handles his subject matter with a light touch and a sense of humor. His characters are bold, vivid, and unique. One of my personal favorites was the astronomer mother who is likely both mad and a genius and who has predicted how many dates her son will need to go on before he finds the "one." A delightful read.