A Sea of Troubles

Book excerpt: The unbearable loss of Jeanette throws Stan’s life into anguished chaos in the opening chapters of A Sea of Troubles, the fifth and penultimate book in the Hindsights series. With his lust for life demolished, the only things keeping him alive are his inability to believe in anything but living, and his vital friendship with Bob. Desperately trying to run before he can walk, Stan falls deeply in love with Lena, and is driven to the brink of suicide – and to an unexpected catharsis. After a year of booze and smoke, Stan regains a little balance thanks to Bob and to the warm companionship of others, but is unable to banish Lena from his mind and life. In the war of attrition between their hearts, minds, wills and bodies, Stan refuses to let her go and she refuses to let him get away. Eventually, Lena succumbs to his persistence; they get engaged, cohabit and marry. They’re happy at last – for weeks, possibly even months. But the unwelcome war has only just begun. With Lena’s disdain towards him increasing, Stan struggles to continue painting in the face debilitating discouragement, and turns instead to further building projects. Lena wants children. Hoping that a family might finally forge the missing bonds, Stan moves mountains to make it possible. But he puts down his brushes and puts away his easel for good.