The Patternmaker and the Tide by Neil Mach
- Neil Mach
- May 3, 2025
- 2 min read
When an older man stumbles upon a baby on the shoreline; what’s his response?
What does this old man do when a single young woman blarneys her way into his life, offering to care for the foundling?
The Patternmaker and the Tide — by English author Neil Mach — is a novel that explores some of the problems related to the cross-channel migration crisis and how the seaside community reacts to the "tide" of migrants who make the perilous journey across the water to England in fragile boats.
The symmetry of the old man’s daily routine is shattered by the intrusion of this woman and the foundling baby.
How does the widower respond to these events in his decaying English seaside town?
How does the old gent respond when a young woman offers to help care for the foundling?
Of course, the old man’s structured routine is thrown completely off track by the intrusion of this baby and the offer of help from the single young woman. And the events cause more unrest and agitation than he can imagine!
The old man already has a difficult relationship with his son, and the poor relationship becomes even more strained by the circumstances.
The son accuses his father of being overly sentimental toward the young woman (a soft touch) and accuses her of being a gold digger. He suggests that the baby is part of her devious plan. And that she plans to install herself in the family home.
The people in the old man’s town express anger and openly show their prejudices when they discover the foundling baby has dark skin. The elderly man feels alienated from the community he’s long supported.
Since he cannot get any help from the authorities, the old man feels responsible for the infant’s care. Meantime, the single girl has designs to reside in his home to 'help out' with the baby.
Why don’t the authorities care?
What steps should the old man take to reunite the baby with her (migrant) parents? Why don’t the authorities care?
Why is it so difficult for the residents of this seaside town to be welcoming and supportive?
Will the old man be able to mend his strained bond with his son?
What will become of the girl if the baby is ever returned to the parents?
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