The opening chapter of this book immediately brings back memories of the Morecambe Bay cocklers tragedy. While it takes until the end of the book for that tragedy to happen along the way the author brings us on a remarkable journey about the difficulties of the illegal immigrants and also the difficulties of aging in our society. 
Suling is seeking a better life for herself and her family but to get to the U.K. she has accumulated a large debt and realises the job of picking cockles in the bay won’t settle that debt. Arthur is grieving the loss of his life and has a daughter suggesting he reside in a nursing home. The two meet and neither hesitate to help the other. This gives a poignant and at times disturbing look into the lives of illegal immigrants. It also examines loneliness, prejudice and aging. Yet out of it all the value of friendship and simple humanity shines through. A thought provoking and heartwarming story. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.