This collection of excerpts from "Coastliners" by Joanne Harris introduces a narrative set on the fictional island of Le Devin, particularly focusing on the village of Les Salants. The story follows the protagonist's return after a decade's absence, revealing a community struggling with coastal erosion and the encroaching sea, a problem exacerbated by rivalry with the neighboring Houssins and their powerful benefactor, Brismand. The text hints at deep-seated family histories and local traditions, including the significance of the Sainte-Marine festival and the island's unique relationship with its shifting sands. As a major oil spill threatens, the villagers are forced to confront their conflicts and work together for the island's survival, culminating in an ambitious project to protect their home and a revelation about the true intentions of key characters.