The Ship of Brides by JoJo Moyes

The Ship of Brides is a complicated and delicate interweaving of the lives of those aboard a ship carrying Australian war brides to their British husbands. There are many individual story lines, including that of the ship's captain, but Moyes handles them all well. 

All of the characters presented are exquisitely presented.  Even if we don't get the point of view of all of them, they are wonderfully drawn, realistic enough to stay with you long after the book has been finished, and each one shows unique development.

Although it does take a bit to get fully into the story, the writing is excellent.  There are no unanswered questions, but every character has a definitive, if not necessarily happy, ending.  The settings are richly described, and the character interactions all work together to form this incredibly detailed book.   

The Ship of Brides by JoJo Moyes: A little daunting at first, but an incredibly good story.  Available from booksellers and libraries now.