Review of Bombora

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Rose Nakhanu
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Review of Bombora

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Bombora" by Paul Drewitt.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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A Review on Bombora by Paul Drewitt

The book is based on the life of Andy, with special focus on his life as a sixteen year old teenager. The author uses events and people in Andy's life to explore the diversity of fear; when to be brave, what drives fear, the actions made when in fear and their consequences, and finally when to accept defeat.

Andy meets Mick, a friend of his elder brother, who is about a year older than him. Mick is described as reckless, irresponsible and competitive. He introduces Andy to dangerous and life-threatening adventures at the rocky coastal terrain. Andy's first lesson is about holding his breath under the salty ocean water, where he is out-shined by Mick who, consequently mocks his lack of prowess. The author states that Mick only ever wanted to assert his dominance on Andy, to prove that he was better, which led him to be rude, disrespectful and insensitive towards Andy and his family. This creates a bridge between Andy's family and Mick hence Andy's dad kicks him out.

Andy and Mick however remain acquaintances and are able to make friends who are older and more experienced than them. Here, they meet men like Bassa and Glash. Glash plays an important role in shaping the lives of these teenagers, together with his girlfriend Sophia. They are both former champions, however carrying secrets that eventually make them flee out of town. Andy becomes a refractory student, worrying his teachers and causing his girlfriend to break up with him. Sophia lures Andy into having unconventional sex with him, while Glash and Mick bond in absence of Andy, which leads them to go to Indiana, leaving Andy. Soon after, Mick disappears, Sophia gets pregnant, Glash is said to be under investigation for dealing with illegal drugs, making Sophia and Glash to run away. Eventually, Sophia is found dead, which Andy suspects is due to her sexual perverseness taken too far. Andy loses his parents, sires a daughter and becomes a firefighter. His heart still yearns for the wild days at the beach, making him return to his coastal home town permanently.

Bombora has several positive aspects. The book is professionally edited. Paul Drewitt uses simple language and well constructed characters to describe fear. The book has an interesting story line that will invoke several emotions of the reader. This will make the reader entertained while still understanding the author's message. Those who are affiliated with coastal settings will find the book an enjoyable read.

However, the book describes disturbing scenes that may not be comfortable for everyone, such as sex with minors. There is alot of beach-related terms that may not be familiar with quite a number of readers. It should not be used as a model of teaching for young people, as it may lead to poor decisions being made.

I rate the book 3 out 4 stars, because some of the events described in the book may be a trigger for some people, for example rape. The book is however suitable for readers that enjoy plot twists and love coastal sceneries. It also provides a new, easy and improved approach to fear, teaching readers that fear is normal and can be overcome.

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Bombora
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