Review by Hira-osh -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
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Hira-osh
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- Latest Review: Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland
Review by Hira-osh -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]
Set in a small town in the United Kingdom, Waves Break is a novel that explores themes of friendship and dealing with childhood trauma. Narrated in first person by Phil Tyler, a journalist for his local newspaper; the story unfolds a series of events that bring back memories of the tragic death of Phil’s childhood friend Stevie. Some events leave a permanent dent in people’s lives that they continue to carry into their adulthood. Stevie’s death is one such event that has impacted Phil and his other friends lives profoundly, even now as they are grown adults.
When someone from their past re-enters their lives, Phil and Wayne must face the consequences and salvage what remains of their lives. As they are left to pick up the pieces of a troubling, mysterious robbery entangling them. Phil and Wayne are forced to relive past wounds.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book is Litherland’s writing style (despite having some typos). Although the story deals with pretty difficult subjects such as death, child abuse and grief (among others), Litherland’s writing style manages to engage readers with the heavy content without overwhelming them with melancholy. He uses dark British humour and frequent banter throughout the book, making it interesting for readers.
The crime-mystery element in the story is enjoyable, however, not exceptional or mind-blowing. So readers that want to read heavy and complex mystery plots may find the one in Waves Break slightly underwhelming.
I rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars. It is an entertaining and easy read mostly driven by the captivating writing by Litherland, the interesting narrator and his sense of humour. Besides the mystery of a violent robbery, a large aspect explored in the story is the element of friendship, nostalgia and the development of Phil, Wayne and Stevie’s relationship over the course of several years. If you are someone who enjoys these themes, then this book is definitely for you. As mentioned above, the tone of the book is fairly lighthearted despite the intense themes it discusses.
However, there are some trigger warnings that readers should take into account before reading the book. Descriptions of child abuse and neglect are given throughout the novel. Violence is also detailed. There is an implied rape incident although it is merely alluded to; i.e nothing is explicitly stated. Profanity is frequently used which is also mentioned in the synopsis by the author. Aside from occasional mention of having intercourse, no explicit sexual content is described. Therefore, this book is most appropriate for adults. And readers of contemporary and crime genre will enjoy Waves Break the most.
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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Set in a small town in the United Kingdom, Waves Break is a novel that explores themes of friendship and dealing with childhood trauma. Narrated in first person by Phil Tyler, a journalist for his local newspaper; the story unfolds a series of events that bring back memories of the tragic death of Phil’s childhood friend Stevie. Some events leave a permanent dent in people’s lives that they continue to carry into their adulthood. Stevie’s death is one such event that has impacted Phil and his other friends lives profoundly, even now as they are grown adults.
When someone from their past re-enters their lives, Phil and Wayne must face the consequences and salvage what remains of their lives. As they are left to pick up the pieces of a troubling, mysterious robbery entangling them. Phil and Wayne are forced to relive past wounds.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book is Litherland’s writing style (despite having some typos). Although the story deals with pretty difficult subjects such as death, child abuse and grief (among others), Litherland’s writing style manages to engage readers with the heavy content without overwhelming them with melancholy. He uses dark British humour and frequent banter throughout the book, making it interesting for readers.
The crime-mystery element in the story is enjoyable, however, not exceptional or mind-blowing. So readers that want to read heavy and complex mystery plots may find the one in Waves Break slightly underwhelming.
I rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars. It is an entertaining and easy read mostly driven by the captivating writing by Litherland, the interesting narrator and his sense of humour. Besides the mystery of a violent robbery, a large aspect explored in the story is the element of friendship, nostalgia and the development of Phil, Wayne and Stevie’s relationship over the course of several years. If you are someone who enjoys these themes, then this book is definitely for you. As mentioned above, the tone of the book is fairly lighthearted despite the intense themes it discusses.
However, there are some trigger warnings that readers should take into account before reading the book. Descriptions of child abuse and neglect are given throughout the novel. Violence is also detailed. There is an implied rape incident although it is merely alluded to; i.e nothing is explicitly stated. Profanity is frequently used which is also mentioned in the synopsis by the author. Aside from occasional mention of having intercourse, no explicit sexual content is described. Therefore, this book is most appropriate for adults. And readers of contemporary and crime genre will enjoy Waves Break the most.
******
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland
