Review by wanjirue159 -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
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wanjirue159
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Review by wanjirue159 -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) is an intriguing novel by Barry Litherland. It talks about friendship, disturbed family backgrounds, and deep secrets. The story is narrated by Phil who is the main character.
This book is split between two timelines. One timeline focuses on the childhood friendship between Phil, Wayne, and Stevie. Wayne had a very troubled childhood; he was physically abused and bullied by his elder brother, Tryone. Unfortunately, Stevie died at a very tender age. The second timeline focuses on the present days. Phil is a journalist while Wayne works in a factory. Wayne currently dates his childhood friend, Tina.
Apparently, an unknown assailant breaks into Tina’s father’s house. He empties the safe and leaves Tina’s father in a critical condition. Tina’s father is rushed to the hospital where he is taken to the intensive care unit. Wayne becomes the first suspect to the crime. However, he believes that he is innocent. As a journalist, Phil uses his skills to find out the person responsible for the crime.
I really liked the way the author was able to strike a perfect balance between past and present experiences. For example, to explain Wayne’s current behaviour, the reader is taken back to his childhood experiences. His childhood trauma contributes to his present behaviour. I found this helpful because the reader is able to witness as the characters transform from childhood to adulthood.
Another aspect I liked about this book is character development. Each character is well-developed, unique, and interesting. I cared to know the fate of each one of them. I particularly found Wayne’s personality interesting. He was rash and unpredictable, but he also cared about his friends. I also found the use of first-person perspective convenient. The reader is able to see things through Phil’s eyes as he narrates. I also liked the dark humour present in this book. It is amazing how the author was able to incorporate humour amidst the traumatizing events that occurred in the story.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it was well-edited and easy to read. The only thing I disliked about this book was use of vulgar language which occurred frequently. I would not recommend it to those people who dislike the use of vulgar language in novels. I would like to recommend this book to those people who like dark humour. Anyone who likes books of crime and suspense will also enjoy it.
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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) is an intriguing novel by Barry Litherland. It talks about friendship, disturbed family backgrounds, and deep secrets. The story is narrated by Phil who is the main character.
This book is split between two timelines. One timeline focuses on the childhood friendship between Phil, Wayne, and Stevie. Wayne had a very troubled childhood; he was physically abused and bullied by his elder brother, Tryone. Unfortunately, Stevie died at a very tender age. The second timeline focuses on the present days. Phil is a journalist while Wayne works in a factory. Wayne currently dates his childhood friend, Tina.
Apparently, an unknown assailant breaks into Tina’s father’s house. He empties the safe and leaves Tina’s father in a critical condition. Tina’s father is rushed to the hospital where he is taken to the intensive care unit. Wayne becomes the first suspect to the crime. However, he believes that he is innocent. As a journalist, Phil uses his skills to find out the person responsible for the crime.
I really liked the way the author was able to strike a perfect balance between past and present experiences. For example, to explain Wayne’s current behaviour, the reader is taken back to his childhood experiences. His childhood trauma contributes to his present behaviour. I found this helpful because the reader is able to witness as the characters transform from childhood to adulthood.
Another aspect I liked about this book is character development. Each character is well-developed, unique, and interesting. I cared to know the fate of each one of them. I particularly found Wayne’s personality interesting. He was rash and unpredictable, but he also cared about his friends. I also found the use of first-person perspective convenient. The reader is able to see things through Phil’s eyes as he narrates. I also liked the dark humour present in this book. It is amazing how the author was able to incorporate humour amidst the traumatizing events that occurred in the story.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it was well-edited and easy to read. The only thing I disliked about this book was use of vulgar language which occurred frequently. I would not recommend it to those people who dislike the use of vulgar language in novels. I would like to recommend this book to those people who like dark humour. Anyone who likes books of crime and suspense will also enjoy it.
******
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Masters and Bastards by Christopher J. Penington
