Review of Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)

[Chidimma Eneye]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) is a beautifully written story. It tells the story of how the meaningless murder of their best friend impacts the lives of two boys deeply even into adulthood. Philip, Stevie, and Wayne are friends who happen to be in a wrong place at the wrong time. Stevie's death continues to haunt Phil and Wayne in different ways. When a dark shadow from their past returns, it is up to Phil to put an end to the nightmare that has haunted them all their lives.

Barry Litherland's Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) pulls at the heartstrings. Litherland tells the stark truth of how abused children are often ignored or looked down upon in the society until it's too late. Even with burn marks and bruises all over his body, social services still refused to see the obvious truth— that Wayne was being abused— until someone died. Wayne was able to get through because he had friends who were there for him and stood up for him when no-one else would.

I loved the realism of the story in so many ways. Litherland taught some moral lessons in his book such as: Greed does not pay and you don't always get what you want. Also, I love how the hero was portrayed, not as an invincible knight in shining armour, but as an ordinary man with fears, insecurities and challenges. Further, at the end of the book they don't all go riding off into the sunset or become magically rewarded, but life continues as it would in real life. Thus, Litherland writes a good, satisfying but realistic ending.

I rate this book 4 out of 4. I think it was exceptionally edited and well written. I read it in two days because I could barely put it down. It's a real page turner. This is the first book by Barry Litherland that I have read and I must say that I admire his style of writing, his sense of humour which adds a little comic relief to an otherwise sober read and his method of writing forward and back which gives the reader a sense of watching flashbacks.

I would recommend this book to drama, thriller and even romance readers. There are elements of comedy and witty one-liners that would bring a smile to your face. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
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