Review by Ivvie Ivanova -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
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Ivvie Ivanova
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Review by Ivvie Ivanova -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland is a thriller written as a bildungsroman, meaning it flips between past and present events. It explores the connection between the past and the present of the protagonist, Phil, and how he ended up with a best friend such as Wayne, who has many issues and makes Phil's life a lot more difficult. The novel traverses the complex connection between the two characters that has been binding them together since childhood and how that connection has changed through the years.
I found the dynamic between Phil and Wayne very interesting, in the sense that I haven't seen many duos with a relationship like theirs. Phil has a life and future going for himself. He is up to society's standards and is capable of progressing further in his life and career. He grew up in a stable household with good parents.
Wayne is his complete opposite. His background is bleak and he grew up in an abusive household. As an adult, he isn't capable of working well with other people. He wouldn't be able to hold a job where manners are needed for the life of him. He is impulsive, selfish, careless towards rules and proper behavior among people.
Phil and Wayne don't fit into each other's worlds yet they have a strong bond and mix like watercolors. It's a lifelong bond forged in tragedy. As adults, it's like the two need each other to survive emotionally. That is the impression their dynamic left on me.
As Wayne's brother, Tyrone, comes back into Wayne's life, childhood memories become painfully stark and in-focus once more. More people from the past come into the main characters' lives and suspense unfolds. There are many different dynamics between the characters which I enjoyed. It kept me reading.
I liked how plausible the novel is. Most thrillers I've read have an element of exaggeration to them while this one made me understand the characters' psyche. They felt real and that feeling adds to the thriller effect. Another thing I liked is that Wayne's character is not one-dimensional. A lot of the behavior he displays is a defense mechanism against the pain and unfairness of life, both of which have plagued him since early childhood. What he shows isn't all there is to him. Wayne is the most realistic character in the novel.
There was nothing about the novel I disliked in particular. Sometimes the pacing felt a little bit off and some of the flashbacks could have been shorter and still deliver the same effect. The novel is very well-written and the characters are fleshed out. I recommend this book to anyone who likes well-crafted characters and realistic settings. If you cannot handle a somewhat heavy emotional story, maybe look elsewhere.
I rate this novel a full 4 out of 4 stars because I believe it is a thriller done right. I like emotionally charged thrillers and well-rounded characters.
******
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland is a thriller written as a bildungsroman, meaning it flips between past and present events. It explores the connection between the past and the present of the protagonist, Phil, and how he ended up with a best friend such as Wayne, who has many issues and makes Phil's life a lot more difficult. The novel traverses the complex connection between the two characters that has been binding them together since childhood and how that connection has changed through the years.
I found the dynamic between Phil and Wayne very interesting, in the sense that I haven't seen many duos with a relationship like theirs. Phil has a life and future going for himself. He is up to society's standards and is capable of progressing further in his life and career. He grew up in a stable household with good parents.
Wayne is his complete opposite. His background is bleak and he grew up in an abusive household. As an adult, he isn't capable of working well with other people. He wouldn't be able to hold a job where manners are needed for the life of him. He is impulsive, selfish, careless towards rules and proper behavior among people.
Phil and Wayne don't fit into each other's worlds yet they have a strong bond and mix like watercolors. It's a lifelong bond forged in tragedy. As adults, it's like the two need each other to survive emotionally. That is the impression their dynamic left on me.
As Wayne's brother, Tyrone, comes back into Wayne's life, childhood memories become painfully stark and in-focus once more. More people from the past come into the main characters' lives and suspense unfolds. There are many different dynamics between the characters which I enjoyed. It kept me reading.
I liked how plausible the novel is. Most thrillers I've read have an element of exaggeration to them while this one made me understand the characters' psyche. They felt real and that feeling adds to the thriller effect. Another thing I liked is that Wayne's character is not one-dimensional. A lot of the behavior he displays is a defense mechanism against the pain and unfairness of life, both of which have plagued him since early childhood. What he shows isn't all there is to him. Wayne is the most realistic character in the novel.
There was nothing about the novel I disliked in particular. Sometimes the pacing felt a little bit off and some of the flashbacks could have been shorter and still deliver the same effect. The novel is very well-written and the characters are fleshed out. I recommend this book to anyone who likes well-crafted characters and realistic settings. If you cannot handle a somewhat heavy emotional story, maybe look elsewhere.
I rate this novel a full 4 out of 4 stars because I believe it is a thriller done right. I like emotionally charged thrillers and well-rounded characters.
******
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
