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Past the Shallows
Shortlisted for the 2012 Miles Franklin Award, PAST THE SHALLOWS is a powerful and hauntingly beautiful novel from an extraordinary new Australian writer who is compared with Cormac McCarthy and Tim Winton.
'If you read only one book this year, make sure it's this' Sunday Times
Everyone loves Harry. Except his father.
Joe, Miles and Harry are growing up on the remote south coast of Tasmania. The brothers' lives are shaped by their father's moods - like the ocean he fishes, he is wild and unpredictable. He is a bitter man, with a devastating secret.
Miles does his best to watch out for Harry, the youngest, but he can't be there all the time. Often alone, Harry finds joy in the small treasures he discovers, in shark eggs and cuttlefish bones. In a kelpie pup, a mug of hot chocolate, and a secret friendship with a mysterious neighbour.
But sometimes small treasures, or a brother's love are not enough.
'If you read only one book this year, make sure it's this' Sunday Times
Everyone loves Harry. Except his father.
Joe, Miles and Harry are growing up on the remote south coast of Tasmania. The brothers' lives are shaped by their father's moods - like the ocean he fishes, he is wild and unpredictable. He is a bitter man, with a devastating secret.
Miles does his best to watch out for Harry, the youngest, but he can't be there all the time. Often alone, Harry finds joy in the small treasures he discovers, in shark eggs and cuttlefish bones. In a kelpie pup, a mug of hot chocolate, and a secret friendship with a mysterious neighbour.
But sometimes small treasures, or a brother's love are not enough.
230 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
192 people are currently reading
5997 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 807 reviews
April 25, 2018
Such a sad, sad story. The ending made me reach for the tissues. The author writes beautifully with a very evocative style.
I have never been surfing but her descriptions of Miles when he is waiting for the next wave are so real I felt as though I had been there too. Harry is a wonderful little character and I was so glad when he had some happy moments. His relationship with George was lovely although I still do not really understand who George was. I think maybe he was there just as a red herring.
This is a very readable story, short and sad but memorable.
I have never been surfing but her descriptions of Miles when he is waiting for the next wave are so real I felt as though I had been there too. Harry is a wonderful little character and I was so glad when he had some happy moments. His relationship with George was lovely although I still do not really understand who George was. I think maybe he was there just as a red herring.
This is a very readable story, short and sad but memorable.
April 10, 2017
Favel Parrett's debut novel is a sweetly sad tale of three brothers and their violent, explosive father, an abalone diver in Tasmania. After losing their mother some years before, the boys live a marginal existence with no regular food in the house and never knowing when their father will lash out. But they have each other to provide strong bonds of caring and affection. Joe the eldest moved out to live with his grandfather after a violent episode with his father and is now planning to leave. Miles, the middle son has to go out and work on his Dad's boat during the summer school holidays and knows this is his future, one he doesn't want. He keeps an eye out for Harry, the youngest, still wide eyed and trusting and tries to protect him from his father's drunken bouts.
Written in beautifully evocative prose, Parrett recreates the sights and sounds of the Tasmanian bush and rugged coastline. The sea is sometimes predictable, as when Joe and Miles are surfing but can rapidly become wild and unforgiving to those who venture out into a storm. A powerful story of brotherly bonds and the innocence of youth in the face of an abusive parent.
"Out past the shallows, past the sandy-bottomed bays, comes the dark water - black and cold and roaring. Rolling out an invisible path, a new line for them to follow. To somewhere warm. To somewhere new."
Written in beautifully evocative prose, Parrett recreates the sights and sounds of the Tasmanian bush and rugged coastline. The sea is sometimes predictable, as when Joe and Miles are surfing but can rapidly become wild and unforgiving to those who venture out into a storm. A powerful story of brotherly bonds and the innocence of youth in the face of an abusive parent.
"Out past the shallows, past the sandy-bottomed bays, comes the dark water - black and cold and roaring. Rolling out an invisible path, a new line for them to follow. To somewhere warm. To somewhere new."
November 23, 2022
I read this when it was originally published after finding out it was nominated for awards all over the place. I am happy to say that it has lost nothing of it's brilliance in ten years. An amazing book, particularly for lovers of Australian geography and culture. I always say this, and it is one of the best accolades I can give a book, it has a strong Winton feel to it.
Miles is old enough now to replace the gap left by Uncle Nick. Old enough to man the boat himself while his father and the other two men dive for abalone. They never found Uncle Nick’s body, just the dinghy.
This is not the life Miles wants telling his little brother, Harry, that he is lucky he gets seasick and that he will never have to work on the boat. It’s a hard life struggling to keep up with the bigger boats. Miles wants to build furniture like his grandfather, yet he feels trapped working for his father, taking care of Harry. He doesn’t know how to escape.
Harry is the youngest of three brothers, Joe is the oldest. The story is told from Harry and Mile’s perspective.
Both Miles and Harry struggle with the loss of their mother who was killed in a car crash. Harry, can barely remember her, trying to hold on to the vague memories that he has, the lady in the photos at home, more of a stranger than a mother. Miles, worries that his mother drove herself into the tree on purpose, this thought eating away at him. Like Harry his memories are blurry.
The father is severely depressed, slowly drowning in alcohol and despair. Taking out his sorrow and pain on his sons in the form of domestic abuse.
Parrett leaves the mother’s death clouded in ambiguity but scatters enough crumbs to leave the reader suspicious as to exactly what happened.
This is a novel about struggle. All family members are struggling with the loss of the mother. A struggle with life, paying the bills. Growing up, moving on. It is about the unbreakable bond and love between siblings. It is also about domestic abuse and violence.
The author’s biography says that Parrett loves surfing, and this passion is clearly shown in the beautifully descriptive writing. The waves, the surf, the water; beautiful, powerful, wild, and deadly.
In fact, the whole story revolves around the ocean. It is where the story starts, it is where the family work, it is where the boys surf, and it is also where the story ends. The ocean is almost a character itself, and by the end of the book the reader will find how apt the title is.
A wonderful debut.
Miles is old enough now to replace the gap left by Uncle Nick. Old enough to man the boat himself while his father and the other two men dive for abalone. They never found Uncle Nick’s body, just the dinghy.
This is not the life Miles wants telling his little brother, Harry, that he is lucky he gets seasick and that he will never have to work on the boat. It’s a hard life struggling to keep up with the bigger boats. Miles wants to build furniture like his grandfather, yet he feels trapped working for his father, taking care of Harry. He doesn’t know how to escape.
Harry is the youngest of three brothers, Joe is the oldest. The story is told from Harry and Mile’s perspective.
Both Miles and Harry struggle with the loss of their mother who was killed in a car crash. Harry, can barely remember her, trying to hold on to the vague memories that he has, the lady in the photos at home, more of a stranger than a mother. Miles, worries that his mother drove herself into the tree on purpose, this thought eating away at him. Like Harry his memories are blurry.
The father is severely depressed, slowly drowning in alcohol and despair. Taking out his sorrow and pain on his sons in the form of domestic abuse.
Parrett leaves the mother’s death clouded in ambiguity but scatters enough crumbs to leave the reader suspicious as to exactly what happened.
This is a novel about struggle. All family members are struggling with the loss of the mother. A struggle with life, paying the bills. Growing up, moving on. It is about the unbreakable bond and love between siblings. It is also about domestic abuse and violence.
The author’s biography says that Parrett loves surfing, and this passion is clearly shown in the beautifully descriptive writing. The waves, the surf, the water; beautiful, powerful, wild, and deadly.
In fact, the whole story revolves around the ocean. It is where the story starts, it is where the family work, it is where the boys surf, and it is also where the story ends. The ocean is almost a character itself, and by the end of the book the reader will find how apt the title is.
A wonderful debut.
November 8, 2016
Parrett's debut novel concerns the three sons of a violent, embittered Tasmanian fisherman with a dark secret. It is a spare, lyrical, almost mythic piece. The boys lost their mother some years back in a car crash which two of the boys, Miles--now 13, and Harry--8, survived. These two now live with their father in a run-down house on the rocky, harsh, and remote southern coast of Tasmania. The eldest son, Joe--19, escaped to live with his maternal grandfather some years previous, after his arm was badly broken by his father in one of his characteristic rages. As the novel opens, the boys' grandfather has recently died, their aunt is set to sell the house and land, and Joe, who has worked on building his own boat, intends to escape the place for good. Miles has been pulled from school to man THE IDA, his father's fishing boat, as his father and other men dive, often illegally in protected waters, for abalone. Harry is regularly left alone on shore and spends his days wandering. On one of his walks, he encounters a dog that belongs to George, a kindly hermit, disfigured by a cleft palate and burns from a fire that killed his family in his youth. George befriends Harry, and the two youngest boys seek refuge with the old man when their drunken father attacks them one evening. However, their father's mad fury must play itself out, and Miles and Harry must bear witness to it out on the wild sea.
PAST THE SHALLOWS is a bleakly beautiful, elemental work that demands slow, mindful, and patient reading. It is a story of secrets and survival. For those willing to put in the effort, it is well worth it.
PAST THE SHALLOWS is a bleakly beautiful, elemental work that demands slow, mindful, and patient reading. It is a story of secrets and survival. For those willing to put in the effort, it is well worth it.
April 25, 2014
I was attracted to this book because of the setting, Tasmania, where my future daughter is at this time. The writing is very spare, but this is done to great effect. Three boys, trying to get over a horrible tragedy, two who are the mercy of a drunken, abusive father. The third, older had been building a boat for years and is now ready to get away.
Abalone fishing is a way of life there and the scenes on the water are harrowing. There is a wonderful old neighbor named George, who offers the boys shelter and companionship without asking many questions. He is a great character. Not an easy book to read, heartbreaking but a story about secrets, brotherhood and hopefully a second chance for some.
Abalone fishing is a way of life there and the scenes on the water are harrowing. There is a wonderful old neighbor named George, who offers the boys shelter and companionship without asking many questions. He is a great character. Not an easy book to read, heartbreaking but a story about secrets, brotherhood and hopefully a second chance for some.
April 25, 2018
A small precious gem of a book, Past the Shallows is a remarkable achievement for a first-time author. I was deeply moved by this story of brothers struggling to survive a truly ghastly domestic situation in an isolated location on Tasmania's south-east coast. More novella than full length book, the prose is spare, beautifully crafted and conveys great meaning with an economy of words.
The main characters are the Curran brothers, Miles and Harry and, to a lesser extent, their older sibling Joe. With their mother having died some years earlier in a car crash, the boys eke out a wretched existence, subjected to emotional abuse and physical neglect at the hands of their alcoholic father. An abalone fisherman, Dad battles inner demons as he struggles to keep his business afloat. Literally. The crew of his clapped-out boat are put to work in all weathers, and endure great dangers as they go to sea each day to catch the prized shellfish. Miles is hugely resentful of Dad's demands, being a typical teenager who just wants to sleep, surf and laze about. He bears an additional burden, as a conscientious warden of his kid brother's safety. Although it is not stated specifically, it is clear that Harry is somewhere on the autism spectrum.
The depiction of Harry is beautifully written by Favel Parrett. At turns he is charming, funny, dreamy and challenging, and altogether too difficult for his selfish father and aunt to handle with compassion. The narrative point of view switches between Harry and Miles, as both brothers' experiences intertwine to drive the story forward. The reader gets to see the world through Harry's unique perspective, and his gentle character made him most endearing to me. I felt equally connected to Miles, who bears the brunt of his father's cruelty.
There are lots of dark secrets within the Curran family, and these gradually come to light as the story progresses. My heart was in my mouth for the fate of the two boys as the novel reached its stormy climax. For such a small, modest book, it certainly had a big impact on me. I think one of its greatest strengths is its brevity. Parrett's elegant prose takes the reader straight to the issues at the heart of this dysfunctional family. I was hugely invested in the plight of Harry and Miles, and was deeply affected by what happened to them. This novel is a shining example of the principle that "Less is More". 5★s
The main characters are the Curran brothers, Miles and Harry and, to a lesser extent, their older sibling Joe. With their mother having died some years earlier in a car crash, the boys eke out a wretched existence, subjected to emotional abuse and physical neglect at the hands of their alcoholic father. An abalone fisherman, Dad battles inner demons as he struggles to keep his business afloat. Literally. The crew of his clapped-out boat are put to work in all weathers, and endure great dangers as they go to sea each day to catch the prized shellfish. Miles is hugely resentful of Dad's demands, being a typical teenager who just wants to sleep, surf and laze about. He bears an additional burden, as a conscientious warden of his kid brother's safety. Although it is not stated specifically, it is clear that Harry is somewhere on the autism spectrum.
The depiction of Harry is beautifully written by Favel Parrett. At turns he is charming, funny, dreamy and challenging, and altogether too difficult for his selfish father and aunt to handle with compassion. The narrative point of view switches between Harry and Miles, as both brothers' experiences intertwine to drive the story forward. The reader gets to see the world through Harry's unique perspective, and his gentle character made him most endearing to me. I felt equally connected to Miles, who bears the brunt of his father's cruelty.
There are lots of dark secrets within the Curran family, and these gradually come to light as the story progresses. My heart was in my mouth for the fate of the two boys as the novel reached its stormy climax. For such a small, modest book, it certainly had a big impact on me. I think one of its greatest strengths is its brevity. Parrett's elegant prose takes the reader straight to the issues at the heart of this dysfunctional family. I was hugely invested in the plight of Harry and Miles, and was deeply affected by what happened to them. This novel is a shining example of the principle that "Less is More". 5★s
January 2, 2012
This debut novel by Favel Parrett has a lot of high recommendations attached to it, and it’s one I’ve wanted to read for awhile. I am so glad I did, it was a wonderful story, very sad, very confronting, but definitely worth reading.
Harry, Miles and Joe are 3 children who lost their mother to a dreadful car accident a few years earlier, and the two younger boys have since lived with their moody and unpredictable father on the remote south coast of Tasmania. Joe moved out at 13 after a bitter and violent argument with his father, and went to live with his Grandad. Miles did his best to look after Harry, and shield him from their father’s warped bitterness, but he couldn’t be there all the time.
When one of the hands on the boat used for abalone fishing is badly injured, Miles has to take his place, and Harry stays home alone a lot of the time. He wanders through the day, hunting for treasures, and when he finds Jake, an adorable little kelpie pup, he has a playmate at last. Jake is owned by George, and Harry befriends the two of them, and knows some of the happiest days of his life while in their company.
One day, though, things go terribly wrong, there is a dreadful accident and nothing is the same again. ‘Past the Shallows’ is a hauntingly beautiful story about the bond of brotherhood and the fragility of youth.
I would recommend this new Australian author to everyone!
Harry, Miles and Joe are 3 children who lost their mother to a dreadful car accident a few years earlier, and the two younger boys have since lived with their moody and unpredictable father on the remote south coast of Tasmania. Joe moved out at 13 after a bitter and violent argument with his father, and went to live with his Grandad. Miles did his best to look after Harry, and shield him from their father’s warped bitterness, but he couldn’t be there all the time.
When one of the hands on the boat used for abalone fishing is badly injured, Miles has to take his place, and Harry stays home alone a lot of the time. He wanders through the day, hunting for treasures, and when he finds Jake, an adorable little kelpie pup, he has a playmate at last. Jake is owned by George, and Harry befriends the two of them, and knows some of the happiest days of his life while in their company.
One day, though, things go terribly wrong, there is a dreadful accident and nothing is the same again. ‘Past the Shallows’ is a hauntingly beautiful story about the bond of brotherhood and the fragility of youth.
I would recommend this new Australian author to everyone!
June 28, 2015
I picked this up at the library yesterday and could not put it down.
It is an emotional story and sad. At one point I noticed I was holding my breath while I was reading. I felt myself getting attached to the characters and wanted to be there for them. I ended up crying at the end. This book will stay with me for awhile. Beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
It is an emotional story and sad. At one point I noticed I was holding my breath while I was reading. I felt myself getting attached to the characters and wanted to be there for them. I ended up crying at the end. This book will stay with me for awhile. Beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
December 9, 2012
My favourite book of 2011, and after re-reading it this year it still holds up as one of my all-time favourite reads.
From the first page, Favel Parrett sets up a tragedy that cannot be out-run or ignored. There is a keen sense of something terrible just around the corner for the three brothers of this book.
Parrett captures the 1980s feel of Australia, from the show bags to the sense of everyday. There is also a very real sense of 'cold' which comes from the book being set in the inhospitable southern coast of Tasmania, but more intensely because the boys are living in such impoverished conditions. They don't have access to regular food, they don't have heat, they don't have proper clothes. Their lives are miserable.
But there lies the beauty.
Although their lives are horrible from our perspective, Miles and Harry never really acknowledge it. Harry, the youngest brother, finds beauty and magic in the everyday. He is happy to wander the countryside while his deadbeat dad is out fishing and his brothers are surfing.
It's that innocent, wandering Harry that draws the reader in - and that's Parrett's plan, I'd wager. But for me I associated more with Miles, the middle child. His older brother has escaped his brutal father, but Miles is now the eldest in the house and (after an incredible scene with a flying shark!) Miles is forced to abandon school and take up a fishing life. Miles knows it's his death warrant, that if he becomes a fisherman like his father, then the rest of his life is going to be absolute crap.
I recommend this book to everyone.
i won't say anymore about it, except that I read this straight through (both times) and when I found myself finishing the last few pages it was close to 3am. I couldn't stop, even though every page was breaking my heart. I ended up taking a long hot shower and really crying my guts out at 3am! (Disclaimer: I'm not a complete baby, but the story really got to me. I've got three kids and because of Parrett's magic I couldn't help but put my kids in the positions of the boys in this book.)
It's a book about tragedy, but you get that sense from the very beginning. Like I said earlier, this is my favourite book from last year and seriously one of the best books I've EVER read.
From the first page, Favel Parrett sets up a tragedy that cannot be out-run or ignored. There is a keen sense of something terrible just around the corner for the three brothers of this book.
Parrett captures the 1980s feel of Australia, from the show bags to the sense of everyday. There is also a very real sense of 'cold' which comes from the book being set in the inhospitable southern coast of Tasmania, but more intensely because the boys are living in such impoverished conditions. They don't have access to regular food, they don't have heat, they don't have proper clothes. Their lives are miserable.
But there lies the beauty.
Although their lives are horrible from our perspective, Miles and Harry never really acknowledge it. Harry, the youngest brother, finds beauty and magic in the everyday. He is happy to wander the countryside while his deadbeat dad is out fishing and his brothers are surfing.
It's that innocent, wandering Harry that draws the reader in - and that's Parrett's plan, I'd wager. But for me I associated more with Miles, the middle child. His older brother has escaped his brutal father, but Miles is now the eldest in the house and (after an incredible scene with a flying shark!) Miles is forced to abandon school and take up a fishing life. Miles knows it's his death warrant, that if he becomes a fisherman like his father, then the rest of his life is going to be absolute crap.
I recommend this book to everyone.
i won't say anymore about it, except that I read this straight through (both times) and when I found myself finishing the last few pages it was close to 3am. I couldn't stop, even though every page was breaking my heart. I ended up taking a long hot shower and really crying my guts out at 3am! (Disclaimer: I'm not a complete baby, but the story really got to me. I've got three kids and because of Parrett's magic I couldn't help but put my kids in the positions of the boys in this book.)
It's a book about tragedy, but you get that sense from the very beginning. Like I said earlier, this is my favourite book from last year and seriously one of the best books I've EVER read.
April 19, 2014
3.5 stars
Much thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the advanced copy to review
As some adults later do, sometimes I wish that my parents would have done something different or I feel deprived in some way. That is, until I read books on children with abusive and bitter parents that could care less if they existed or not. Once I read them, I think, ‘you should be kissing your parents feet’ or ‘why am I such an ungrateful little runt?’
This is the case with Past the Shallows. This story is told by two brothers, Harry and Miles. Harry is the baby of the family and is still innocent and uneffected. Miles is older and a bit weary and is in the process of becoming resentful of the man that they call their father. Unfortunately for these two brothers, their mother is dead and the man who cares for them basically doesn’t want them. There is a third brother, but he doesn’t make enough of an appearance to know much about, just that he left once the abuse toward him had hit its peak.
This book was well-written and dark, dark, dark. I think that the only happy moments in the book are when Harry finds twenty bucks and when he befriends a dog. I think this is an important forewarning before diving into this one. There is true symbolism to be found if you are looking for it. All in all, it’s a great read if you are prepared for it.
Much thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the advanced copy to review
As some adults later do, sometimes I wish that my parents would have done something different or I feel deprived in some way. That is, until I read books on children with abusive and bitter parents that could care less if they existed or not. Once I read them, I think, ‘you should be kissing your parents feet’ or ‘why am I such an ungrateful little runt?’
This is the case with Past the Shallows. This story is told by two brothers, Harry and Miles. Harry is the baby of the family and is still innocent and uneffected. Miles is older and a bit weary and is in the process of becoming resentful of the man that they call their father. Unfortunately for these two brothers, their mother is dead and the man who cares for them basically doesn’t want them. There is a third brother, but he doesn’t make enough of an appearance to know much about, just that he left once the abuse toward him had hit its peak.
This book was well-written and dark, dark, dark. I think that the only happy moments in the book are when Harry finds twenty bucks and when he befriends a dog. I think this is an important forewarning before diving into this one. There is true symbolism to be found if you are looking for it. All in all, it’s a great read if you are prepared for it.
November 29, 2022
This is so short (just over 4 hours on audio book), but packs a real punch. Three brothers live with their father after their mother had died. The eldest leaves leaving the middle brother to continue fishing with his abusive father in waters where they shouldn't be fishing, and the youngest to roam the woods on his own. The writing about the boat and the sea is magnificent, and the relationship between the brothers wonderful.
November 26, 2018
Past The Shallows is the first novel by award-winning Australian author, Favel Parrett. Since his Mum died in a car accident, Harry Curren, now almost nine years old, lives with his Dad and his older brother, Miles, on coastal southern Tasmania. Joe’s old enough to live on his own in Grandad’s house. It’s school holidays, and Harry would like to spend time with his brothers, even wander the beach when they go for a surf, but after Uncle Nick drowned, Dad makes Miles go on the boat with him and Jeff and Martin, not something Miles enjoys.
Living with Dad is no picnic: his moods are unpredictable, and when he’s angry, Steven Curren can be violent, so the boys try to tread lightly. There’s Aunty Jean who does stuff for them, but she’s nothing like her sister. And Harry’s best friend Stuart, but he’s not always at the caravan. One day, though, he follows a friendly little kelpie through the bush to a shack, before realising that’s where George Fuller lives. Everyone stays away from George, Harry’s not sure why.
Parrett gives the reader a story that’s spare on detail, but the shocking truth of what happened back then is gradually revealed. Her descriptive prose is beautiful, in particular her renderings of the sea and surfing. The comparisons with Tim Winton’s work are certainly valid. The relationship between the three brothers is heartening and Harry is impossible not to love, to care about, to feel for. Moving and heart-breaking, this is an amazing debut novel.
Living with Dad is no picnic: his moods are unpredictable, and when he’s angry, Steven Curren can be violent, so the boys try to tread lightly. There’s Aunty Jean who does stuff for them, but she’s nothing like her sister. And Harry’s best friend Stuart, but he’s not always at the caravan. One day, though, he follows a friendly little kelpie through the bush to a shack, before realising that’s where George Fuller lives. Everyone stays away from George, Harry’s not sure why.
Parrett gives the reader a story that’s spare on detail, but the shocking truth of what happened back then is gradually revealed. Her descriptive prose is beautiful, in particular her renderings of the sea and surfing. The comparisons with Tim Winton’s work are certainly valid. The relationship between the three brothers is heartening and Harry is impossible not to love, to care about, to feel for. Moving and heart-breaking, this is an amazing debut novel.
May 3, 2012
From the first page I knew that Past the Shallows was something special. This is a writer that knows that clear and elegant writing does not require pyrotechnics. The story is moving and beautifully told. Past the Shallows deserves its place on the Miles Franklin short list and deserves to go all the way.
August 6, 2015
Maybe 3.5 stars. The book's style was one I didn't care much for. Great story -- very sad and unique in setting -- but the slow way it was revealed to the reader just never grabbed me. With all the 5 star ratings, I am wondering what I missed.
July 25, 2024
‘Cuttlefish were easy but shark eggs were impossible’.
From the novel’s opening: ‘Out past the shallows, past the sandy-bottomed bays, comes the dark water – black and cold and roaring.’ this was a novel that held my attention to the end. Set in coastal southern Tasmania, it is a story about extremes – both in nature and within people.
There are three brothers: Joe, Miles and Harry. Miles and Harry live with their father while Joe lives with their grandfather. Their mother is dead and, as a consequence, there is no tenderness in the boys’ lives. Joe is safe, but Miles and Harry are affected by their father’s moods which, fuelled by alcohol and desperation, sometimes result in violent outbursts. ‘Dad’ (as he is referred to in the novel – we learn his name indirectly) is an abalone diver. Harry suffers from sea-sickness and is too young to help. Once the school holidays start, Harry is largely left to his own devices while Miles is forced to help his father on and his mate Jeff on the boat after a crew member is injured.
‘There were things that no one could teach you – things about the water.’
Dad is desperate, and reckless. Facing financial ruin he ignores the law and takes abalone where he can find them. He also goes out at times when others, more prudent and less desperate, stay in. And while he is hunting for a big catch, Harry is making friends with the reclusive George and George’s pup Jake. On one of the fishing trips, a pregnant mako shark is killed by Dad and Jeff, together with one of its live pups. Miles is unable to intervene but deeply affected by this casual killing. Other elements of this story have a similar sense of detached helplessness.
This is an intensely moving novel: the moods of Dad and of the sea are constant reminders of how close tragedy is and also that there are, ultimately, no secrets. And no escape.
This is Ms Parrett’s debut novel, and while it is difficult to read at times because of a sense of impending doom, there are beautifully written passages about the natural world, especially the many and varied moods of the sea. This is a novel I intend to reread.
‘Don’t look back.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
From the novel’s opening: ‘Out past the shallows, past the sandy-bottomed bays, comes the dark water – black and cold and roaring.’ this was a novel that held my attention to the end. Set in coastal southern Tasmania, it is a story about extremes – both in nature and within people.
There are three brothers: Joe, Miles and Harry. Miles and Harry live with their father while Joe lives with their grandfather. Their mother is dead and, as a consequence, there is no tenderness in the boys’ lives. Joe is safe, but Miles and Harry are affected by their father’s moods which, fuelled by alcohol and desperation, sometimes result in violent outbursts. ‘Dad’ (as he is referred to in the novel – we learn his name indirectly) is an abalone diver. Harry suffers from sea-sickness and is too young to help. Once the school holidays start, Harry is largely left to his own devices while Miles is forced to help his father on and his mate Jeff on the boat after a crew member is injured.
‘There were things that no one could teach you – things about the water.’
Dad is desperate, and reckless. Facing financial ruin he ignores the law and takes abalone where he can find them. He also goes out at times when others, more prudent and less desperate, stay in. And while he is hunting for a big catch, Harry is making friends with the reclusive George and George’s pup Jake. On one of the fishing trips, a pregnant mako shark is killed by Dad and Jeff, together with one of its live pups. Miles is unable to intervene but deeply affected by this casual killing. Other elements of this story have a similar sense of detached helplessness.
This is an intensely moving novel: the moods of Dad and of the sea are constant reminders of how close tragedy is and also that there are, ultimately, no secrets. And no escape.
This is Ms Parrett’s debut novel, and while it is difficult to read at times because of a sense of impending doom, there are beautifully written passages about the natural world, especially the many and varied moods of the sea. This is a novel I intend to reread.
‘Don’t look back.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 16, 2015
This is a heartbreaking story of two young brothers, Miles and Harry who live alone with their widowed father in a run down cottage on the coast of Tasmania.
Their father is an abalone fisherman who drinks excessively, has a violent temper, and often physically abuses his sons. There is hardly any food but boys do the best they can with what they have with some help from people nearby.
Harry, the youngest of three brothers is left alone during the day while the middle brother Miles and his dad are out on the fishing boat. Harry gets restless and bored and passes the time by wandering around alone to his friend Stuart’s place or exploring along the coast.
Still grieving over the death of his mother, Miles endures the full force of his father physical and mental abuse day and night. He is constantly protecting himself and Harry from his father’s drunken beatings, or his erratic behaviour on the boat. You can tell by the sweet voice of young Miles that it’s taking its toll on him and the only joy he has from life is when his older brother Joe takes him out surfing.
The abuse in the story was so difficult to read. It’s really hard for me comprehend how someone could inflict so much pain to another human, let alone their own child. It’s horrific and it really saddens me, but unfortunately these things do happen.
The ending was gut wrenching and shocking. So much so that I couldn’t help but shed a tear. I think Favel did a superb job with the writing. Her sentences were short and simple and effective. You could visualise the beautiful coastline, and some of the haunting and dangerous seas. For a little book it was so damn powerful – it was brilliant.
Their father is an abalone fisherman who drinks excessively, has a violent temper, and often physically abuses his sons. There is hardly any food but boys do the best they can with what they have with some help from people nearby.
Harry, the youngest of three brothers is left alone during the day while the middle brother Miles and his dad are out on the fishing boat. Harry gets restless and bored and passes the time by wandering around alone to his friend Stuart’s place or exploring along the coast.
Still grieving over the death of his mother, Miles endures the full force of his father physical and mental abuse day and night. He is constantly protecting himself and Harry from his father’s drunken beatings, or his erratic behaviour on the boat. You can tell by the sweet voice of young Miles that it’s taking its toll on him and the only joy he has from life is when his older brother Joe takes him out surfing.
The abuse in the story was so difficult to read. It’s really hard for me comprehend how someone could inflict so much pain to another human, let alone their own child. It’s horrific and it really saddens me, but unfortunately these things do happen.
The ending was gut wrenching and shocking. So much so that I couldn’t help but shed a tear. I think Favel did a superb job with the writing. Her sentences were short and simple and effective. You could visualise the beautiful coastline, and some of the haunting and dangerous seas. For a little book it was so damn powerful – it was brilliant.
March 4, 2014
I really wish I could give this book ten stars! Favel Parrett's debut novel is an exquisitely tender work...written with immense sensitivity and a beautiful turn of phrase.
The story is about three brothers Joe, Miles and Harry, who live in Tasmania with their often drunk and very bitter father, who is a fisherman. Set in 1983, the story is alternately narrated by fifteen year old Miles, and his much younger little brother,Harry. Miles' voice has a cynicism and weariness, young Harry's voice is quite innocent and full of wonder about the world around him.
This is a beautifully written story. Fans of Tim Winton and contemporary Australian fiction are sure to enjoy this spectacular novel.
Favel Parrett is an author with a uniquely Australian voice...I will definitely seek out anything else she writes in the future.
The story is about three brothers Joe, Miles and Harry, who live in Tasmania with their often drunk and very bitter father, who is a fisherman. Set in 1983, the story is alternately narrated by fifteen year old Miles, and his much younger little brother,Harry. Miles' voice has a cynicism and weariness, young Harry's voice is quite innocent and full of wonder about the world around him.
This is a beautifully written story. Fans of Tim Winton and contemporary Australian fiction are sure to enjoy this spectacular novel.
Favel Parrett is an author with a uniquely Australian voice...I will definitely seek out anything else she writes in the future.
April 24, 2012
Favel Parrett’s debut novel is at times gut wrenching and shocking but I never went away from this book feeling like I had just read something interesting. It all felt way too familiar and that left me wanting to read something new and maybe unpredictable. I adored the writing style in Past the Shallows, it was almost poetic and it just pushed me through this book with such ease; even in the parts of the book I wasn’t enjoying.
Full review here; http://literary-exploration.com/2012/...
My live tweeting of ths book can be seen here; http://sfy.co/pJq
Full review here; http://literary-exploration.com/2012/...
My live tweeting of ths book can be seen here; http://sfy.co/pJq
April 26, 2016
My View:
The combination of Favell Parrett’s words and David Wenham’s narration equals a beautiful experience for the soul and the ears! I have listened to a few audio books but this one beats them all – the narrative is poignantly read, is often heartbreaking, honest and brutal and real. The ending – is not pretty – but pays homage to the bonds of siblings forged strong and unbreakable by the explosive temperament of a bitter and twisted father.
A mystery is slowly revealed. As a past tragedy unravels another is created. A brilliant audio book!
I have now added Favell Parrett to my must read authors list. David Wenham is a narrator of some note!
The combination of Favell Parrett’s words and David Wenham’s narration equals a beautiful experience for the soul and the ears! I have listened to a few audio books but this one beats them all – the narrative is poignantly read, is often heartbreaking, honest and brutal and real. The ending – is not pretty – but pays homage to the bonds of siblings forged strong and unbreakable by the explosive temperament of a bitter and twisted father.
A mystery is slowly revealed. As a past tragedy unravels another is created. A brilliant audio book!
I have now added Favell Parrett to my must read authors list. David Wenham is a narrator of some note!
March 4, 2013
The term "Wintonesque" was woven more than once through the reviews at the front of this first published novel by Aussie female writer Favel Parrett. It's not just the parallels in writing style and content - the surf, the beautiful, redemptive surf - but it's also in the narrator's eye. There's a kindly benevolence in both writers, a certain compassion.
There's a childlikeness about compassion. But in an age of stiff egos and parasitic capitalism anything childlike can easily be mistaken for weakness and taken advantage of. But compassion is like the sway in the bridge - its weakness is its strength.
Contrast that with the small turning circle that is the emotional life of the boys' father. He is one of those people who is there even when he's not, permeating the air with the threat of the violence that's borne out of desperation, betrayal and lack of vision. Joe, the oldest son, is almost gone from this isolated part of southern Tasmania, in the boat it's taken him years to build. Joe is going before he gets stuck here forever.
Miles, the middle son, is only 13 but he can feel himself getting stuck here already. Being forced to go out on the boat to keep an eye out while his Dad fishes for illegal abalone, Miles is alternately solidifying into the earth like concrete, and drowning in the sea. Except for when he's surfing. That's the only time he feels free.
"He sat back behind the break, looked back towards the beach. Joe was only just coming down the track, but he was strong. He paddled quick and he'd be out in no time. Miles turned his head to the horizon and grinned. A good-sized line, maybe a four-footer, hit the reef and began to peel. Sometimes you didn't have to move an inch. The shoulder of the wave lifted his board; he looked down the clean face and took the drop. Miles felt his bones. He carved along the wave nice and loose, flicked up with sharp cutbacks every so often to bring him back up onto the shoulder. He heard Joe hooting from the beach and he knew he was charging."
The sea flows right through this book - its dangers and its depths, about those who are sucked under and who suck others under in turn, and about the beauty you feel when you know how to ride the waves, .
The heart of this story though is Harry. Seven year old Harry. But you'll find that out for yourself.
There's a childlikeness about compassion. But in an age of stiff egos and parasitic capitalism anything childlike can easily be mistaken for weakness and taken advantage of. But compassion is like the sway in the bridge - its weakness is its strength.
Contrast that with the small turning circle that is the emotional life of the boys' father. He is one of those people who is there even when he's not, permeating the air with the threat of the violence that's borne out of desperation, betrayal and lack of vision. Joe, the oldest son, is almost gone from this isolated part of southern Tasmania, in the boat it's taken him years to build. Joe is going before he gets stuck here forever.
Miles, the middle son, is only 13 but he can feel himself getting stuck here already. Being forced to go out on the boat to keep an eye out while his Dad fishes for illegal abalone, Miles is alternately solidifying into the earth like concrete, and drowning in the sea. Except for when he's surfing. That's the only time he feels free.
"He sat back behind the break, looked back towards the beach. Joe was only just coming down the track, but he was strong. He paddled quick and he'd be out in no time. Miles turned his head to the horizon and grinned. A good-sized line, maybe a four-footer, hit the reef and began to peel. Sometimes you didn't have to move an inch. The shoulder of the wave lifted his board; he looked down the clean face and took the drop. Miles felt his bones. He carved along the wave nice and loose, flicked up with sharp cutbacks every so often to bring him back up onto the shoulder. He heard Joe hooting from the beach and he knew he was charging."
The sea flows right through this book - its dangers and its depths, about those who are sucked under and who suck others under in turn, and about the beauty you feel when you know how to ride the waves, .
The heart of this story though is Harry. Seven year old Harry. But you'll find that out for yourself.
August 13, 2021
Past The Shallows is the first novel by award-winning Australian author, Favel Parrett. The audio version is narrated by David Wenham. Since his Mum died in a car accident, Harry Curren, now almost nine years old, lives with his Dad and his older brother, Miles, on coastal southern Tasmania. Joe’s old enough to live on his own in Grandad’s house. It’s school holidays, and Harry would like to spend time with his brothers, even wander the beach when they go for a surf, but after Uncle Nick drowned, Dad makes Miles go on the boat with him and Jeff and Martin, not something Miles enjoys.
Living with Dad is no picnic: his moods are unpredictable, and when he’s angry, Steven Curren can be violent, so the boys try to tread lightly. There’s Aunty Jean who does stuff for them, but she’s nothing like her sister. And Harry’s best friend Stuart, but he’s not always at the caravan. One day, though, he follows a friendly little kelpie through the bush to a shack, before realising that’s where George Fuller lives. Everyone stays away from George, Harry’s not sure why.
Parrett gives the reader a story that’s spare on detail, but the shocking truth of what happened back then is gradually revealed. Her descriptive prose is beautiful, in particular her renderings of the sea and surfing. The comparisons with Tim Winton’s work are certainly valid. The relationship between the three brothers is heartening and Harry is impossible not to love, to care about, to feel for. Moving and heart-breaking, this is an amazing debut novel.
Living with Dad is no picnic: his moods are unpredictable, and when he’s angry, Steven Curren can be violent, so the boys try to tread lightly. There’s Aunty Jean who does stuff for them, but she’s nothing like her sister. And Harry’s best friend Stuart, but he’s not always at the caravan. One day, though, he follows a friendly little kelpie through the bush to a shack, before realising that’s where George Fuller lives. Everyone stays away from George, Harry’s not sure why.
Parrett gives the reader a story that’s spare on detail, but the shocking truth of what happened back then is gradually revealed. Her descriptive prose is beautiful, in particular her renderings of the sea and surfing. The comparisons with Tim Winton’s work are certainly valid. The relationship between the three brothers is heartening and Harry is impossible not to love, to care about, to feel for. Moving and heart-breaking, this is an amazing debut novel.
May 22, 2017
I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I've just read Past The Shallows by award winning Australian author Favel Parrett. Set in a small town on the coast of Tasmania, Harry and Miles live with their father; an abalone fisherman bitter and angry after the loss of his wife. Harry and Miles are largely left to fend for themselves and try their best to stay out of their father's way.
Miles and their older brother Joe enjoy surfing and feel at one with the sea, while Harry - the youngest - is afraid of the water. Parrett loves to surf and her personal knowledge and love of surfing is evident within the pages.
Shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award in 2012, Past The Shallows is a coming-of-age story about brotherhood. It's a slim novel and very easy to read with short chapters and large font. On the flip side it's a haunting and often sad story.
Harry was easily my favourite character although I did want to know more about George Fuller.
I borrowed my copy from the library and was excited to discover it was signed by the author. Highly recommended and a worthy contribution to my Australian Women Writers Challenge and Aussie Author Challenge.
Miles and their older brother Joe enjoy surfing and feel at one with the sea, while Harry - the youngest - is afraid of the water. Parrett loves to surf and her personal knowledge and love of surfing is evident within the pages.
Shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award in 2012, Past The Shallows is a coming-of-age story about brotherhood. It's a slim novel and very easy to read with short chapters and large font. On the flip side it's a haunting and often sad story.
Harry was easily my favourite character although I did want to know more about George Fuller.
I borrowed my copy from the library and was excited to discover it was signed by the author. Highly recommended and a worthy contribution to my Australian Women Writers Challenge and Aussie Author Challenge.
October 6, 2022
This book had a Tim Winton feel all over it i.e surf theme, hard up Australians, and lots of realistic emotions. The book had a good flow and was generally interesting - there were times where I had to re-read due some sluggishness prose.
Characters were all over the place; I was not sure of who the brothers were and what their ages were until the end.
Also, there were some throw away characters which felt out of place, for example, George seemed to be apart of the Mothers death, but he had nothing to do with it. Reasons why I think this; he was disfigured, shunned by the people, spoke to Harry how he knew the Mother and also, the father lost it when Harry was caught coming out of George's place. Jeff was odd also, happy to talk down to Harry and Miles, and turn a blind eye to the fathers abusiveness, but was happy when the father died i.e. "I'm glad".
The flash backs were good and relevant.
Characters were all over the place; I was not sure of who the brothers were and what their ages were until the end.
Also, there were some throw away characters which felt out of place, for example, George seemed to be apart of the Mothers death, but he had nothing to do with it. Reasons why I think this; he was disfigured, shunned by the people, spoke to Harry how he knew the Mother and also, the father lost it when Harry was caught coming out of George's place. Jeff was odd also, happy to talk down to Harry and Miles, and turn a blind eye to the fathers abusiveness, but was happy when the father died i.e. "I'm glad".
The flash backs were good and relevant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2017
Past the Shallows is the first book by Favel Parrett, I have read. I did enjoy reading Past the Shallows. However, it is a sad story about three young boys Harry, Miles and Joe who was mistreated by their single father after their mother died in a car accident. At times during reading Past the Shallows, I needed to find tissues particularly in the conclusion of the story. The readers of Past the Shallows will learn about neglect and cruelty and the unique bond that these three young boys have.
I loved the Favel Parrett portrayal of the characters in Past the Shallows. Favel Parrett has a unique style of writing that is easy to read, and allows the readers to immerse themselves in the story. I recommend this book, however, have a box of tissues nearby.
I loved the Favel Parrett portrayal of the characters in Past the Shallows. Favel Parrett has a unique style of writing that is easy to read, and allows the readers to immerse themselves in the story. I recommend this book, however, have a box of tissues nearby.
July 14, 2017
I loved it even more the second time!
I must admit, I am a huge fan of Australia. I love the literature, the films and the television series. It's so relatable to me - the sounds, the smells. Somehow these books just capture beauty, purity and innocence to me.
Past the Shallows hurt my heart and soul, but in such a painfully beautiful way. I absolutely loved it.
I must admit, I am a huge fan of Australia. I love the literature, the films and the television series. It's so relatable to me - the sounds, the smells. Somehow these books just capture beauty, purity and innocence to me.
Past the Shallows hurt my heart and soul, but in such a painfully beautiful way. I absolutely loved it.
February 24, 2023
3.5 ★
A small book that packs a powerful punch; one to admire rather than to enjoy.
A small book that packs a powerful punch; one to admire rather than to enjoy.
May 3, 2020
Favel Parrett's books are like life, sometimes slow and immersive and at other times the pace picks up and things happen in a flash. She can keep you immersed in the world of her characters so well, it is just lovely. And brutal.
This book has three brothers, Miles, Joe and Harry trying to deal with their father, he rages at them and the world, he is volatile and dangerous. He has a fishing boat and lives his life trying to earn a living from abalone fishing. The boy's mum died years ago in a car crash, these poor kids, living a life where they try to keep out of their dad's way, underfed and underloved. Harry is the sweetest boy, he collects treasure that the finds, finding joy in the most mundane items he discovers on the beach while he waits for his brother Miles to return from the trips he is forced to take on the boat with Dad. Miles has a hatred for being on the boat.
This story takes place in a beautiful place, on the coast of Tasmania. The descriptions of the sea are stunning and the way that this author is able to describe the feeling of being out in the ocean is just beautiful. This is a hard read at times because of the awful circumstances of the boys but it is so well written I loved it. She has a gentle way of telling a very harsh story.
This is the second of her books I've read and I fully intend to read more. Loved it.
This book has three brothers, Miles, Joe and Harry trying to deal with their father, he rages at them and the world, he is volatile and dangerous. He has a fishing boat and lives his life trying to earn a living from abalone fishing. The boy's mum died years ago in a car crash, these poor kids, living a life where they try to keep out of their dad's way, underfed and underloved. Harry is the sweetest boy, he collects treasure that the finds, finding joy in the most mundane items he discovers on the beach while he waits for his brother Miles to return from the trips he is forced to take on the boat with Dad. Miles has a hatred for being on the boat.
This story takes place in a beautiful place, on the coast of Tasmania. The descriptions of the sea are stunning and the way that this author is able to describe the feeling of being out in the ocean is just beautiful. This is a hard read at times because of the awful circumstances of the boys but it is so well written I loved it. She has a gentle way of telling a very harsh story.
This is the second of her books I've read and I fully intend to read more. Loved it.
August 27, 2016
Sometimes cold and bleak, sometimes lyrical and uplifting, this tale of three young brothers is an impressive debut novel. Favel Parrett's imagery of the Tasmanian coastline is exquisite.
February 11, 2014
This book is a gem. It is raw, confronting, yet at the same time riveting and incredibly moving. At the heart of the story you have three brothers, who love in the rugged southern coast of Tasmania. They are subjected to the moods of their father, an abalone fisherman, who is a bitter and abusive man, especially to Harry, the youngest of the three. Joe, the eldest, emancipated himself after a violent encounter with their father, whereas Miles is trapped between his filial duties to help with the fishing and his brotherly responsibilities to Harry.
I can't say much as it would spoil the story. The first few pages I was struck with how clinical the writing was. Her description of the fisherman's life and the coast was matter-of-fact, removed of sentimentality, but then it dawned me: Poverty is poverty, no matter how you dress it up. The fishermen face natural challenges and economic hardship in a way that is unimaginable to so yhe best way was to deliver the facts and let the readers form their own ideas of that reality. The book does not shy from presenting the harsh reality: the fact that kids are effectively cheap labour, how the fishermen are cheated by their own trade and how undevalued the risks they face day to day on the ocean.
The story really focused on the growing relationship betweem Miles and Harry and much effort has been dedicated to make readers empathise with these two boys. It does so carefully and slowly. The sparse prose blooms as we learn more about each character. There were tender moments that hooked me to the characters--moments of innocence, moments of simple happiness. Miles out on his surfboard, Joe in the workshop building his boat and Harry taking a glimpse of the Northern Lights to name a few. On the other hand, the book gives little thought to everyone else; the father is almost caricaturised as simply this violent, bitter man who hates one son and prefers the other. I understand that may have been a deliberate choice made by the author, but to me it was a missed opportunity to introduce more complexity and depth to the story.
The book is just like the natural environmemt that the story is set in. Like treacherous waves, just when you think the story has settled, a big swell rises and crashes hard on you, shaking your emotions. There were twists in the plot that I didn't see coming. The final one really shook me and the ending just left me in tears. In the end, I was grateful for the fact that the writing was clean and crisp as it was and not flowery and overwritten. It made the book feel so raw and real -- truthful is how one critic described it. Highly recommended.
I can't say much as it would spoil the story. The first few pages I was struck with how clinical the writing was. Her description of the fisherman's life and the coast was matter-of-fact, removed of sentimentality, but then it dawned me: Poverty is poverty, no matter how you dress it up. The fishermen face natural challenges and economic hardship in a way that is unimaginable to so yhe best way was to deliver the facts and let the readers form their own ideas of that reality. The book does not shy from presenting the harsh reality: the fact that kids are effectively cheap labour, how the fishermen are cheated by their own trade and how undevalued the risks they face day to day on the ocean.
The story really focused on the growing relationship betweem Miles and Harry and much effort has been dedicated to make readers empathise with these two boys. It does so carefully and slowly. The sparse prose blooms as we learn more about each character. There were tender moments that hooked me to the characters--moments of innocence, moments of simple happiness. Miles out on his surfboard, Joe in the workshop building his boat and Harry taking a glimpse of the Northern Lights to name a few. On the other hand, the book gives little thought to everyone else; the father is almost caricaturised as simply this violent, bitter man who hates one son and prefers the other. I understand that may have been a deliberate choice made by the author, but to me it was a missed opportunity to introduce more complexity and depth to the story.
The book is just like the natural environmemt that the story is set in. Like treacherous waves, just when you think the story has settled, a big swell rises and crashes hard on you, shaking your emotions. There were twists in the plot that I didn't see coming. The final one really shook me and the ending just left me in tears. In the end, I was grateful for the fact that the writing was clean and crisp as it was and not flowery and overwritten. It made the book feel so raw and real -- truthful is how one critic described it. Highly recommended.
February 13, 2012
I started this novel because I’ve just been to Tasmania where it’s set but was immediately filled with a sense of bleakness and found it hard to come to the novel willingly. You know, from the very first pages, that what the characters face is grim and that there may be no redemption or hope. And I won’t spoil the plot to say more about this. What I want to stress about the novel is how good it is.
It’s a debut novel, it’s slight in length and sparingly told. It reminded me of the outset of Cormac McCarthy, because it is about men and boys, but more importantly because it takes no prisoners. Ultimately I couldn’t put it down though I wanted to look away at times. The story revolves around three brothers and their dysfunctional father, a fisherman in the southernmost part of Tassie. In my recent travels there we went on a boat eco tour along the coast – from Adventure Bay down to the seals at the base of the south island. If you go south from there, there’s very little between you and the Antarctic. The water is deep and wild, with big kelp forests, mile long swells, seals and as many albatross as I have ever seen. Bruny Island, along with the Tasmanian mainland, is the setting for this novel and very beautifully described too. We were lucky enough to see it when it was calm, and when it was angry.
The environment is significant to the novel but so are hidden secrets of this small community that emerge during the narrative. I was scared reading it – the father is violent and it reminded me of things that have happened in my own extended family. Of how scary men can be when they drink and are out of control. The writer manages to build our connection with the two young boys who live with their father, even though the prose is sparse. (A minor quibble; I thought the surfing scenes were a little gushy and over lyrical, but I am not a surfer and the writer is. I preferred the way that Malcolm Know wrote about surfing in his recent novel ‘The Life’.) I hope to read more from her.
It’s a debut novel, it’s slight in length and sparingly told. It reminded me of the outset of Cormac McCarthy, because it is about men and boys, but more importantly because it takes no prisoners. Ultimately I couldn’t put it down though I wanted to look away at times. The story revolves around three brothers and their dysfunctional father, a fisherman in the southernmost part of Tassie. In my recent travels there we went on a boat eco tour along the coast – from Adventure Bay down to the seals at the base of the south island. If you go south from there, there’s very little between you and the Antarctic. The water is deep and wild, with big kelp forests, mile long swells, seals and as many albatross as I have ever seen. Bruny Island, along with the Tasmanian mainland, is the setting for this novel and very beautifully described too. We were lucky enough to see it when it was calm, and when it was angry.
The environment is significant to the novel but so are hidden secrets of this small community that emerge during the narrative. I was scared reading it – the father is violent and it reminded me of things that have happened in my own extended family. Of how scary men can be when they drink and are out of control. The writer manages to build our connection with the two young boys who live with their father, even though the prose is sparse. (A minor quibble; I thought the surfing scenes were a little gushy and over lyrical, but I am not a surfer and the writer is. I preferred the way that Malcolm Know wrote about surfing in his recent novel ‘The Life’.) I hope to read more from her.
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