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The Broken Wave
Those who enjoy Craig Silvey, Trent Dalton and Richard Flanagan's books will find much to think about here.
'We never talked about what happened in 1992. Did it quietly haunt him the way it did me?'
In the small seaside town of Queenscliff, two boys from opposite sides of the world forge a friendship over a summer of sun, adventure and brotherhood. Until a catastrophic event shatters their idyllic childhoods.
Two lives are lost. A lie is told.
Years later, when Tom dies in suspicious circumstances, Drew flies from the US back to Australia for his friend's funeral. Still haunted by that night in 1992, he's about to find out if Tom ever told anyone the truth, if the two events are connected, and if their friendship was worth the price they paid.
Told with Davies' trademark emotional depth and sensitivity, The Broken Wave is a compelling mystery about the long tentacles of childhood trauma, finding connection in the least expected places and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
Praise for The Broken Wave
'In The Broken Wave, an American writer struggles with his difficult second novel. Matthew Ryan Davies would seem to have no such this second novel is a taut and compassionate examination of the way the people we know as children mark us forever. As it builds to its devastating conclusion, The Broken Wave will leave you breathless.' - Hayley Scrivenor
'The Broken Wave drags you in from its first pages and refuses to let go. Flowing with ease between idyllic past and haunted present, it builds an irresistible mystery suffused with all-too-real pain and melancholy. Don't miss it.' - Gabriel Bergmoser
'Superbly characterised and almost unbearably tense, The Broken Wave had me both holding my breath and turning the pages. Davies writes with assurance and empathy, transporting the reader through one golden childhood summer to a shocking tragedy that will ricochet down the years. Haunting and heartfelt, I am still thinking about The Broken Wave weeks after finishing it.' - Kylie Ladd
'Unlike anything else you'll read this year. A gripping page-turner that had my heart racing as the story unfolded. The shocking revelation will stay with you a long time.' - Peter Papathanasiou
'It's haunting, sensitively written literary fiction - a complex investigation of trauma, a subject explored with nuance and emotional depth, and a buddy narrative that'll appeal to admirers of Craig Silvey, for instance.' - Sydney Morning Herald
'We never talked about what happened in 1992. Did it quietly haunt him the way it did me?'
In the small seaside town of Queenscliff, two boys from opposite sides of the world forge a friendship over a summer of sun, adventure and brotherhood. Until a catastrophic event shatters their idyllic childhoods.
Two lives are lost. A lie is told.
Years later, when Tom dies in suspicious circumstances, Drew flies from the US back to Australia for his friend's funeral. Still haunted by that night in 1992, he's about to find out if Tom ever told anyone the truth, if the two events are connected, and if their friendship was worth the price they paid.
Told with Davies' trademark emotional depth and sensitivity, The Broken Wave is a compelling mystery about the long tentacles of childhood trauma, finding connection in the least expected places and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
Praise for The Broken Wave
'In The Broken Wave, an American writer struggles with his difficult second novel. Matthew Ryan Davies would seem to have no such this second novel is a taut and compassionate examination of the way the people we know as children mark us forever. As it builds to its devastating conclusion, The Broken Wave will leave you breathless.' - Hayley Scrivenor
'The Broken Wave drags you in from its first pages and refuses to let go. Flowing with ease between idyllic past and haunted present, it builds an irresistible mystery suffused with all-too-real pain and melancholy. Don't miss it.' - Gabriel Bergmoser
'Superbly characterised and almost unbearably tense, The Broken Wave had me both holding my breath and turning the pages. Davies writes with assurance and empathy, transporting the reader through one golden childhood summer to a shocking tragedy that will ricochet down the years. Haunting and heartfelt, I am still thinking about The Broken Wave weeks after finishing it.' - Kylie Ladd
'Unlike anything else you'll read this year. A gripping page-turner that had my heart racing as the story unfolded. The shocking revelation will stay with you a long time.' - Peter Papathanasiou
'It's haunting, sensitively written literary fiction - a complex investigation of trauma, a subject explored with nuance and emotional depth, and a buddy narrative that'll appeal to admirers of Craig Silvey, for instance.' - Sydney Morning Herald
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2023
13 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Ryan Davies
2 books21 followersMatthew Ryan Davies is the author of the 2023 psychological drama The Broken Wave, the 2022 family drama Things We Bury and of the 2018 young adult novel This Thing of Darkness.
Matthew lives in Melbourne (Australia) with his wife and two grown children.
Matthew lives in Melbourne (Australia) with his wife and two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 23, 2024
The cover of this book caught my eye and after reading the blurb I discovered part of the story was set in and around Queenscliff, a place I’m quite familiar with as I have visited there many times.
This is a beautifully written story about two boys Drew and Tom who had a great friendship and enjoyed their boyhood adventures together. But as the years pass by and the boys turn into men their lives go in different directions and both Drew and Tom have to deal with some traumatic events that will haunt them for a long time. I felt this was a book I didn’t want to hurry as I wanted to take in all of the emotions and the detailed descriptions which were brilliantly written. A beautiful story that touches on issues of male friendship, trauma, mental health and so much more. I enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a great read.
This is a beautifully written story about two boys Drew and Tom who had a great friendship and enjoyed their boyhood adventures together. But as the years pass by and the boys turn into men their lives go in different directions and both Drew and Tom have to deal with some traumatic events that will haunt them for a long time. I felt this was a book I didn’t want to hurry as I wanted to take in all of the emotions and the detailed descriptions which were brilliantly written. A beautiful story that touches on issues of male friendship, trauma, mental health and so much more. I enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a great read.
February 5, 2025
This is a story that explores the long-lasting impact certain events and relationships can have on our lives, the staggering grief we can feel even if we haven't seen someone in person for a long time, and the devastating effects of mental health issues. The storyline moves between the present timeline when American Drew learns his Australian childhood friend Tom has died, and the past timeline when the boys met and connected at the age of 12. It is quickly clear that something horrible happened when the boys were young which is very gradually revealed; by gradually I mean basically the end of the book which was too long a wait for me. I would have liked the story to delve a bit more into what would have happened for the boys after the traumatic event occurs and how that impacted them as teenagers/young adults.
Overall: I thought this one was okay but a tad slow for me.
Overall: I thought this one was okay but a tad slow for me.
December 11, 2023
Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
A story of two boys from different sides of the world spending the summer together in an idyllic Victorian coastal town.
The innocence, fun and long hot days dictate the timetable as they form a friendship.
Until the minefield that is mental health strikes.
Drew returns to Queenscliff from Minnesota to attend the funeral of his mate Tom.
A long journey, a sad occasion and an opportunity to face the demons of childhood.
The return placing a new perspective on life, reacquainting history with the present and how the dark shadows of mental health can create havoc.
Reflections back on childhood show the cultural, family and domestic issues.
The stay in Australia culminating in two deaths and a lie.
Trauma that won’t erase.
Normally I favour a timeline but in this I was equally invested in both.
An emotionally gripping narrative with an abundance of reminiscent nostalgia with an ever present intrigue lingering.
I enjoyed the similarities and differences the boys shared as two cultures became one in their mate ship.
A story of two boys from different sides of the world spending the summer together in an idyllic Victorian coastal town.
The innocence, fun and long hot days dictate the timetable as they form a friendship.
Until the minefield that is mental health strikes.
Drew returns to Queenscliff from Minnesota to attend the funeral of his mate Tom.
A long journey, a sad occasion and an opportunity to face the demons of childhood.
The return placing a new perspective on life, reacquainting history with the present and how the dark shadows of mental health can create havoc.
Reflections back on childhood show the cultural, family and domestic issues.
The stay in Australia culminating in two deaths and a lie.
Trauma that won’t erase.
Normally I favour a timeline but in this I was equally invested in both.
An emotionally gripping narrative with an abundance of reminiscent nostalgia with an ever present intrigue lingering.
I enjoyed the similarities and differences the boys shared as two cultures became one in their mate ship.
December 10, 2023
There is a slowness to this story, like the apprehension of a wave before it crashes down on the shoreline. And it is in this tempo that thoughts are examined and memories are revisited. It is like watching a moment of time in slow motion, whee you know the result won’ be what you expect, and may not be for the best.
Drew is in the agonising midst off second-novel syndrome, sending his latest manuscript to his editor with growing apprehension. He also just learned that his childhood friend, Tom, had died. The fact that this is Matthew Ryan Davies’ second novel is quite apt: The Broken Wave is a novel full of promise, emotion and it delivers a compelling look at the impact of childhood and the life events can continue to shape and haunt the years after.
In 1992, Tom and Drew’s friendship evolded so quickly, and Drew’s life was shaped and changed by Tom’s disposition and his outlook on life. Yet the afterglow of a Queenscliffe summer and an honest and warm adolescent friendship seemed to become more tarnished as the unthinkable happens. And this was where their friendship was separated by thousands of kilometres for many years. Drew flew back to Australian for Tom’s funeral, and connects with Tom’s wife and children, and those who knew him back in 1992. Drew questions Tom’s behaviour before his death. Was there a sense of unpredictability? Were there ups and downs he was dealing with? Had he ever confided in anyone about what happened in 1992? What struck me as interesting was that everyone who Drew reconnected with, from Tom’s parents to other old friends, were so welcoming of him, and not one mentioned the significant time away from Queenscliffe. It was like he was being protected from those who knew what had happened, - if they knew – still after all those year ago. Dew’s mother’s spiral was like an unstoppable force, something that could not be controlled in any way shape or form with massive consequences.
Thank you @macmillanaus for the #gifted copy. The Broken Wave is out on 28 November 2023.
Drew is in the agonising midst off second-novel syndrome, sending his latest manuscript to his editor with growing apprehension. He also just learned that his childhood friend, Tom, had died. The fact that this is Matthew Ryan Davies’ second novel is quite apt: The Broken Wave is a novel full of promise, emotion and it delivers a compelling look at the impact of childhood and the life events can continue to shape and haunt the years after.
In 1992, Tom and Drew’s friendship evolded so quickly, and Drew’s life was shaped and changed by Tom’s disposition and his outlook on life. Yet the afterglow of a Queenscliffe summer and an honest and warm adolescent friendship seemed to become more tarnished as the unthinkable happens. And this was where their friendship was separated by thousands of kilometres for many years. Drew flew back to Australian for Tom’s funeral, and connects with Tom’s wife and children, and those who knew him back in 1992. Drew questions Tom’s behaviour before his death. Was there a sense of unpredictability? Were there ups and downs he was dealing with? Had he ever confided in anyone about what happened in 1992? What struck me as interesting was that everyone who Drew reconnected with, from Tom’s parents to other old friends, were so welcoming of him, and not one mentioned the significant time away from Queenscliffe. It was like he was being protected from those who knew what had happened, - if they knew – still after all those year ago. Dew’s mother’s spiral was like an unstoppable force, something that could not be controlled in any way shape or form with massive consequences.
Thank you @macmillanaus for the #gifted copy. The Broken Wave is out on 28 November 2023.
August 22, 2024
In another example of wishing I didn’t wait so long to read it, The Broken Wave was a superbly written novel that left me gasping and had my thinking on it for days afterward.
It’s 1992 and twelve year old Drew arrives in Queenscliff, Victoria from the US with his mum, Cathy and stepfather, Mark. His mum is pregnant and his Gulf War veteran stepfather has a job on nearby Swan Island. An island used by the army, for what, no one is quite sure. When Drew meets local boy Tom, they soon become fast friends until a tragic event tears apart both of their childhoods. Twenty-six years after that terrible summer, Drew returns to the town for Tom’s funeral. He’s still very much affected by that night in 1992 and he will soon find out whether Tom ever told anyone about what happened and whether his recent suspicious death is somehow connected.
Wow, this book really shocked me! It was so full of emotion and heartbreak and with the mystery at its core I could not put it down. Matthew handled some very heavy topics with incredible sensitivity and care which left me with a deep feeling of gratitude, as although the events were shocking, I never felt that they were exploitative, or there just to cause a reaction.
There are many parts of this book that made me angry, for the lack of understanding and support given to both new mothers, returned veterans and to their children. There were so many ways that the book’s events could have been avoided if there was more care from society. I like to think that things have improved in the last thirty years in this regard, but maybe not enough.
If you enjoy a thought provoking but nostalgic read that is both compelling and emotional, then The Broken Wave is one for you. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It’s 1992 and twelve year old Drew arrives in Queenscliff, Victoria from the US with his mum, Cathy and stepfather, Mark. His mum is pregnant and his Gulf War veteran stepfather has a job on nearby Swan Island. An island used by the army, for what, no one is quite sure. When Drew meets local boy Tom, they soon become fast friends until a tragic event tears apart both of their childhoods. Twenty-six years after that terrible summer, Drew returns to the town for Tom’s funeral. He’s still very much affected by that night in 1992 and he will soon find out whether Tom ever told anyone about what happened and whether his recent suspicious death is somehow connected.
Wow, this book really shocked me! It was so full of emotion and heartbreak and with the mystery at its core I could not put it down. Matthew handled some very heavy topics with incredible sensitivity and care which left me with a deep feeling of gratitude, as although the events were shocking, I never felt that they were exploitative, or there just to cause a reaction.
There are many parts of this book that made me angry, for the lack of understanding and support given to both new mothers, returned veterans and to their children. There were so many ways that the book’s events could have been avoided if there was more care from society. I like to think that things have improved in the last thirty years in this regard, but maybe not enough.
If you enjoy a thought provoking but nostalgic read that is both compelling and emotional, then The Broken Wave is one for you. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Read
January 24, 2025Audiobook 2 3/4 stars. A good listen/read. Loved the reference to Australian ‘terminology/lingo’ throughout the book.
Recommend
Recommend
December 31, 2023
I knew I would love this book when I saw the cover. That glorious cover gives a real feeling for the story inside - genius.
This is beautifully written and imagined. The writing is so good and you can feel the hazy summer days, hear the seagulls, feel the sand between your toes, smell the ocean and taste the fish and chips.
The beautiful friendship between Drew, who has moved to Australia from the US, and Tom is so charming and typical of twelve year old boys. They fish and swim, have adventures, make up words and communicate with homemade walkie-talkies. But Drew's home life is not always nice, and when an unimaginable tragedy strikes one day, Drew knows what he must do.
Twenty six years later, Drew is drawn back to Queenscliff for Tom's funeral. While some things in the town have changed, there is much that feels the same as it did all those years ago. Feeling a connection to Tom's son Adam, Drew starts to question his current life back in the US. Is Drew seeking closure for the tragic events all those years ago? Is there any link between what happened in 1992 and now?
I was easily drawn into this story and Drew and Tom's lives. The writing is sublime and there was an honesty and vulnerability to it. It felt personal at times and I'm glad the author explained where the idea for this book came from.
I am most certainly seeking out his other novel, Things we Bury, and I think I have found another Aussie author whose books I will eagerly await their publication.
This is beautifully written and imagined. The writing is so good and you can feel the hazy summer days, hear the seagulls, feel the sand between your toes, smell the ocean and taste the fish and chips.
The beautiful friendship between Drew, who has moved to Australia from the US, and Tom is so charming and typical of twelve year old boys. They fish and swim, have adventures, make up words and communicate with homemade walkie-talkies. But Drew's home life is not always nice, and when an unimaginable tragedy strikes one day, Drew knows what he must do.
Twenty six years later, Drew is drawn back to Queenscliff for Tom's funeral. While some things in the town have changed, there is much that feels the same as it did all those years ago. Feeling a connection to Tom's son Adam, Drew starts to question his current life back in the US. Is Drew seeking closure for the tragic events all those years ago? Is there any link between what happened in 1992 and now?
I was easily drawn into this story and Drew and Tom's lives. The writing is sublime and there was an honesty and vulnerability to it. It felt personal at times and I'm glad the author explained where the idea for this book came from.
I am most certainly seeking out his other novel, Things we Bury, and I think I have found another Aussie author whose books I will eagerly await their publication.
August 2, 2024
I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second. The initial chapters developed organically, with the story unfolding at a pleasant pace. The characters were well-introduced, making them relatable and easy to visualise.
However, the second half of the book felt quite the opposite. The ending seemed rushed, as if the author extended the story as long as possible and then abruptly concluded everything in a short chapter.
One particular issue for me was the characterisation of Mark. Despite being portrayed as the antagonist, he came across as a typical young man of his time, struggling with PTSD. He didn't seem exceptionally bad or a deadbeat, yet he was blamed for everything, which felt unfair.
Moreover, the book didn't provide any information about Tom and Drew's relationship after the incident. Considering the story heavily focused on their friendship, it was disappointing not to see how the events affected them in the following months. This lack of resolution contributed to the rushed feeling of the ending, in my opinion.
However, the second half of the book felt quite the opposite. The ending seemed rushed, as if the author extended the story as long as possible and then abruptly concluded everything in a short chapter.
One particular issue for me was the characterisation of Mark. Despite being portrayed as the antagonist, he came across as a typical young man of his time, struggling with PTSD. He didn't seem exceptionally bad or a deadbeat, yet he was blamed for everything, which felt unfair.
Moreover, the book didn't provide any information about Tom and Drew's relationship after the incident. Considering the story heavily focused on their friendship, it was disappointing not to see how the events affected them in the following months. This lack of resolution contributed to the rushed feeling of the ending, in my opinion.
July 27, 2024
What a story. I cried at the end!
Incredible to read a book that includes a location I know well, Queenscliff.
I loved everything about this book
Incredible to read a book that includes a location I know well, Queenscliff.
I loved everything about this book
February 2, 2025
Wow I really loved this book!
January 25, 2024
In the beginning I wasn’t too sure if I would be able to continue reading this book, as it started slowly. However, I quickly got hooked and enjoyed the story. It developed more depth by the 50th page and I enjoyed the calm way the author portrayed the characters and increased the overall depth of the story.
September 16, 2024
A beautiful story.
Brought up topics of life that often aren’t discussed openly. I highly recommend this title.
Brought up topics of life that often aren’t discussed openly. I highly recommend this title.
February 4, 2025
I really loved this book! I wouldn’t have read it initially if it weren’t set in Queenscliff (where i spent a lot of time as a child on holiday) but i’m so glad I did.
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars
December 20, 2023
"In a novel, the stakes are not real. Nobody really dies or has their hearts literally broken. In the real world, when people get hurt it stings. Sometimes, the wounds never heal" p.272
Recommended read
I absolutely loved this book. The description of Queenscliff made me feel like I was there walking alongside drew as he walked down memory lane. Every character in the book felt real and complex.
The majority of the story was compelling and nicely paced. The build-up was beautifully done, and I could see the characters develop as they explored themselves through flashbacks and present tense.
I felt as the character explored the issues his gradual unravelling wasn't over-dramatic, and realistic so as the story went on we can feel the changes rather than being told which allowed me to empathise with the character. I was absolutely immersed in the story. I ended up staying up far too late to finish this book as I didn't want to put it down.
However, the ending felt out of place from the pace of the rest of the book, feeling that the author opted for a cheap shock rather than a proper ending. Mixed with a weird non-resolution type ending, where everything is fine now, but nothing really happened.
Overall, it's excellent, and I will certainly reread in a year or two. A stronger conclusion to this story and I would have easily given a 5/5.
Recommended read
I absolutely loved this book. The description of Queenscliff made me feel like I was there walking alongside drew as he walked down memory lane. Every character in the book felt real and complex.
The majority of the story was compelling and nicely paced. The build-up was beautifully done, and I could see the characters develop as they explored themselves through flashbacks and present tense.
I felt as the character explored the issues his gradual unravelling wasn't over-dramatic, and realistic so as the story went on we can feel the changes rather than being told which allowed me to empathise with the character. I was absolutely immersed in the story. I ended up staying up far too late to finish this book as I didn't want to put it down.
However, the ending felt out of place from the pace of the rest of the book, feeling that the author opted for a cheap shock rather than a proper ending. Mixed with a weird non-resolution type ending, where everything is fine now, but nothing really happened.
Overall, it's excellent, and I will certainly reread in a year or two. A stronger conclusion to this story and I would have easily given a 5/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
Emotional.
Enticing.
Well fleshed out characters.
Gripping story that kept me guessing.
Shocking.
Heartbreaking.
Uplifting.
Enticing.
Well fleshed out characters.
Gripping story that kept me guessing.
Shocking.
Heartbreaking.
Uplifting.
August 18, 2024
In 1992, two boys from opposite sides of the world forge a friendship over a summer in Queenscliff. Until a catastrophic event shatters their idyllic childhoods. Two lives are lost. A lie is told. Years later, when Tom dies in suspicious circumstances, Drew flies from the US back to Australia for his friend's funeral.
Whoa, what a story! I initially read the book thinking this was quite an easy one to digest. Drew obviously had a baggage, but I was happy to just tag along in the journey, no rush. Then as we were close to the end, the reveal came and bam, it smacked me in the face and I wasn’t prepared for it!
Drew’s self exploration and emotional healing were captured beautifully. I thought it was captivating to see Drew being drawn into Adam’s life because he recognised young Tom in him. I realised that his interactions with Adam made him go back to his own young, innocent self.
There were a lot of Australian things I adored in this book. Aside from the Queenscliff setting, I thought the lifestyle was portrayed really well through Drew’s interactions with Tom. It also helped that the audiobook narrator performed the book really well. He switched from American and Australian accents to match the characters and it really brought the story to life in my head.
I always love reading authors’ notes and this was no exception. I loved how Matthew took his personal experience and turned it into a book idea. Did I suffer from book hangover? You bet I did, after that reveal!
(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
Whoa, what a story! I initially read the book thinking this was quite an easy one to digest. Drew obviously had a baggage, but I was happy to just tag along in the journey, no rush. Then as we were close to the end, the reveal came and bam, it smacked me in the face and I wasn’t prepared for it!
Drew’s self exploration and emotional healing were captured beautifully. I thought it was captivating to see Drew being drawn into Adam’s life because he recognised young Tom in him. I realised that his interactions with Adam made him go back to his own young, innocent self.
There were a lot of Australian things I adored in this book. Aside from the Queenscliff setting, I thought the lifestyle was portrayed really well through Drew’s interactions with Tom. It also helped that the audiobook narrator performed the book really well. He switched from American and Australian accents to match the characters and it really brought the story to life in my head.
I always love reading authors’ notes and this was no exception. I loved how Matthew took his personal experience and turned it into a book idea. Did I suffer from book hangover? You bet I did, after that reveal!
(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
December 4, 2023
This is a haunting story of how childhood trauma can shape your life - especially if it is a secret.
As we read, we can see the signs of post-natal depression and Gulf War Syndrome that Drew's mother and step-father are losing the battle with - but for a young child, all he knew is that things weren't right.
And having already lost his father in tragic circumstances, Drew was already suffering.
Imagine the sudden freedom he must have felt when he made friends with Tom - who is so different to himself and has lived a vastly different life?
But then as Drew finds himself back in Queenscliff - the town where he lived so freely but also where things went so wrong - and suddenly he finds himself having to not only deal with the slump he finds himself in as an author, but also the events of all those years ago.
Your heart will soar with young Drew and the adventures he has with Tom, but also break for him, as well as for adult Drew is finding that he needs to deal with memories and traumas he thought he had moved on from.
Love this book. It was so refreshing to see depictions of male friendships, mental health battles and their experiences of grief and trauma.
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book.
As we read, we can see the signs of post-natal depression and Gulf War Syndrome that Drew's mother and step-father are losing the battle with - but for a young child, all he knew is that things weren't right.
And having already lost his father in tragic circumstances, Drew was already suffering.
Imagine the sudden freedom he must have felt when he made friends with Tom - who is so different to himself and has lived a vastly different life?
But then as Drew finds himself back in Queenscliff - the town where he lived so freely but also where things went so wrong - and suddenly he finds himself having to not only deal with the slump he finds himself in as an author, but also the events of all those years ago.
Your heart will soar with young Drew and the adventures he has with Tom, but also break for him, as well as for adult Drew is finding that he needs to deal with memories and traumas he thought he had moved on from.
Love this book. It was so refreshing to see depictions of male friendships, mental health battles and their experiences of grief and trauma.
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book.
May 27, 2024
A whimsical tale of a childhood summer friendship, The Broken Wave (2023) by Matthew Ryan Davies explores its influence decades later. In 1992, Drew moved to Queenscliff from America with his pregnant mother and new stepdad. He made a best friend in Tom, another twelve-year-old, who helped him adjust to a strange new world and new family dynamics. Twenty-six years later, Drew travels back from Minnesota to attend Tom’s funeral, although there has been no contact since, due to the unspoken tragedy that occurred. A touching powerful narrative switching seamlessly between past events and Drew’s present struggles, as a writer coming to grips with the unfathomable circumstances that changed his life forever. A summer holiday friendship is recreated, with a melodic whimsical feel and yet gentle revelations of family suffering and its generational destructive results. A coming-of-age tale to be truly savoured, its reconciliation of past traumatic events and life-affirming hope, makes this a must-read five star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
December 28, 2023
Andrew (Drew) and Tom meet only briefly as kids but bond in the way kids can but adults struggle to. Drew in particular seems to have shut himself off, living a very isolated life–as a kid with his books and words; and as an adult as a writer (in his case, a very solitary profession). His wife Claire, a social worker, has broken through his defences, but we learn the only other person with whom he's connected in the same way, was Tom.
The beauty of this book (for me) is in the introspection forced upon Drew. We learn, particularly from Claire, he prefers not to confront the past or open himself up. Here Drew tries to understand the man his childhood friend became and whether the events of that summer impacted the rest of Tom's life. And in doing so he's forced to ask himself the same question.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
The beauty of this book (for me) is in the introspection forced upon Drew. We learn, particularly from Claire, he prefers not to confront the past or open himself up. Here Drew tries to understand the man his childhood friend became and whether the events of that summer impacted the rest of Tom's life. And in doing so he's forced to ask himself the same question.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
April 13, 2025
A beautifully written book with realistic descriptions that have the ability to immerse the reader in the captivating lazy seaside setting.
I liked the ways the two boys from opposite sides of the world shared experiences and displayed the little idiosyncrasies of living in the US and Australia.
I was not a fan of the jumping back and forward in the timeline. Also disappointed that the “two lives are lost a lie is told” was emblazoned on the front cover as a blatant spoiler. It was obvious from the developing storyline that some childhood trauma was responsible for Tom and Drew’s life choices. I would have preferred to read without the death part hanging in my head. Then, when it finally was explained, the trauma was worse than anything I could have imagined. It will haunt me for some time.
I liked the ways the two boys from opposite sides of the world shared experiences and displayed the little idiosyncrasies of living in the US and Australia.
I was not a fan of the jumping back and forward in the timeline. Also disappointed that the “two lives are lost a lie is told” was emblazoned on the front cover as a blatant spoiler. It was obvious from the developing storyline that some childhood trauma was responsible for Tom and Drew’s life choices. I would have preferred to read without the death part hanging in my head. Then, when it finally was explained, the trauma was worse than anything I could have imagined. It will haunt me for some time.
June 13, 2024
Set in Queenscliff, a small coastal town in Victoria, in 1992 and the present. Drew's American soldier step-father is posted at a military base off the coast of Queenscliff. Over the six months of the posting, Drew becomes best friends with local boy Tom. They had little contact after that, but that time looms large in both of their lives. Drew has travelled back to attend Tom's funeral after his untimely death, a voyage of distance and time.
The two boys and their relationships are well developed, and the story unfolds at a good pace with much foreshadowing of an event that is finally revealed at the end of the novel. I was completely engrossed in the story and in Drew but then I found something lacking at the end.
The two boys and their relationships are well developed, and the story unfolds at a good pace with much foreshadowing of an event that is finally revealed at the end of the novel. I was completely engrossed in the story and in Drew but then I found something lacking at the end.
January 30, 2025
Oh Drew, mate, let me give you a big hug!
This is an excellent read, that flowed beautifully.
There's interesting irony in this book that I really enjoyed - a meta-narrative where the Author pokes fun at his own misgivings, through Drew's struggle coming to terms with life as a writer. Intentional or not, I appreciated the dark comedic value.
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Would've loved to have read a bit more about Drew's Mum in the aftermath of the tragedy that took place in Queenscliff, and what Drew's upbringing was like under those conditions, but the story just brushed those details lightly.
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Was there an editorial glitch where Drew explained ice fishing to Tom, for the first time, on two seperate occasions? Maybe I missed something there.
This is an excellent read, that flowed beautifully.
There's interesting irony in this book that I really enjoyed - a meta-narrative where the Author pokes fun at his own misgivings, through Drew's struggle coming to terms with life as a writer. Intentional or not, I appreciated the dark comedic value.
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Would've loved to have read a bit more about Drew's Mum in the aftermath of the tragedy that took place in Queenscliff, and what Drew's upbringing was like under those conditions, but the story just brushed those details lightly.
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Was there an editorial glitch where Drew explained ice fishing to Tom, for the first time, on two seperate occasions? Maybe I missed something there.
August 19, 2025
I enjoyed the book but found it a bit too slow.
Drew and Tom are childhood friends who witness an unspeakable event.
The true facts of the incident are revealed at almost the end of the book, by which time we have been introduced to Tom’s son, 26 years later, after Tom’s death.
I think that the writing was powerful in that we see Drew’s mother and stepfather through the lens of Drew’s 12year old self, which doesn’t fully explain the why and how, although we are led to know this through descriptions of the fate of one of Mark, the stepfather’s previous soldier mates.
We see the presence of Drew’s mother when the baby health nurse visits, the shame she has in not coping .
We are left up in the air as to Drew’s future at the end, but feel as though he has discovered some sort of peace.
Drew and Tom are childhood friends who witness an unspeakable event.
The true facts of the incident are revealed at almost the end of the book, by which time we have been introduced to Tom’s son, 26 years later, after Tom’s death.
I think that the writing was powerful in that we see Drew’s mother and stepfather through the lens of Drew’s 12year old self, which doesn’t fully explain the why and how, although we are led to know this through descriptions of the fate of one of Mark, the stepfather’s previous soldier mates.
We see the presence of Drew’s mother when the baby health nurse visits, the shame she has in not coping .
We are left up in the air as to Drew’s future at the end, but feel as though he has discovered some sort of peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
I quite liked this book and read it in two days. I loved the local setting and description of Queenscliff and surrounds.
I got the distinct feeling that I often do when the protagonist in the story is an author- that the book is based on the author themselves. The author note at the end seemed to confirm part of this.
The ending surprised me somewhat when I didn’t think it would.
Drew was an interesting character and I would have liked more depth- felt that Claire ended up with him due to that social work/saviour complex that often arises.
I liked that the reader doesn’t find out an outcome about Tom’s death.
I got the distinct feeling that I often do when the protagonist in the story is an author- that the book is based on the author themselves. The author note at the end seemed to confirm part of this.
The ending surprised me somewhat when I didn’t think it would.
Drew was an interesting character and I would have liked more depth- felt that Claire ended up with him due to that social work/saviour complex that often arises.
I liked that the reader doesn’t find out an outcome about Tom’s death.
January 6, 2024
This is a #recommendedreading, one that is unputdownable and bingeable.
This is a story of friendship, past secret, which also brought up issues of loneliness, post natal depression, PTSD, and suicide.
"We never talked about what happened in 1992. Did it quietly haunt him the way it did me?"
Drew moved from Minnesota to Queenscliff with his pregnant mother and stepfather. His stepfather, Mark, worked as an Army and was posted at Queenscliff. So that's the backstory of how Drew met Tom and became best friends. Tom was the first one who said hi to Drew, introduced to fishing, kayaking, a life in Queenscliff.
Until one day, a tragedy striked in Drew's home at Mercer Street, and he had to move back to America again.
Even though each of them moves on with their own life into adulthood, each of them still keeps a secret of what happened twenty-six years ago at Mercer Street.
The ending is so emotional and heartbreaking.
Don't skip to read the author's note re the inspiration of this book.
This is a story of friendship, past secret, which also brought up issues of loneliness, post natal depression, PTSD, and suicide.
"We never talked about what happened in 1992. Did it quietly haunt him the way it did me?"
Drew moved from Minnesota to Queenscliff with his pregnant mother and stepfather. His stepfather, Mark, worked as an Army and was posted at Queenscliff. So that's the backstory of how Drew met Tom and became best friends. Tom was the first one who said hi to Drew, introduced to fishing, kayaking, a life in Queenscliff.
Until one day, a tragedy striked in Drew's home at Mercer Street, and he had to move back to America again.
Even though each of them moves on with their own life into adulthood, each of them still keeps a secret of what happened twenty-six years ago at Mercer Street.
The ending is so emotional and heartbreaking.
Don't skip to read the author's note re the inspiration of this book.
December 11, 2024
My read of the summer. It captures the spirit of the Bellarine brilliantly, alongside the complexities of teenagehood in the past and present. As a local, I particularly enjoyed the speculation about Swan Island, plus the detail on the difficulty navigating the Heads.
My only qualm was the few episodes of gratuituously violent explanation -
My only qualm was the few episodes of gratuituously violent explanation -
November 28, 2025
The descriptions in this book of Queenscliff were well researched and I could vividly picture this as I read it. This was one audio book that I actually think I would have rather read the physical book because the American accent of the Drew character talking about local places was weird (also parts of the narration were a bit stilled - weird pauses). Overall was an interesting story about what happens when we keep secrets from people and the effects of PTSD and Postpartum Psychosis can have especially when undiagnosed
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed the book and the writing style. I would have liked more depth towards the end of the book after the “incident “ was explained. How did they just “go” back to America? I think they were only in Australia for 6 months … however surely it was longer to explain what happened to authorities etc …
I liked the characters, was Mark really a bad man or just dealing with PTSD?
Some difficult to discuss social issues were raised..
I have enjoyed both of this authors books!!
I liked the characters, was Mark really a bad man or just dealing with PTSD?
Some difficult to discuss social issues were raised..
I have enjoyed both of this authors books!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
I love the childhood friendship the boys shared and how he made it back for the funeral and got to know Adam especially, his friend's son and how the sea side town has changed. The way the author described living in the States and in Queenscliff, that contrast was what hooked me as well.
The trauma/crux of the story was well chosen and glad it brought awareness to the extent of how damaging it can be, if no help is given.
The trauma/crux of the story was well chosen and glad it brought awareness to the extent of how damaging it can be, if no help is given.
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